Kyogle Council, Danielle Mulholland, Gradys Creek, Independent
Tell us about where you live and your family.
We have had our property for over 20 years but moved down here after we built our house.
My family is amazing – they are very supportive. My sister is my hero, having battled breast cancer over the last couple of years whilst still raising money for breast cancer research.
If you’ve been a councillor – what are you most proud of in your previous term?
If I had to choose just two things, I would say the record once in a lifetime budget we just delivered of over $200mil, the timber bridges we have managed to get funding for and the funding for the northern and southern parts of the Clarence Way.
That missing section from Urbenville to the Bruxner still needs to be funded and that’s like an aching tooth for me.
What do you bring to the role of councillor this election?
Experience, passion and commitment to the communities in our council area. I now have over eight years as mayor under my belt and during that time, I have developed relationships across the political spectrum which delivers results for our communities.
As a previous state government employee, I have extensive rural policy and advocacy experience and I do the best I can to deliver real outcomes for all of our residents.
Kyogle Council now has a very high profile amongst decision-makers and I would like to keep that momentum going.
What brings you joy in life?
As long as my family is happy and healthy, I’m happy. I also enjoy “the call” when you get some funding you have been chasing for a while and you finally get it.
I am also proud of the profile Kyogle Council now enjoys – we have a reputation as a ‘can do’ council and we deliver on time and on budget.
What difficulties does your community face?
A housing crisis, 18 bridges still left to fund, the Clarence Way, “growing pains” as the inevitable growth we knew was going to happen is happening now, supporting local industry and small business particularly after the last few years of drought, bushfires, flood and then covid, a changing demographic resulting in competing demands for policy changes or funding – everyone’s voice deserves to be heard.
What is your job? What do you like/dislike about it?
Being mayor is a full time job and then some. Even as a councillor, I made it into a full time job. This year I was also admitted to the NSW Supreme Court as a solicitor so I do some part time work in this area as well. I don’t dislike either job – it is a great day for me when I can get some funding or fix a resident’s issue.
Dare to dream – what is your vision for your region?
It is the vision of the communities in our council area that really matters.
Personally, I would like to see every road and bridge fixed, projects identified by the community for the community delivered, managing the growth we are seeing as a result of housing pressures in SE Qld and the coastal areas, balancing traditional industries with the demand for growth, economic development particularly in the villages, aged and transitional housing, adequate policing and health professionals, improved amenities throughout the LGA, addressing funding models for rural councils – this is a huge question to answer in just a few words.