1 Candidate details
Name: Andrew Gordon
Council: Lismore
Town/city: Lismore
Number of years in shire/LGA: 48 Years
Current councillor? No
Clubs/sports/interests: Lismore Speedway, Far North Coast Canoe Club, Lismore Festival of Fitness, Lismore Ratepayers Association.
Are you a member of a political party or an organised ‘ticket’? No
Brief description: I left school at St Johns College in 1982 and I joined the police force. In 1990 I joined the family firm at R Gordon and Son. I have been involved with residential, commercial and industrial sales as well as property management in that time.
2 What has motivated you to stand?
I have seen the opportunity that my grandfather and then father had in the development of Lismore and I now see that opportunity taken from us and the next generation. I also see the prosperity of Lismore draining away.
3 What is your vision for the shire/LGA?
A positive rate of growth in the 1.5 per cent plus range and the unlocking of residential land allowing Lismore to progress. An overhaul of current council expenditure providing a business approach to the management of its assets and income.
4 In your opinion, how can council best balance the need for further residential development with the need to preserve the local environment?
By adhering to guidelines as set by the current LEP. There is plenty of scope for residential land development and the management of the environment if you have the right outlook and willingness to see appropriate development to occur to ensure prosperity of this region and the retention of commercial capital status.
5 What particular issues do you feel strongly about?
Our poor rate of growth crushing small business, the likelihood of poor job prospects as a result and increasing our ratepayer-funded debt. The draft LEP as proposed cruelling rural land value and hindering best farm practice.