1. Candidate Details:
Philip Preston
Council: Byron Shire
Town/city: Mullumbimby
Number of years in shire/LGA: 7 years
Current councillor? No
Clubs/sports/interests: Brunswick Valley Soccer
Are you a member of a political party or an organised ticket?
Yes. Karin Kolbe ‘ticket’. 3 other members are Karin Kolbe, Sid Geary, Bill Mackay
Brief description: Externally I am passionate, focused and energetic… internally this is founded on a need for structure and balance. In Byron Shire this translates to a Scorpio sun, Libra rising and moon in Pisces!
2 What has motivated you to stand?
It’s good to talk about political solutions over a coffee at the local cafe… better to present them in the council chamber… best to lead by example.
3 What is your vision for the shire?
Every time I drive south from Qld I relax as I enter Byron Shire. Maintaining and developing our shire as an inspiration to the world for harmoniously combining natural environment, economic activity, residential development and thriving community.
4 In your opinion, how can council best balance the need for further residential development with the need to preserve the local environment?
• intense development in designated ‘urban’ areas eg Byron, Mullum, Federal, Main Arm
• support ‘smart’ industries eg education, internet-based, eco-tourism
• support low-impact development in ‘rural’ areas eg agriculture, eco-tourism
5 What particular issues do you feel strongly about?
• maintain and create efficient and effective infrastructure CONNECTING communities eg transport, telecommunications, social support networks eg clubs/organisations;
• local economy
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. 
