I have great optimism for our future working together. I am really proud of this sensible and community orientated Greens team of good local people putting their hands up to be your next Lismore City Councillors. The role of Councillor is hard work, poorly paid but a deeply fulfilling role all about people, connection and problem solving.

I have been a Councillor for 20 years, including time serving as Mayor, and I am honoured to stand as the Green’s mayoral candidate in this election.

Lismore is amazing in its diversity, and it has been a privilege to see the ‘big picture’ of our Local Government Area including, but not limited to; the economic value small business brings, the innovative horticultural practices people are undertaking and the attractions for visitors in our natural settings and cultural events.

Representing the interests, concerns and ideas of the community and providing strategic direction to the Council provides great opportunity for positive work. Not just getting out and about visiting people and places, reading reports, taking expert advice, but also working together in the Council Chamber for practical outcomes.

Community consultation is a critical part of Council’s responsibility, particularly on a future vision for our flood and landslip affected people. We need to implement flood mitigation plans ready now for action and emergency management procedures, widely understood to keep people safe in the face of a changing climatic conditions. Changes to services need to be discussed in open with opportunity to observe debate and considerations. Public requests to bring issues to Council Chambers are to be encouraged and should be a welcoming and safe experience.

Local government has the biggest impact on our day-to-day lives. From the roads we use and the footpaths we walk on, to the household waste we produce and the open spaces we visit, Lismore Council provides an enormous range of services. In consultation with the community, I hear regularly that people want our natural environment protected, that we have paths suitable for wheelchairs and prams, shade and walkability around our urban spaces.

Affordability and availability of housing is a critical issue for us, so too is the liveability and amenity. I have a genuine interest in town planning and how, when we focus on sound design principles based on affordability and liveability, we get good planning outcomes.

Just some of the core services provided by Council are: planning and building approvals, roads; parking, footpaths and transport, waste and the circular economy, community events, arts and culture, emergency management, sport and recreation facilities and open spaces such as parks, gardens and playgrounds and many more. I am committed to keeping services local to support our economy.

With 200 million dollars in service provision and just 30 million coming from rates, setting priorities is an essential task, as well as managing millions of dollars’ worth of infrastructure and public assets in our community. I have done the work and have confidently led on all matters in the role of Mayor.

It is time for a change and these folk have the necessary fire in their bellies.

Adam Guise is a Councillor of 8 years and a voice of reason and integrity. ‘I want a Council that involves the community in decision-making to create happy, healthy and liveable communities that people are proud to be a part of. I have not felt real leadership from the current council majority. What we need is conversations about the future and how we get housing that is ecologically sustainable, fit for purpose and genuinely affordable.’

Virginia Waters is a Nimbin resident of nearly 30 years and wants our largest village represented at Council. ‘After going through the fires, flood and landslips, it felt like Nimbin didn't have the representation we need for important issues such as water security, village amenities and some councillors' lack of understanding about Nimbin’s community-owned assets. As an active member of Nimbin and the Nimbin Disaster Resilience Group, I believe I have a clear understanding of our community's needs. With future events likely to intensify, we urgently need strong leadership, preparedness, and collaboration at Council.’

Luke Robinson is a senior emergency physician at Ballina, Casino and Lismore Base Hospitals. This is often the front line and Luke sees the impact of the housing and mental health crises on our region. ‘I've been inspired by Vanessa and Adam and their work for the good of this community. I have also watched Council meetings descend into childishness, so we need a more respectful and transparent Council that listens to community.’

Shae Salmon is an academic in Law at Southern Cross University, an enthusiastic radio presenter at RiverFM and a member of the Lismore Theatre Company. Shae lives in core koala habitat and is passionate about saving wildlife and preserving wildlife corridors.

Lindall Watson is a new generation farmer, recently arrived in the region. She has a background in education and rich experience teaching in remote and regional communities.

Binnie ODwyer is a local lawyer working for the Aboriginal Legal Service. She is a strong advocate for young people and lobbies other agencies for the provision of adequate support services and opportunities. 

As well as these good folk running for Council, I have been asked to run for Mayor of Lismore.

After 20 years in Council, I am a reasonable and experienced voice. My achievements as former Mayor, include bringing a conflicted Council into harmony, ensuring a surplus budget with no rate rise, adopting an affordable housing strategy that is being implemented today, and initiating the handback of sacred sites to the Widjabul Wiabal people. My commitment to you is that I will do the work, show up, and focus on what you say is important.

Vote 1 Greens above the line for the best opportunity to put these wonderful candidates on Council.

Vote 1 Vanessa Grindon-Ekins for Mayor

To find out more about Lismore Greens, or support our campaign, visit https://greensoncouncil.org.au/lismore/