ABOVE: Federal MP Kevin Hogan, Kyogle mayor Danielle Mulholland, councillor Lindsay Passfield and councillor Earle Grundy at Woodenbong. Photo: Contributed
Susanna Freymark
It’s the day before the council elections.
While candidates are ‘out there’ in person or on social media spruiking their promises, councillor Lindsay Passfield is handing back the information on his iPad to Kyogle Council
For 22 years Lindsay served on Kyogle Council. That’s a long time to serve the community.
His departure, along with that of councillor Earle Grundy leaves a hole in C-Ward electoral area.
Voters will choose three out of four candidates tomorrow to represent C Ward.
Danielle Mulholland is a current councillor and mayor. The three new candidates are Tom Cooper, Simon Dejoux and James Murray.
Lindsay and his wife Anne live in Woodenbong where Lindsay has been a part of five successive councils.
“Back in the late 1990s Kyogle Council was in bad shape,” Lindsay said.
“A group of concerned citizens led by Ross Brown stepped in, established a new council, and together with general manager Ken Davies, arrested that decline and established a foundation for recovery and future prosperity.”
That new energy led to work being achieved in council.
“Sealing the last 9.6 kilometres of gravel on the road to Murwillumbah, on the Kyogle road, realigning Bentley road at Sweeney’s ridge crossing, and replacement of major bridges on the Clarence Way were some of the early achievements of the revitalised council,” Lindsay said.
“Since then all of our water, sewerage and waste facilities and public amenities have had major upgrades.”
There was still plenty to be done in Kyogle Shire.
“The massive job of upgrading our road and bridge network continues with Clarence Way and timber bridge replacements being the main focus.
“Much has been achieved but a lot remains to be done, particularly on the Clarence Way around Bonalbo,” he said.
Council has managed numerous extreme events and benefitted from very generous State and Federal grant programs, Lindsay said.
“Kyogle Council is recognised for its proactive approach to securing grants by having business cases and projects shovel ready for when funding opportunities arise and being able to spend the money quickly and to good effect.”
Lindsay appreciated the contacts he made while being a part of local government.
There were great networking opportunities through my involvement with related bodies such as the National Local Roads Congress, National Timber Councils Association, Summerland Way Promotional Committee and Downs to Rivers Action Committee, he said.
On the eve of a long-awaited council election that was cancelled twice because of covid, Lindsay thanked the people for the privilege of being their councillor.
LEAVING: Straight shooter Earle came for the green and shot for the stars
