1 Candidate details
Name: Jeff Johnson
Council: Ballina Shire Council
Town/city: Lennox Head
Number of years in shire/LGA: 8 years
Current councillor? Yes
If yes, how many years?: 4
Clubs/sports/interests: Squash, guitar, reading
Are you a member of a political party or an organised ‘ticket’? Yes
If yes, which party or who else is on your ticket?: The Greens
Brief description: I have a Business Administration degree from SCU and have worked in small business my whole life. I am currently studying a Graduate Diploma of Law. [26 words]
2 What has motivated you to stand?
I want the council to focus on the delivery of community infrastructure and services. I’m also concerned about protecting the environment and preserving open space and improving public amenity. I want council to work for and listen to every part of Ballina’s community so that everyone is given a fair go.
3 What is your vision for the shire/LGA?
A healthy Richmond River, pristine beaches, resilient communities and rural villages, pothole-free roads and well-looked-after parks and reserves. A thriving, diverse and creative community. Minimise the impact that new development has on the environment.
4 In your opinion, how can council best balance the need for further residential development with the need to preserve the local environment?
Ballina Council needs to ensure that new residential subdivisions are located in the appropriate place with the necessary infrastructure to be paid for by the developers.
All new development has a potential impact on the environment, whether it be stormwater management, the provision of services and utilities, etc. Council needs to ensure that the needs of a growing community are balanced with the need to protect our environment.
5 What particular issues do you feel strongly about?
One of the most important things any councillor can do for a growing community is to protect the open space and reserves. Too often poor planning decisions lead to the encroachment of development into these areas. Council should focus on the delivery of infrastructure projects that it has in the pipeline. Ballina Council needs to invest more time and energy into the timely delivery of infrastructure such as the Lennox–Ballina commuter cycleway, the redevelopment of the Lennox Surf Club, the design of the Ballina Indoor Sports Centre, the refurbishment of the pools, greater funding for our open spaces and reserves, and greater recognition and understanding of the local Indigenous culture.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
