Mayor Jamie Chaffey exits Council this round to pursue federal politics as the National’s candidate for Parkes. Murray O’Keefe and David Moses are also not recontesting. No group tickets and only eleven candidates are vying for the nine seats on Council means there’s not a lot to write home about. Labor’s Kate McGrath is the only party endorsed candidate.
All candidates are shown in the order they will appear on the ballot. Candidate biographies are only included from those candidates who have supplied them.
See the NSW Electoral Commission’s website for where and how to vote information.
FULLER Colleen* MOORE Cameron NEWELL Linda LUKE Ann* 
About
Two terms as Councillor, not a member of any political party.
Semi-retired veterinarian.
Resident of Gunnedah for 30+ years.
I care about the long term viability of my town.
Pro- responsible farming, pro- responsible mining
Most important issue
Sustainable economic development, value adding to agriculture, responsible mining.
Vote for me because…
Professional, experienced, committed
Website: https://www.facebook.com/AnnLukeCouncillorMCARTHUR Juliana* MCGRATH Kate* 
About
Kate McGrath is a current Gunnedah Shire Councillor. She has an extensive career in community services, working across aged care, disability, and Aboriginal organisations in project management and grant writing. Kate currently works as a consultant delivering collaborative initiatives to address labour shortages in partnership with business and communities across the New England North West region, and as the regional coordinator with the AUKUS Forum. Kate holds a Bachelor of Arts (Sociology & Anthropology) and a Certificate IV in Mental Health.
Kate holds diverse leadership and governance roles, including Vice President of Tamworth Labor, board member of The Gatepost Therapy Services and Links for Life Disability Expo. Kate was recently appointed to the management committee of the Australia India Business Council (NSW) to support regional businesses and primary producers to increase trade with Indian markets through the Australia India free trade agreement.
Kate and her husband Leigh have lived in Gunnedah for the past ten years, where they are raising their three beautiful children: Ava, Edie and Yogi.
Most important issue
Sustainability.
We have commenced consultation regarding a Special Rate Variation to ensure Gunnedah Shire Council is financially sustainable into the future. This is controversial, given the cost of living pressures people are already facing, but is a measure I support to continue to provide vital services to the Shire.
A second financial sustainability challenge is the global shift to decarbonisation, and the inevitable impact this will have on our mining dependent local economy. We have a limited window of time to diversify our economy, attract new industry, and support the expansion of existing sectors into new markets.
Environmental sustainability, particularly in the context of water security, is an emerging issue. The Santos Hunter Pipeline Project is a source of anxiety, with landholders fearing that the viability of the project will require coal seam gas extraction on the Liverpool Plains. This is unacceptable, posing significant risk to groundwater aquifers, and jeopardising the future of our agricultural industry. The need to bolster our economy does not trump the need for secure, reliable water. Economic diversification beyond mining is vital, but more extractive industry is not diversity; CSG offers our community significant environmental risk with none of the long term economic and employment benefits we currently receive from coal mining.
Vote for me because…
It has been my great privilege to have served as a Councillor for the Gunnedah Shire.
I am excited to continue on in this role to serve and strengthen this great community.
I have a strong background in the community and care sector and bring this experience and knowledge to building a strong, inclusive and connected community.
I am urging voters to consider their vote in the context of building a team. An ideal council is truly representative of the community, made up of people from all walks of life with all types of skills, expertise and experience.
I am a team player, and able to collaborate and negotiate with people who hold views and beliefs that don’t align with my own.
A diverse Council is a strong Council.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/katemcgrathgunnedahNEAVE Mitchum HOOKE Robert (Rob)* PETERSEN Greg HODDLE Robert* McALLAN Tammey
See all our coverage for the Local Government elections 2024. Candidates can submit information here and we’ll get it up when we can.