Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader has launched an independent bid for State Parliament, declaring the electorate needs a stronger voice to secure its fair share of government funding.

Speaking outside Ballina District Hospital on Wednesday, Cr Cadwallader said she was entering the 2027 NSW election campaign to win, despite acknowledging the challenge of taking on the major political parties.

“I’m there to win this. I’m there to change the game, and I’m calling out for everybody to get behind me and help me make the change that we so desperately need,” she said.

Her announcement sets up a potentially fierce four-way contest for the seat of Ballina, currently held by retiring Greens MP Tamara Smith.

The Greens have selected comedian and broadcaster Mandy Nolan to defend the seat, while Ballina Shire Councillor Michelle Bailey will stand for the Nationals and Byron Shire Councillor Janet Swain for Labor.

Cr Cadwallader said the Greens had held Ballina for three terms since 2015, but the electorate was still missing out on essential infrastructure and government investment.

“The Greens have held this seat for three terms since 2015. They’ve had their opportunity to represent our communities, but I believe it’s time for a different approach,” she said.

She argued an independent MP would be better placed to negotiate with whichever party formed government, without being bound by party policies or political allegiances.

“We need an independent voice in Macquarie Street to bang on the door to get our fair share,” she told the media conference.

Ratepayers paying for State responsibilities

Cr Cadwallader pointed to the recently opened Ballina SES headquarters as an example of State Government cost-shifting, saying local ratepayers had been forced to contribute two-thirds of the construction cost.

She said Ballina had initially been overlooked when the State Government allocated $152 million for SES infrastructure following the 2022 floods.

The $20 million Alstonville Community Centre, now under construction, was another example, with the State Government contributing only to its library component.

“That is a direct cost shift from State Government to local government,” she said.

Cr Cadwallader also nominated the long-awaited redevelopment of Ballina District Hospital, improved policing, flood mitigation, safer roads, affordable housing and restoration of the Richmond River among her priorities.

She singled out the proposed Ballina Marina redevelopment, saying the State Government’s reluctance to relocate Transport for NSW operations was holding up plans that could deliver about 350 homes, including social and key-worker housing.

“I’ve been to Macquarie Street. I’ve knocked on the doors. I’ve delivered the master plan for the Ballina Marina everywhere, but Transport for NSW doesn’t want to relocate,” she said.

She also promised to fight for a better deal for Byron Shire, where deteriorating roads and growing infrastructure demands were placing increasing pressure on ratepayers.

‘A hell of a challenge’

First elected to Ballina Shire Council in 2004, Cr Cadwallader became the shire’s first popularly elected female Mayor in 2021 and was re-elected in 2024.

She has held senior positions in regional, state and national local government organisations, including more than a decade chairing the Australian Coastal Councils Association.

Cr Cadwallader said she would continue serving as Mayor throughout the election campaign, as permitted under NSW law.

Asked why she had chosen to stand as an independent rather than join a political party, she said she had always made her own decisions.

“I don’t believe you can be told what the policies are. I don’t believe you should be told what to say and when to say it and follow a party line,” she said.

“As far as being behind a party machine, no, that’s not for me.”

Cr Cadwallader acknowledged the campaign would be difficult, particularly against the established party organisations, but said she believed community support was growing.

“It’s going to be a hell of a challenge. But there is a groundswell out there of community support,” she said.

“That’s why I decided to give it a red hot go, because people do want change.”