1 Candidate details
Name: Susan Stock
Council: Lismore
Town/city: Nimbin
Number of years in shire/LGA: 12
Current councillor? No
Clubs/sports/interests: NSW Rural Fire Service, assistant editor Nimbin GoodTimes newspaper, Nimbin Bowling Club, photography, gardening, selling preserves at local markets
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 NSW
Brief description: I am qualified in town planning and a geography teacher and librarian. I was a councillor in Sydney and appreciate the importance of listening to residents and assisting them with everyday issues where Council can make a difference.
2 What has motivated you to stand?
A number of issues and opportunities. It is important to stand strong against irresponsible mining practices like CSG to preserve farming land against damaging pollution; there are opportunities to create more sustainable jobs in renewable energy and tourism; and to represent the villages that surround Lismore City and the issues they face.
3 What is your vision for the shire/LGA?
I believe in the building of strong, diverse, creative and resilient communities where people feel connected and can meet current and future challenges like climate change and peak oil.
4 In your opinion, how can council best balance the need for further residential development with the need to preserve the local environment?
Community consultation and open and transparent decision making. I have strong doubts that Brad Hazzard’s new Planning green paper can protect our biodiversity, our unique natural environment and our farmland and it will take away planning decisions from Council and the local community. We have a responsibility to protect our koalas and other species. I support medium-density housing in a vibrant CBD.
5 What particular issues do you feel strongly about?
I am particularly concerned about protecting agricultural land and country communities from the threat of CSG mining. I want a long-term sustainable farming sector to provide food security for our region with a fair marketplace for their produce. I would like to see a greater emphasis on public transport between the coast and Lismore. We need our train. Greater recognition and respect for Aboriginal members of the community. Greater support for regional organisations of councils, not amalgamation.
