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Independents push on in Southern Highlands

By September 6, 2021No Comments

By Samantha Hutchinson and Noel Towell
The Sydney Morning Herald

A group of independents vying for election to Wingecarribee Council, who are being backed by some of business and society’s biggest names, wants a public inquiry into the council to be concluded before the region goes to vote.

Independents known as the Let’s Get It Right 2021 ticket are happy about Local Government Minister Shelley Hancock’s intervention into the besieged council in the well-heeled Southern Highlands.

Artist Tim Storrier, photographed at his studio and home in Bowral. CREDIT:JAMES BRICKWOOD

As CBD revealed in May, artist Tim Storrier and wife Janet Storrier, Atlassian co-founder Mike Cannon-Brookes, society doyenne Skye Leckie and hairdresser to the stars Joh Bailey are among the heavyweight Let’s Get It Right push to shake up the council by electing more independents at local government elections scheduled for December.

Readers will recall there are plenty of gripes to have with the current administration.

Last week, CBD revealed how a hamfisted construction job at a new Civic Centre had delivered “extravagant” offices and suites to senior staff and councillors but a library which was too small to attract public funding. Other issues include lax financial control on generous community loans and complaints of bullying in the workplace.

Janet Storrier and Skye Leckie are among the high-profile supporters of the Let’s Get It Right campaign led by Jane Crowley (right), which is seeking election to Wingecarribee Shire Council. CREDIT:RHETT WYMAN

So perhaps it’s no wonder Hancock has said it is “crucial” the public inquiry has been concluded and findings released prior to locals determining the future of their council at an election.

Last week, council sources said they were already prepping for the elections to take place in the New Year rather than December when the rest of the state votes. And it’s no problem for Team Let’s Get It Right. Led by local businesswoman Jane Crowley – of Dirty Jane’s Antiques on Bowral’s main street – in contention for mayor, and Tin Shed marketing agency boss Nicole Smith as deputy, the group says the public inquiry is what the council needs.

“We are delighted … any recommendations coming out of the inquiry will be a helpful foundation and starting position for any newly elected council,” Crowley told CBD.