Hawkesbury Speaks: Emoji Poll Reveals Residents' Top Concerns

The recent unconventional emoji poll conducted on Facebook by the Hawkesbury Post has uncovered the issues that matter most to residents as council elections approach. While we accept the methodology was not strictly scientific, the results paint a clear picture of a community deeply concerned about Councillor integrity.

Councillor Integrity: A Resounding Call for Change

The poll results were nothing short of eye-opening. Councillor integrity emerged as the runaway top concern (153 votes), garnering twice as many votes as the second-place issue of conservation (Koalas and land clearing) at 75 votes. The overwhelming response reflects a community frustrated by perceived alleged links between councillors and property developers, and a growing sentiment that the two major parties may not have residents' best interests at heart.

One resident, Shell Bells, commented, "The conduct from some Councillors over the past few years has been disgraceful. Hopefully the people of the Hawkesbury stop voting for parties and vote for those that want to serve our community with morals and ethics."

This sentiment was echoed throughout the poll, with many calling for the major parties to stay out of local government.

"My main comment is that there should be no state government members on our council. It's called local government for a reason. It's entirely up to us to protect our collective wishes, and therefore, we should vote carefully," wrote Angela Bichler on Facebook.

Peter Budd wrote: “Probably comes under integrity, but how about councillors that work for the community rather than a political party which really should have no influence on local councils.”

Stacy O’Toole: “Conservation/Environmental: take it more seriously and stop letting developers run the show. “

Conservation and Infrastructure worry residents

While integrity took centre stage, other crucial issues weren't far behind:

1. Conservation and Environmental Concerns: Koala protection and land clearing ranked second, highlighting the community's strong connection to its natural surroundings. At the last council meeting of the year, Liberal and Labor councillors voted to defer voting to commit to a Koala Plan of Management until the new Council reconvenes in October.  
2. Roads and Infrastructure: Potholes and general council services tied for third place, indicating ongoing frustration with fundamental maintenance issues. Many Potholes have remained unrepaired since roads were flooded.

How the Community Voted: 

1. Councillor Integrity - 153
2. Conservation ( Koalas and Land clearing) - 75
3. Tied - Potholes - 66 and General Roads, Rates Rubbish and Council services - 66
4. Development - 53 (concerns mainly reflected concerns with over-development with a few comments about restrictions on second dwellings)
5. Bridges (North Richmond and Grose Wold)- 45
6. Disaster Resilience - 33

Additionally, Heritage was nominated by four people but was liked multiple times.

Stephanie Clay articulated two of the community's major concerns around development and koala habitat: “We in Kurrajong Hills and (with no warning or notification at all) had a housing development go into motion on our neighbour's land two months ago. An alarming number of enormous diggers bulldozers and semi-trailers just popped up one day and have been relentlessly digging up the landscape 11 hours a day six days a week. It has completely changed the way we function and enjoy our property. This used to be a peaceful rural area with weekly and sometimes daily koala visitors in our trees."

A Clear Message to Candidates 

As the election looms, these results send a powerful message to those vying for council seats. Candidates would do well to focus on demonstrating unwavering commitment to ethical governance and transparency, and keeping party politics and agendas out of Council decision-making; outlining clear and actionable plans for environmental conservation, particularly koala habitats; and addressing long-standing infrastructure concerns

Your Voice, Your Vote

While our emoji poll may have been unconventional, it has amplified the community's voice in a powerful way. As we approach the council elections, remember that your vote is your strongest tool for shaping the future of Hawkesbury.