The 2021 NSW Local Government elections are on this Saturday 4 December, and Queanbeyan-Palerang residents will go to the polls to decide who will form their next local government.

Eleven councillors will be elected to the Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council (QPRC). More than 70 candidates are running – 67 in nine groups, and four ungrouped candidates.

Here are the ungrouped candidates. You can find profiles on groups A-D here and F-J here.

Bill Waterhouse

“I am the only chance that Braidwood and the communities to the East of QPRC have to get a voice on council,” says Bill Waterhouse, wildlife rescuer and educator.

“The QPRC has made modest achievements … so far, but still these are insufficient,” Mr Waterhouse said. “Most folks in the old Palerang areas are disappointed through lack of consultation, lack of engagement, and lack of transparency. The roads, even though money has been spent, are still in poor condition. There seems to be fewer staff here, the library hours seem reduced, the fees to use some of the council facilities are outrageous. There is considerable disquiet with the council decision to spend up to $24 million on the Queanbeyan main street, while … the Braidwood streets are falling to pieces.

“The main criticism from this part of the LGA is the lack of “facilitation” by council and the barriers and roadblocks placed in front of anyone who wants to do anything requiring council approval from simple sheds to caravan parks, small scale mechanical workshops, houses, granny flats, cellar door sales, and farm stay and B&B applications.

“I am firmly committed to helping build a QPRC more responsive to the wishes of the community.”

He believes there must be an audit /external review of whole-of-council activities. “The people of the LGA need a clearer picture of what the problems are, and how to fix them.” A vision statement for Braidwood would inform the urgently needed strategic plan, and set priorities for projects based on community consultation and input.

A teacher and former senior education officer with the NSW Department of Education, Mr Waterhouse has a broad experience of community groups. He runs a wombat refuge in Majors Creek (NARG), and is Vice-President of Wildcare Queanbeyan, member and former President of the Braidwood Regional Arts Group, a member of the Braidwood Community Association, the Braidwood and Villages Business Chamber, the Majors Creek Progress Association, and community representative on the Dargues Gold Mine Community Consultative Committee. “If you want something done, ask a busy person.”

For more information, visit Bill Waterhouse QPRC Candidate 2021 | Facebook.

Kyol Booth-Hunt

“I am running [for politics] as I feel our communities need a voice within council,” says Hoskinstown resident Kyol Booth-Hunt. “Someone they can talk to, that will listen and care about our residents, support our communities. Someone that will stand up for the individual, support the community, and be open and transparent.”

The lack of transparency and support within council is the main issue facing Queanbeyan-Palerang, he believes. As a councillor, he would be open and transparent with all decisions and budgets, and let the ratepayers know where their money was spent.

His other policies include:

• A better roads program: More road maintenance crews, public timeframes of works (when is your road due to be repaired), seal more roads, and repair roads correctly so they last, not just patched up;
• Secure infrastructure;
• Greater tourism in regional Palerang: As a councillor, he would push for better tourism packages, support local business to attract people to the region, promote Queanbeyan-Palerang to the outside area, and showcase the region’s towns and cities as a destination to travel to, not just a way to the coast;
• Rate reform: Mr Booth-Hunt would review rates (including the proposed 27.8 per cent rate increase) and stop overcharging residences;
• Future proofing the communities: Does council have a plan for the future, where will the towns be in five or 10 years’ time? How will our towns look and feel, and does it include expansion of the cities;
• Upgrading community facilities: He proposes a review of community buildings and facilities to ensure they are disability-friendly, and would upgrade them to meet safety standards and codes. He says the council has neglected buildings and community centres.

“I bring a passionate and committed approach to our council, with a drive to get the job done on time and budget,” he said.

Mr Booth-Hunt is a 33-year-old father of four, and a small event business owner. He is ex-Navy, and has worked at Woolworths, bottle shops and medical clinics. He is an RFS volunteer, a Queanbeyan scout leader, a Queanbeyan Show member, and vice-president of the local community association.

James Holgate

“I stand for those in the community who are underrepresented politically; those who do not have financial or political influence on government,” says James Holgate.

Mr Holgate was an independent candidate for the federal seat of Eden-Monaro in the 2019 election and 2020 By-election. He advocates for political reform relating to the constitution as well as at the federal and state levels.

“I see cost of living as a major issue, including housing, utilities, and food which leaves many with minimal disposable income.  I also believe health and welfare are areas in which federal and state funding can be used to support long-term outcomes e.g., through health education in schools and infrastructure to promote healthier lifestyles.

Roads and other infrastructure, internet and mobile telecommunications coverage, red tape and delays in gaining approval for building and other commercial objectives are also areas for improvement.

“I am keen to ensure all communities are represented equally, as I understand the 2016 forced amalgamation of regional councils has made many smaller communities feel disenfranchised,” he said.

Mr Holgate has lived in Queanbeyan for more than 10 years. He believes his experience and qualifications in politics and policy studies give him a balanced and ‘big picture’ perspective.  He worked on the 2021 Census of Population and Housing, and has worked in recruitment and in management, policy, and program roles in Australia and in Asia, the Pacific, and the Caribbean.

“My extensive life and professional experience, as well as my objective perspective and critical thinking skills, will be very valuable in ensuring QPRC decisions are fair, transparent, ethical, and responsible,” Mr Holgate said.

“As a genuinely independent candidate I will act in good faith; I will be objective as I do not accept any political donations and I am not beholden to any vested interests.  I will listen to and promote good ideas and will make sure funds are spent responsibly.  I have a healthy scepticism when assessing proposals, and am keenly interested in understanding the motives of any advocates seeking particular outcomes.”

For more information, visit James Holgate Independent Candidate for Eden Monaro | Facebook.

Ginevra Peisley

Standing for election to the QPRC is former senior public servant Ginevra Peisley’s first foray into politics, but she believes her integrity, understanding of the community mood on grassroots issues, and ability to support residents’ and business priorities make her a good councillor.

“I am passionate about ensuring the ordinary person has a voice on issues that are important to them in the council chamber … [and] about growing and developing our region for the good of all,” she said. “I recognise that a one size fits all model does not suit everyone, and that our council covers a variety of urban and rural needs.”

Her policies include:

• Continued investment in roads and core infrastructure to make rural roads safer and remove heavy vehicle traffic from the main streets of Queanbeyan and surrounding townships (bypasses for Bungendore and Braidwood);
• More progressive solutions to recycling and waste management and investment in renewable energy to reduce council’s carbon footprint of the council;
• Accessible and upgraded sports and community facilities;
• Overhauling complicated planning and development regulations – heritage protection rules stop Braidwood and Bungendore growing;
• Reviewing rates (including fees and charges) to recognise inequities for some rural areas since the merger of the Queanbeyan and Palerang councils in 2016.

She also believes council needs greater visibility and transparency around how it funds infrastructure upgrades and road projects. 

She will draw on her experience as a senior public servant, her understanding of local, state, and federal government, and her knowledge of budget and grant funding processes, to work with fellow councillors to lobby state and federal governments to secure funding for major infrastructure and construction projects, and elevate priorities for services and investment.

Ms Peisley has lived and worked in the Canberra/Queanbeyan region her whole life; her family moved to Royalla 10 years ago. A career public servant for 30 years, she advised ministers and government on establishing the National Disability Insurance Scheme, and was CIO of the National Disability Insurance Agency for three years. When she left the public service in 2016, she established a thriving consulting business that employs 30 people.

Her 19-year-old son Will has autism; she has helped others navigate complex government processes to secure services for people with disability, and lobbied for additional supported education placements for children with autism.

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