1 Candidate details
Name: David Robinson
Council: Ballina Shire Council
Town/city: Ballina A Ward
Number of years in shire/LGA: 30+
Current councillor? N0
Clubs/sports/interests: farming, amateur theatre, radio/electronics, technology
Are you a member of a political party or an organised ‘ticket’? Yes but No. Yes – a member of a political party, but No – not endorsed or on behalf of said political party.
If yes, which party or who else is on your ticket?: Australia Democrats. But I’m Independent.
Brief description: I’m a local Tuckombil resident, free-range chicken farmer and internet small-business guy. I started at Teven Public School, which became Teven-Tintenbar Public and then Alstonville High. I’ve helped bring the internet to the north coast and now I’m doing it all again.
2 What has motivated you to stand?
I love this area and want to see it continue to be one of the best places to grow up, learn, work, live and be happy. I was motivated to stand owing to the guerrilla warfare-style tactics by the state/federal parties trying to take over Ballina Council and convert it to a specific ideology and to force that ideology on all of Ballina. I don’t want to see Ballina be like Lismore and Byron! How can an average citizen make an informed decision with more than 50 choices?
3 What is your vision for the shire/LGA?
To continue the council’s good work and be a balanced voice of the community. My focus will be on small business, technology that will benefit all residents, small/medium businesses and keeping local farming profitable. I’d like to see more businesses, art, activities and community organisations promoted on the way into and out of Ballina, to promote Ballina’s culture to all visitors and give a memorable first impression.
4 In your opinion, how can council best balance the need for further residential development with the need to preserve the local environment?
Continue following the state and federal government guidelines and locally written LEP. All DAs need to be decided logically with professional advice, not opinion.
5 What particular issues do you feel strongly about?
Making sure council makes its decisions for all the people of Ballina Shire and not allowing a party to try and force its way into Ballina Shire Council and try to take it over to force its agenda on everyone.
