1 Candidate details
Name: Maureen McDermott
Council: C Ward, Ballina Shire
Town/city: Ballina
Number of years in shire/LGA: 11
Current councillor? No
Clubs/sports/interests: Acapelicans – singing, gardening, walking, tai chi.
Are you a member of a political party or an organised ‘ticket’? Yes
If yes, which party or who else is on your ticket?: Greens
Brief description: I was raised in the northern rivers, schooled in Lismore with family holidays always in Ballina. I am a mother and I teach adult education through our local community colleges.
2 What has motivated you to stand?
To be a part of a council that puts the needs of its residents above those of developers and mining interests.
3 What is your vision for the shire/LGA?
A shire that maintains its own identity. A shire that doesn’t become another over developed Gold Coast. A shire that leads the way in alternative energy use.
4 In your opinion, how can council best balance the need for further residential development with the need to preserve the local environment?
Development is inevitable. How it is done is where council can make a difference. Development must be balanced against protecting our unique environment and can’t be allowed to proceed where they is insufficient infrastructure to support it.
5 What particular issues do you feel strongly about?
1. Protecting this shire from coal-seam gas mining.
2. Having real community consultation that is heeded.
