Gareth Ward

Gareth James Ward (born c. 1981) was elected to the Shoalhaven City Council on March 27, 2004 as an independent to represent the electorate of First Ward which takes in the northern parts of Shoalhaven City.cite web|url=http://www.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/council/councillors/ward.htm |title=Clr Gareth Ward |publisher=www.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au |accessdate=2008-05-23]

Student Politics

Cr Ward spent five years (2001-2006) serving on the Council of the Wollongong Undergraduate Students' Association (WUSA), the union for students at the University of Wollongong. He was elected in his first year of studies, as a virtual unknown, and has served as Honorary Secretary, Disabilities Representative and General Representative on the WUSA Council. Gareth was also the youngest president of the University of Wollongong Liberal Club, and involved with the Australian Liberal Students Federation.

Council career

Ward was elected as an Independent at the age of 22 despite being a member of the Liberal Party of Australia. Since his election, Ward has raised concerns about having larger houses on smaller subdivisions. He has also taken a stance against a NSW State Government tax on recreational divers and lack of parking in the Nowra CBD. He has tried to bring motions condemning the State (Labor) Government and has introduced as Council business, Liberal Party policy.

Dispute with fellow Councilor

He is best known for having a bowl of tomato sauce thrown over him in a meeting in the Mayor's chambers by Councilor John Willmott. The two councillors had previously exchanged e-mails over new proposed building height codes in Ulladulla. cite web |url=http://www.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/council/councillors/ward.htm |title=Clr Gareth Ward |publisher=www.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au |accessdate=2008-05-23] with Willmott calling Ward a "little twerp". Ward responded by criticizing Willmott's spelling at the meeting. This exchange ended with Wilmott throwing a bowl of sauce over Ward. (5) Mayor Greg Watson, the Deputy Mayor, four other councilors were present at the meeting as well as the General Manager but no-one would ever admit to seeing the incident. (6) Ward was cleaned up by Council staff. Ward subsequently called for Willmott to resign or undertake anger management courses. Willmott did neither, laughing off the suggestion. The matter was reported to the Council Conduct Committee which recommended no action against Willmott. Ward achieved more passing fame when he demanded the removal of lifeguards at Milton sea pool. Milton is a few miles inland and has no sea pool. He is taken seriously by the local radio station who promote him heavily. [cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/items/200604/1614794.htm|title=Councillor accused of saucy incident urged to quit |accessdate=2008-05-24] Both Ward and Willmott are members of the Liberal Party.

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