Liberal line-up: Liberal party candidates for the September local government elections are, from left to right, Brendan Christie for Ward 4, Chris Van der Kley for Ward 2, Michael Begg for Ward 1, and Daniel Myles for Ward 3.
The Liberal Party has announced its full line-up of candidates for the September elections following the official endorsement of Brendan Christie for Ward 4.
Mayor and Ward 3 councillor Daniel Myles and Ward 2 councillor Chris Van Der Kley will be joined in the Liberal campaign by Michael Begg in Ward 1 and Mr Christie.
Three of the four candidates were announced earlier this month after standing for pre-selection unopposed, however a challenge against sitting councillor Fiona Creed by Mr Christie meant the Ward 4 pre-selection was headed for a vote.
However, Clr Creed withdrew her nomination after an apparent lack of support was shaping up to deliver the numbers to Mr Christie.
She has not indicated if she will contest the election as an independent.
Clr Myles said the Liberal team reflected a mix of experience and new ideas that would represent the views of Mountains residents well.
He also paid tribute to Clr Creed, saying she had been “a strong and capable representative for her ward.
“Her efforts opened Glenbrook Pool for year-round swimming as well as delivering improved amenities such as at Lapstone netball courts,” he said.
The party’s two new candidates wasted no time getting their respective profiles out into the community, and have already begun door-knocking in their areas.
Mr Begg has lived in the Upper Mountains for more than 30 years and works as a retained firefighter with NSW Fire and Rescue.
He is also a land valuer and local tourism operator, and enjoys volunteering in a bush care group in his spare time.
“I’m very keen to promote environment and heritage matters within the council’s land use policies,” he said in a statement.
“I see the forthcoming amalgamation of . . . LEP 1991 and LEP 2005 as a great challenge and opportunity. As a councillor, I would encourage energy efficient, sustainable urban design principles.”
Mr Christie works in IT and is keen to ensure that “a fair share of council resources are allocated to the Ward 4 area.
“Katoomba, Lawson and Springwood have all seen the benefit of council improvements,” he said in the statement.
“I will work to ensure that people down here don’t miss out on the infrastructure they deserve, especially better footpaths and road surfaces.
“As a parent, I know that more needs to be done to provide services for children as well as increase local employment options. With an aging population, providing for seniors is a priority as well.”
Clr Myles said the city faced many challenges going into the new council term.
“A stable council gives the city the best chance of achieving positive outcomes, despite our limited financial resources,” he said in the statement.
“Our priorities in the next four years will include generating local employment and enhancing town centres.”