1 Candidate details
Name: Ray Houston
Council: Lismore City Council
Town/city: Lismore
Number of years in shire/LGA: 6
Current councillor? Yes. If yes, how many years?: 4
Clubs/sports/interests: Lismore Rainforest and Botanic Gardens, St Andrew’s Anglican Church, U3A, home gardening, treasurer Mental Health Support Group
Are you a member of a political party or an organised ‘ticket’? Yes
If yes, which party or who else is on your ticket?: Country Labor with: mayor Jenny Dowell, deputy mayor Cr Isaac Smith, and candidates Glenys Ritchie, Kevin Bell and Naomi Worrall.
Brief description: I live with my partner and am currently working in Drug and Alcohol services in Lismore. I have a strong background in person-centred industry and enjoy volunteering in my community. [30 words]
2 What has motivated you to stand?
I enjoy being a councillor and remain enthusiastic about representing my community. I have experience as a councillor and look forward to another term of service.
3 What is your vision for the shire/LGA?
I want to see Lismore remain the beating heart of the northern rivers and to be a vibrant place to live, work, and relax in a sustainable and prosperous way
4 In your opinion, how can council best balance the need for further residential development with the need to preserve the local environment?
Grow Lismore sustainably by providing land for people to build, protecting our agricultural and environmentally significant land. We can strengthen our CBD by supporting business and encouraging inner-urban housing.
5 What particular issues do you feel strongly about?
Social inclusion and self-determination by a well-integrated community. Provide opportunities for sustainable growth for our future. Open and consultative governance that preserves our vital land and industry.