At the end of the night of Wollongong's council elections, September 3, it seemed likely voters had elected Gordon Bradbery, a progressive independent, as lord mayor.
Bradbery won 33.9% of the primary vote and is expected to win on preferences. The Liberals’ John Dorahy won 23.4% of the primary, Labor’s Chris Connor 19.7%, the Greens’ Jill Merrin 5.9% and Community Voice’s Michael Organ 4.1%.
Votes in the wards were still being counted as Green Left Weekly went to print, but it’s clear the once Labor dominated council will have a very different make up.
It’s likely the Greens will win two council positions, alongside four positions for each of the major parties, and two independents will also be elected.
The incoming council will be tasked with revitalising community democracy in Wollongong, protecting the region’s escarpment from unsustainable development and generating local jobs.
Votes in the Shellharbour Council election were still being counted as GLW went to print, but it looks likely the major parties will take two positions each. Progressive independent Peter Moran is still in the running for one of the final positions.