Greens for MidCoast Council launch campaign for 2021 local government election

Habitat, housing, transportation and future jobs are the issues they have highlighted and they have chosen Wingham to launch their campaign this Saturday, July 17.

Addressing these issues will go a long way to making our towns, cities, villages and rural properties comfortable and secure, leading Greens candidate Dheera Smith said.

Ms Smith is supported by members from Manning-Great Lakes and Barrington local groups, namely Jessica Harris, Denis Duval, Helen Holliday, Eleanor Spence and Sallie Colechin. Eleanor Spence represented the Greens in the 2019 State election for the seat of Myall Lakes.

Ms Smith explained the team chose Wingham to launch its campaign as it is representative of the smaller localities "rendered voiceless by the NSW government's forced amalgamations - resulting in MidCoast being 10,000 sq km with a population of over 94,000."

"By listening to local people we can achieve better environmental and equity outcomes," she said.

Issues identified as affecting the region's future include transport, sustainable jobs and industry, affordable housing and protection of native habitat.

"These issues are all connected to local government planning and climate change," Ms Smith said. "The Greens believe if we don't plan for climate change, we are planning to fail.

"The dismal state of our roads and the lack of footpaths throughout our region are a major concern for all residents and visitors.

"Road surface patch-up jobs are causing disruptions, unsafe conditions and a continual drain on council resources.

"Local supplies of labour and plant could be one way to keep our district thriving. Continual tenders to the lowest bidder sends money out of the area.

"Using recycled material for road surfaces will also save in many ways. Council must plan and advocate for alternative transport methods especially for young workers and the elderly," Ms Smith added.

"With people moving out of the cities, our region needs to encourage sustainable industries and jobs that are here for the long term.

"Intelligent forward planning will be key to this change. Encouraging small businesses and start-up industries should be a priority for our local council.

"The first question on every new development application should be 'How will this impact on the climate?'" Ms Smith continued.

"Housing stress is reaching a crisis point in the region's towns and cities. Local councils should be playing a larger part in tackling this issue.

"New housing developments could pay into a fund for affordable housing. An audit of council properties where low-cost housing could be provided is needed urgently. Redevelopment must prioritise social and affordable housing."

Ms Smith said the issue of native habitat protection is at the heart of The Greens' vision for diverse regional environments.

"We know now that private land is where most habitat is found, especially after the fires. Incentives to increase the urban tree canopy, protect native vegetation and biodiversity should be offered and funded.

"Council environment plans that have no budget are merely paper tigers. Surveys are telling council that ratepayers value the environment. Council needs to listen to the community and actively protect its valuable natural resources," Ms Smith continued.

A registration code for the "Greens for MidCoast Council" launch is available and safety officers will also provide QR codes at the event. More information will be available at: https://greensoncouncil.org.au/midcoast/ https://www.facebook.com/DheeraSmithGreens4MidCoast

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