Candidate's Announcement

Greens aim for Lake Macquarie breakthrough

Climate change and sustainable, innovative urban development will be the key focus for Greens candidates aiming to win the party’s first seats on Lake Macquarie Council at the council election on 13th September.


Announcing the Greens’ Lake Macquarie tickets today, Greens Mayoral and No.1 West Ward candidate, Suzanne Pritchard, said “I’m stepping forward because I want to see innovative and sustainable development in Lake Macquarie”.

“The Lower Hunter Regional Strategy offers a great opportunity to form new communities that should become models for adapting to the challenges of climate change,” she said.

“West Ward will bear the brunt of Lake Macquarie’s population expansion, so adequate public transport and pedestrian options, as well as proper social services for all members of the community, are essential to prevent isolation.

“Strategies for urban water recycling and protecting the bushland corridors are vital to protect the lake,” Ms Pritchard said.

The Greens’ lead candidate for North Ward, Hannah Gissane, said that she was running primarily to give young people a voice in local government on key issues, such as climate change.

“Lake Macquarie council would benefit enormously from a young and environmentally conscious voice,” she said.

“In this era of climate change, the voice of the future is so often silenced and our contribution discouraged. I want to help to change this,” she said.

“As a young person I believe advocating for and representing the youth of Lake Macquarie is crucial in stopping youth disillusionment with the political process,” Ms Gissane said.

The Greens’ No.1 East Ward candidate, Phillipa Parsons, said she believed Greens on Lake Macquarie Council would provide more community-oriented leadership.

"Greens on the council would work towards ensuring development in Lake Macquarie is environmentally sustainable and serves the needs of the local community, not developers,” she said.

Nine other candidates will support the No.1 candidates, making up full Greens tickets for all three city wards.

Ms Pritchard, said she felt inspired to be the Mayoral candidate with such a diverse team, united by a strong commitment to the future of the city.

"All our candidates recognise that the future will be very different as we adapt to climate change, and are keen to play an active and positive role in shaping the response of a rapidly growing city,” she said.

“Lake Macquarie has never had local Greens representation whilst over the hill, Newcastle has had Greens councillors since 1991.

"It’s time that Lake Macquarie benefited from a party that cherishes grassroots democracy and transparency.

“Council decisions directly affect our communities and Greens policies developed at the local level are an effective way for communities to be truly represented,” Ms Pritchard said.

"Our team gives Lake Macquarie voters candidates capable of representing a diverse cross-section of the resident community in tackling climate change, planning, transport, social issues, and city governance”.

Ms Pritchard said that she and other local Greens candidates would release further policy and position statements on a range of policy areas during the campaign.

"Unlike other groups, we don't accept donations from developers and other vested interests. We rely on our members and supporters in the local community, who volunteer their time and talents because they want our city to have a sustainable future.

"The Greens offer positive and creative ideas for tackling the city's key issues, and can show how local action can help to solve big challenges like climate change and sustainable development," Ms Pritchard said.

Each Greens candidate heading a ticket will maintain an active campaign blog, recording their campaign activity, releasing policy and position statements, and commenting on key campaign issues.