Cost of living pressures, the future of the Ryde Civic Centre, housing supply and community facilities were among the issues canvassed during a lively debate for Ryde Mayoral candidates, hosted by local community radio station 2RRR 88.5FM.
With the people of Ryde due to vote in the first-ever directly elected mayoral contest, 2RRR hosted Trenton Brown (Liberal), Bernard Purcell (Labor) and Roy Maggio (Independent). The fourth candidate, Tina Kordrostami (Greens) was unavailable.
2RRR Chairperson Dino Mancini said the debate, moderated by Morning Mix host Natalie de Silver and regular guest Mark “Hendo” Henderson, was a victory for grassroots democracy.
“This is the first time that electors have had a direct say in who becomes their mayor for the next four years, so it is fitting that the people’s station 2RRR should host the debate,” Mr Mancini said.
The current Mayor, Trenton Brown, said he was committed to putting downward pressure on living costs through Council Rates; protecting open spaces – including TG Milner Field; building the necessary infrastructure; and finding a solution to Ryde Council financial issues.
“I am the only Mayoral candidate with a consistent track record of wanting to protect open space and green space, including TG Milner Field. A growing population requires a growing number of services, facilities, and assets and to do that we need a long-term financial plan. Identifying a financial pathway that is legal and sustainable is key to undertaking the building works that our community requires,” Mr Brown said.
Labor candidate and current Councillor Bernard Purcell said the people of Ryde deserved continuous steady and progressive leadership that responds to the needs of residents and businesses.
“We have to improve, develop and grow our city centres at Eastwood, West Ryde, Cox’s Road and Top Ryde. There is the environment. There is so much to do and I’m so glad we have four years to bring our vision of Ryde to the people.”
Mr Purcell also called for an independent external audit of the City of Ryde’s finances to help guide any future investment in Council facilities like the Civic Centre.
Independent candidate and long-term Councillor Roy Maggio said Councillors needed to work together if they were going to resolve the issues facing City of Ryde.
“On the hustings we’ve been hearing that it’s time for a change. residents need to have a greater say in Council decisions, we need to improve community consultation and improve the reputation of Ryde Council. We also need better facilities for youth, seniors and people with disabilities and a commonsense approach to tree management.”
Mr Maggio also said Council could help residents with a five percent rates reduction in four years.
Asked to name a winner of the debate, Mr Mancini said democracy and people power was the winner understanding the Referendum in December 2021 resulting in a 76% majority of voting for the Ryde Mayor to be popularly elected.
“The candidates had their chance to make their case, so I’ll leave it to the listeners to decide who won, and ultimately the ballot box will decide the winner.”
The elections are on Saturday 14 September and voting is compulsory.