The policy and politics impacting everyone.
Council
Days out from Council's first meeting of the new term, Spark takes a critical look at an issue that has angered arborists, saddened ecologists, confused the community and characterised the long and successful campaign by the Shoalhaven Independents to oust Greens from Council. by Cat Holloway / Shoalhaven’s
Council
A perfect storm has blown the Shoalhaven Greens way off course in a sea of conservative councillors set to take control of Council following last weekend’s local government election. by Cat Holloway / For the first time in 20 years, no Greens candidate will sit on Shoalhaven Council, while the
Council
A lawyer for Shoalhaven Mayoral candidate, Patricia White, has threatened outgoing Mayor Amanda Findley with defamation action after Findley publicly opined about White’s performance on council and questioned the background of her repeated claims of financial expertise and experience. Mayor Amanda Findley is currently seeking her own legal advice.
Council
If we want politics to work, we're pitching the wrong idea. by Cat Holloway / Since this local council election campaign got revved up, I've learned that political independence is a fallacy. What we really need is interdependence. The Spark is independent of corporate or advertising interests,
Council
The true story behind being a Mayor is rarely told, especially during an election campaign. But after 16 years on Shoalhaven Council, eight as Mayor, Amanda Findley has earned the right to speak with brutal honesty about the time, courage and in-depth understanding of community and government that a Mayor
Council
The fastest runner in our Spark Mayoralympics race, so far, is Kaye Gartner. Today she has the chance to address reader questions and project her vision for Shoalhaven. Tomorrow, as candidates for Shoalhaven Council's toughest top job, both Kaye Gartner and Jemma Tribe will answer a pointed and
Council
This week it's the Spark Mayoralympic semi-finals. Votes from the Q&A heats are in and Kaye Gartner is ahead in the race to Shoalhaven Mayor. So, first up to the blocks this week to answer reader questions and state her goals is Jemma Tribe. 1. Public
Council
With less than a week until pre-polling begins for the 2024 Shoalhaven City Council election, The Spark has rounded up our coverage here in a one-stop-shop package including Q&As with Mayoral hopefuls, podcast interviews with lead candidates in each ward and ongoing coverage of issues that matter. Signed-in
Council
With our Mayoral candidates, Spark has so far explored the "Roads, Rates and Rubbish" responsibilities that were priorities in the Local Government Act of 1919. But today, we consider the broader work of modern local councils and the role the Mayor plays in planning for the future. According
Council
Rubbish rhetoric is overflowing from all Council candidates about attempts to get Shoalhaven's waste under control. But what actions will help clean up our mess? Local councils manage waste, but in May, a parliamentary committee heard from the United Services Union that the NSW government is withholding more
Council
There’s one thing everyone agrees on - no matter their age, location or politics. Potholes suck. With Shoalhaven City Council responsible for a vast network of local roads, the subject is raised by every candidate and constituent, usually in frustration. Councils are responsible for the management of local road
Council
We just don't want to pay for it. Today's Spark Mayoralypics chases a stance on the hot-button issue of rates. Of all the council topics, rate rises probably stir up the most fear and anger. However, there are publicly available numbers that provide ratepaying voters with