I grew up working in small business so I know what’s involved and how much hard work is required for local businesses to succeed. I have a young family and currently work as an Energy Efficiency and Solar Consultant. I am also involved with a number of community organisations and campaigns and volunteer as a surf lifesaver at Lennox.
I have Bachelor of Business Administration from Southern Cross University and have completed post-graduate units within the Faculty of Law.
It’s time to break the political party stranglehold over our democracy. Political parties are increasingly promising the world and failing to deliver. As a local independent I won’t be dictated to by the party factions, corporations or developers in Sydney who simply want to exploit our region for short-term profits.
I was elected to Ballina Council in 2008 and have been actively engaged with our community for over a decade. I believe in ecologically sustainable development, resilient communities and socially responsible government.
The Ballina electorate deserves a strong independent voice that has a proven track record. For more information visit www.jeffjohnson.com.au or Facebook Jeff Johnson.Independent.
Top 3 issues
- Ecologically sustainable development (ESD)
The current threat to industrialise our rural landscape with CSG development is a classic example of how consecutive governments have sold us out. Furthermore, both Ballina and Byron have seen vast areas of rural land rezoned by the state government against the community’s wishes. We need ESD design principles to guide our transition to a resilient, caring and prosperous region. The future is in renewables, value added agricultural production, sustainable tourism, innovation and a strong small business sector.
- Stopping the proposed highway deviation (Broadwater to Ballina)
The state government’s proposal would put at risk over 30 threatened or endangered species including a nationally significant koala colony. Furthermore a number of Aboriginal sacred sites and scar trees would be destroyed. Using the existing highway corridor for the upgrade would save up to $300 million and deliver a safer highway quicker and be 2.9km shorter in length. A proportion of the money saved could be reallocated to local infrastructure projects with a priority given to local contractors. Facilities such as an indoor sports centre, Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Coast Guard Tower and marina facilities and would drive economic and employment growth while investing in much needed community facilities. Furthermore, given the savings would come from a current infrastructure project, a percentage could be allocated to restoring the Casino-Murwillumbah Rail-line.
- Essential services
Improving our hospitals and health services is essential to care for our aging population. Investing in public education and training (schools and TAFE) will ensure our workforce has the skills that employers need. Public transport to access these services is also a must and a commuter rail service needs to be incorporated into the government’s long-term planning, with buses providing links to this service. Ripping up the train line for a bike track makes absolutely no sense. The proposed rail trail should not come at the expense of our rail line.
The first local issue I will campaign on
Having the northern rivers declared gasfield free would be a game changer. Our region could then focus on working towards and investing in a renewable energy future, value-adding agricultural production and improving eco-tourism options for locals and visitors alike.
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