Rhonda Khong
Council: Byron Shire
Town/city: Byron Bay
Number of years in shire/LGA: 2
Current councillor? No
Clubs/sports/interests: Community services (Liberation Larder, Fletcher Street Cottage, Byron Community Centre- Emergency Relief, Byron Breast Cancer Support group), diving, reading. I am the current treasurer and one of the coordinators of Liberation Larder.
Are you a member of a political party or an organised ‘ticket’? Yes
If yes, which party or who else is on your ticket?: The Greens
Brief description:
Young, energetic, passionate about social justice and local community, have a strong focus on customer service. I manage a restaurant as a paid job and volunteer in my spare time.
2 What has motivated you to stand?
Since moving to Byron, I have embraced being involved with the local community, both through paid and volunteer work. I am a firm believer in the four pillars of The Greens, particularly social equity and economic justice. I feel that becoming a councillor is the next logical step to extend my reach into the community.
3 What is your vision for the shire/LGA?
I would like to see tourism and local businesses promoted, while also tackling the homelessness and housing affordability issues.
4 In your opinion, how can council best balance the need for further
residential development with the need to preserve the local environment?
Forward thinking is really important with residential developments and they should always aim to be sustainable for now and the future to offset the environmental impact of the developments themselves.
Connecting with the local community to discuss development options is also very important as shire residents no doubt have lots of good ideas about preserving the environment.
5 What particular issues do you feel strongly about?
Homelessness/housing affordability, youth services, sustainability, waste management and marine conservation.
