Local government elections will be held on September 14, 2024.
As part of our series featuring Shellharbour's candidates for mayor, Independent Paul Rankin, a former Liberal councillor and deputy mayor, answers questions.
Please introduce yourself to our readers.
Hi, I am Paul and have been living in Flinders for over 25 years. I have two adult sons who grew up playing sport for local clubs. I was a coach and chief BBQ cooker for many years.
I volunteer at Foodcare, which is a low-cost subsidised food outlet. I was previously a councillor and deputy mayor for Shellharbour council. My hobbies include surfing, mountain biking and fishing as well as going to watch both of my sons' bands when they are playing locally. I also enjoy walking my two border collies and two dachshunds.
Why are you the best person to be Shellharbour's mayor?
I don't feel comfortable saying I would be the best person for the job. I think I would be the hardest working person if I was elected.
Relationships and trust have to be built with both the staff and the community. While this job does have some ceremonial duties my main priorities are to work hard for the community and resolve their issues.
What would be your top priorities if elected to the city’s top job?
First and foremost is to rebuild the youth services team again. It was decided by the existing council to have a restructure of staff so we have lost eight members in this department. This was a very successful team that has now been dismantled.
Secondly is to stop the privatisation of the basketball stadium at Croome Road. This will involve the loss of staff as well as higher fees for those that use the stadium. I would also like to get more live music events in Shellharbour. We have some great venues both indoor and outdoor.
If you could deliver one key project in your first term, what would it be?
One key project would have to be a new aquatic centre. One that has a hydrotherapy pool, splash pads, a water slide and wave pool. Our current pools are very old and are outdated. A new centre with a cafe as well would be a welcome addition to our area. Something like this that caters to all age groups.
Why do you want the job?
Why do I want the job? If volunteering has taught me anything it is to help the community and give back to the community. People want a council that responds in a timely manner. They want value for money and do not want their rates wasted. They want a mayor/councillor who will listen to their issues and help resolve them. I would like to be the person who can help people with council issues.
Do you see the Illawarra's wind zone as a local government election issue? What is your stance and why?
Yes, I see the wind farms as local government election issues. If your community is overwhelmingly against it you need to support your community. The community deserves to know where you stand either way. You can't take an each way bet and hope for the best. Shellharbour has invested a lot in the new marina and this windfarm can devastate ecotourism, whale migration, as well as a myriad of other issues.
