New Independents have 'worked with local communities'
Former mayor Ms Jane Smith will lead a team of community-based New Independents in Gosford West Ward at the upcoming Council elections.
"Local government plays an important role in people's everyday lives - not just roads, rates and rubbish - but also local parks, community facilities, sporting fields, libraries - and broader issues such as planning and how local communities can respond to the challenge of climate change," she said.
"Our team brings together a group that has worked with, and is a part of, local communities.
"Over the last 24 years, I have been involved with local resident groups, and supported community initiatives and campaigns.
"I was active in supporting the community campaigns on Mangrove Mountain landfill and dumping at Spencer.
"Over a long period of time, local residents raised alarm bells and they should be commended for their efforts.
"As a result, the first motion that I moved when elected to Council was to establish the Mangrove Mountain and Spencer Advisory Committee in order to keep this issue front and centre.
"I am proud that Council acted and has followed through in court action - but there is still more to do".
Second on the ticket is Ms Alison Wade, "a sixth generation rural landowner with volumes of knowledge about the area she lives in".
"When not teaching, she is assisting the community through her role as captain of her local rural fire brigade."
Ms Lisa Wriley has been involved with Kariong Eco Garden since it started nearly 20 years ago.
"She is passionate about zero waste, zero emissions and connecting with nature.
"Gosford West ward faces some challenges, especially in terms of delivery of basic services, population and development pressures, the impact of climate change, including heat island effect on the Peninsula, and protection of our drinking water catchment and agricultural lands," said Ms Smith.
"We want to work with local communities to address those issues."
SOURCE:
Media Release, 26 August 2024
Jane Smith, New Independents