Alison Waters is the Animal Justice Party candidate for Lismore City Council.

She lives in the village of Dunoon on beautiful Widjabul Wia-bal Country. Lismore is the birthplace of her mother and her children, and she cares deeply about its people, animals and environment.

Alison believes that local councils have a responsibility to consider the interests and wellbeing of all residents – both human and non-human. She aims to expand Lismore’s circle of compassion to include its unique environment and its non-human residents, including native animals and companion animals.

Alison sees an opportunity for the expansion of local plant-based enterprises. She is committed to exploring funding and partnerships opportunities for local businesses so Lismore can jump on board this booming industry.

Alison works in the domestic violence sector as an advocate for women, children and animals who experience violence. She is the manager of a women’s support service and has an academic background in social work. Alison is committed to social justice and will continue to advocate for residents who experience disadvantage and challenging life circumstances.

A vote for Alison Waters is a vote for:

·      Enhanced community wellbeing for everyone

·      Native animal protection and environmental sustainability

·      Support for the local economy and investment in plant-based industries

·      A compassionate community

What is your vision for Lismore over the next 3 years?

A compassionate and vibrant community that values and promotes the wellbeing of all residents – both people and animals - and the precious environment that we all share.

What are your objectives being a councillor?

I am standing for election to Lismore Council to:

·     enhance community wellbeing for all residents (people, companion animals, native animals).

·     support the local economy and grow the local plant-based industry.

·     promote the protection of native animals and our unique environment.

·     amplify the voices of community members who are often disregarded and ignored.

·     help to create a compassionate community.

What was your motivation to become a councillor?

My mother and my children were born in Lismore, and this has been a special place to me since I was a child. Some of my fondest childhood memories were of the holidays I spent at my aunty and uncle’s farm in Tucki Tucki. I chose to make Lismore my home over 20 years ago, and I am inspired by our diverse, creative and dynamic communities. There is so much that is special and unique about this part of the world. So much that is worth protecting. In Lismore, we are fortunate to share our neighbourhoods with koalas and their existence is essential to the biodiversity of our home. It is vital that we recognise our role as their guardians and protectors locally.

I am the manager of a domestic and family violence service in Lismore. For over 20 years, I have worked as an advocate for women, children and animals experiencing violence. As a councillor, I will continue to advocate for community members who are struggling with challenging circumstances. For example, with low rental vacancy rates in Lismore, it is a challenge to find affordable housing, let alone accommodation that permits people to move in with their companion animals. No one should be forced to leave an animal family member behind. The housing crisis is having a detrimental impact on the fabric of our community and, as a renter myself, I know the stress that housing insecurity creates.

How does Lismore become a vibrant, prosperous city?

It is essential that we value the creativity and diversity of our community members, and protect that which is unique and special about our region, including our precious environment, Widjabul Wia-bal cultural heritage and native animals. We must value and nurture Lismore’s children and young people, creating opportunities for them and ensuring that they feel hopeful and secure about their future here. We must listen to their voices.

There is scope for further development of eco-tourism and I believe that Lismore could become a hub for the growth of plant-based industries. The plant-based/vegan food industry is booming nationally and its development and growth in Lismore would be positive for the local economy and the local environment. As a councillor, I will seek funding opportunities and partnerships for local businesses so that Lismore can jump on board.

Do you hold any concerns for the region that has not been addressed?

In the coming months and years, we must continue to focus on the mental health and wellbeing of our community members, particularly children and young people. The pandemic has had an impact on all of us in some way - including job losses, housing insecurity, social isolation, and gaps in schooling and education. These effects will continue to impact residents for the foreseeable future and we must focus on healing collectively.

There is a desperate need for the construction of local affordable housing. I believe that we can be ambitious and achieve this while protecting native animal habitats and Widjabul Wia-bal cultural heritage.

It is important to recognise the threat that climate change poses to our natural, animal and human communities. Successive governments have neglected to take action, and we will all bear the brunt of this. We must continue to fight for national and global action and, vitally, we must work together as one community to develop and sustain local solutions.