Liberals make inroads in North Sydney
Sausages were eaten, fliers were trodden on and democracy occurred. The Lower North Shore council elections herald the arrival of a new mayor for Mosman, and the return of Tanya Taylor in Willoughby – subject to confirmation. North Sydney saw the election of the first endorsed Liberal in almost 30 years, with Jessica Kean making quota in Cammeraygal, and Efi Carr not far behind. Senior Liberals told North Shore Living they were ‘very impressed’ by Jessica’s campaign and how hard she worked to ‘get out and speak to the locals.’ With Jilly Gibson out of the picture, it seems the Liberal candidates captured the area’s conservative vote, with Team Jilly candidates – running with her registered party name – failing to make quota. Mayor Zoë Baker was re-elected comfortably, with a new mayor to be elected at the first council meeting in October.
Mosman will get a new mayor, Ann Marie Kimber, who was running on the same ticket as outgoing boss Carolyn Corrigan, Serving Mosman. Ms Kimber had received 49 per cent of the vote at the time of writing, with Simon Menzies and Roy Bendall failing in their third bid for mayor. Serving Mosman seems to have dropped one position on council, but should get at least three of the seven spots – meaning it would no longer have the majority. Newcomer Colleen Godsell of the Greens was the surprise candidate, polling strongly at the time of writing, but still not on quota for election.
Tanya Taylor will serve a second mayoral term in Willoughby
In Willoughby, Ms Taylor looks comfortable in her lead for a second term as mayor, with other results in her own ward of Sailors Bay too close to call, with three serving councillors vying for the remaining two positions. Ms Taylor said on social media she was ‘honoured’ to be (likely) re-elected. “This win reflects the trust and confidence you’ve placed in me to work with integrity, listen to diverse voices and deliver outcomes that benefit everyone.’ Most Willoughby councillors who ran again seem to be on track to get re-elected, bar Sarkis Mouradianin Middle Harbour, who was losing out to newcomer Kristina Dodds on 17 September.
All new councillors will have to deal with the State Government’s new housing targets for the next five years, with North Sydney in particular concerned about lack of infrastructure to support the doubling of its quota. The North Sydney councillors will also be looking to ensure its Olympic pool opens as scheduled in 2025, with a pending legal battle with its architect.
