Greens to break through Lake Macquarie barrier

Lake Macquarie Council could get two or three Greens on Council with a favourable preference flow as a result of Saturday’s election.

“The results so far are looking very promising for the North Ward candidate Hannah Gisanne, and East Ward candidate Phillipa Parsons and a bit iffy for West Ward ”said Suzanne Pritchard-Mayoral and West Ward candidate

“It’s going to be an exciting and dynamic Council with Green councillors on board and several youthful replacements to the outgoing councillors.”

“The youth voice will finally be heard through 19 year old Hannah, and we’ll be providing some great female role models with Phillipa Parson’s on board as well. The gender balance on the new Council could have five or six females and this is such a leap forward in the traditionally male dominated arena.”

The Greens will also be looking to establish a Local Group in Lake Macquarie now there are local Councillors.

“It’s a tremendously exciting time for the Greens in Lake Macquarie, there’s going to be a lot to do and I’m looking forward to being able to support our Councillors represent the community and seriously tackle climate change” said Suzanne Pritchard

The Greens’ analysis of Saturday’s Lake Macquarie Council election is that the new council will comprise 2 Labor councillors, 4 Lakes Alliance, Barry Johnson (North Ward Independent), 1-2 Liberal, and 2-3 Greens, plus the Mayor, Greg Piper.

The make up of councillors elected to the new council is likely to be:

Likely Lake Macquarie Council Composition (2008)
Greens 2-3
Lakes Alliance 4
Independent (Barry Johnson) 1
Labor 2
Liberal 1-2

Likely Results
Mayor: Greg Piper

West Ward Suzanne Pritchard is unlikely to be elected
The four seats will likely go to Labor, Lakes Alliance (2 seats) and Liberal
Greens increased 2004 vote of 6.9% to 13.0%.

North Ward Hannah Gissane is quite likely to be elected
The other three seats are likely to go to Labor, Lakes Alliance and Barry Johnston (ind)
Greens 2004 vote decreased from 15.1% to 12.5%.

East Ward Phillipa Parsons is quite likely to be elected.
The other three seats will go to Labor, Lakes Alliance and Liberal.
Greens increased 2004 vote of 12.4% to 13.4%.