REAL estate director Tim Elstone acknowledges that the past two terms on Wentworth Shire have been a real eye-opener for him.
Having spent time as both the mayor and deputy mayor, he helped navigate council’s response to the pandemic and floods during his tenure.
Despite the unexpected challenges, he said he was pleased with the continued growth of the shire across a “fairly eventful” few years.
“Before I stood in 2016, I rang a councillor who had been there for three terms,” Cr Elstone said.
“His comment was every ratepayer should have a go at it and get an understanding of how involved it is, and never a truer word’s been said.”
He said he was eager to keep pressure on the NSW Government in relation to planning matters and insurance premiums.
He also wanted council and the State and the Federal governments to keep action relating to the health of the Lower Darling-Baaka front of mind.
“There’s plenty happening that needs to be continually pushed and supported,” Cr Elstone said.
“I’m a very passionate one for this river system, particularly the Darling with the recent flush that we had.
“Our little town of Pooncarie up there and the bush people, the river is sort of their lifeblood.
“We’ve got to as a council join with the community in that fight to have it managed properly, including the lake system in Menindee.”
He said commentary about the age of some Wentworth Shire candidates was unfair and that voters should assess everyone on merit.
“While I think a turnover is good, you still need to retain experience,” Cr Elstone said.
“From a Wentworth point of view, we do have an aging demographic.
“Elder candidates move in those fields and that’s good for communication and feedback as to what that generation wants, so I think it’s a positive in that sense.”
He said during his time on council there had always been three women in the chamber and he hoped all three female candidates would be elected.
He also praised the work of his youngest councillor colleague, Daniel Linklater, who was his deputy for a year and a half before Cr Elstone passed the mayoral torch to Cr Linklater in September last year.
“We’re probably privileged to have a bloke of that calibre and that age leading us,” Cr Elstone said.
“I see there’s two candidates there who have nominated who are under 50: Jodi and Jon.
“If they were elected with Daniel that would give you a third of the council in that age bracket, and I reckon that would be terrific for the future and where council is heading.
“If I can help and support them, that’s what I want to do.”
