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Byron Shire
March 28, 2024

Extract the local member, not the water

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Gwyn Hooper, Uki.

The recent implosion of the Liberal Party has all but guaranteed a change of government at the next election.

This has resulted in the seat of Richmond to be less critical in the removal of the ‘muppet show’.

Labor should easily win the election with or without this seat.

It thus gives environmentally concerned voters a lot of power over the sitting member.

If every concerned environmentalist preferenced her last then she will not be re-elected!

This may result in a National Party member for the next three years.

It’s my belief that this would not be so bad. Short term pain for long term gain!

It would highlight the contempt that she has shown to environmental issues, having the opinion that ‘who else could you vote for’ smugness.

The feeling in the Tweed Valley over the Labor councillor’s vote for water extraction has galvanised opinion to follow this course.

Preference last is the way to go. Enough is enough.

Vote against the water extraction or not get re-elected!

No brainer for me.

How much does she need her seat?

 


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10 COMMENTS

  1. This is the sort of thinking that got the UK the Brexit it didn’t want and the US Donald Trump. Putting in the National Party candidate would do exactly what for the environment?

      • You would think so, Len, but I listened to many who voted to leave say, when interviewed, they were really just registering an anti establishment protest voice. They thought it was such a stupid idea to leave they didn’t believe anyone else would vote for this outcome. Hence my reference to it.

    • Thanks for the reply Liz.
      Think you miss the point of my argument. You ask what a National Party member would do for the environment? It’s my view that if they did anything it would be an improvement. I would not like to see that happen but the main problem with Australian Politics is the disconnect between the Politicians and their electorate. Their first priority is to their Party. Secondly to keep their snouts in the trough, thirdly to do enough to stay there. Sadly the community they represent comes last. Ms Elliot is dependent on Green preferences to be elected. I have friends in the Green Party and they are continually frustrated by her attitude. Smile to them ‘understand’ and do nothing! The scenario in Canberra at the moment points to a comfortable Labor majority at the next election. Preferencing her last will show all Politicians that they have to listen to their electorates or face the consequences. The fact that she was kicked out would also ensure that the Richmond electorate would become a pork barrel hotspot during a Labor Govt. They would do anything to get it back. Maybe even listening to the electorate! The total disregard of the community regarding water extraction in the Tweed Valley resulting in a financial windfall for an ex Labor Minister is disgusting.
      There is still time for her to get the Labor Councillor to vote against this but don’t hold your breathe. I should state that I belong to no political party and never will.

      • I think I did get your argument Gwyn and share much of your frustration but I think trying to manipulate and outsmart the system with second guessing is fraught with danger. One of the problems with modern government is the extreme knee jerk swings from election to election that scare both major parties from responsible long term policy. The best way to get a Labor party emboldened to follow its historic principles is to give it some confidence it has the chance of staying around for a while.

  2. I feel completely let down by Labor’s two-faced tactics and want them replaced by the Greens. Labor and the LNP have accepted enormous donations from fossil fuel companies and foreign investors. https://www.marketforces.org.au/politicaldonations/

    My family is disgusted that Labor skirts around the Adani issue, saying ‘we won’t support it if it doesn’t stack up environmentally or economically’. The Adani mine fails on both counts. The only hope of stopping the Adani mine is if Labor withdraws support for it.

    During the last federal election Labor MPJustine Elliot said she had adopted a fossil fuel-free position. Is Justine just paying us lip service to sure up votes or is she there to seriously tackle climate change? Justine should stand by her principles and announce that she will resign from the Labor Party unless they withdraw support for the Adani mine.

    Tweed Labor Councillor Reece Byrnes has voted with the conservatives in favour of water mining at Uki. Previously Labor backflipped allowing a men’s shed to be constructed at the Black Rocks sports field even though leading koala expert Dr Steve Phillips’ opinion was that it was highly likely to cause a significant impact on endangered koalas.

    It’s not too late Justine, resign from the Labor Party. Reece, withdraw your support for water mining at Uki. Or you will both be replaced.

  3. Justine Elliot has merely been a face on her weekly full page ad in the local papers. She has cowered away from any requests for action on any environmental issue, she hides when approached about Adani, koala protection and water mining. Elliot’s employee, Cr Reece Byrnes happens to be mates with the Uki water mining DA applicant Jack Hallam (ex Labor Agriculture Minister) and votes in favor of this application. A conflict of interest you may well ask. Elliot is only in her seat because of Greens preferences. Next election she will be replaced, her husband Craig most certainly wont have any success and of course the Councillor Byrnes will also be gone. Good bye Labor.

    • Andrew
      Thanks for joining in on this issue.
      The water mining issue will be the reason that Craig Elliot will not get elected.
      The feeling is so strong in the community , and with optional preferential voting nobody I know will vote for him and will definately not preference him.
      Labor really on the nose just because of looking after their mates.
      Community first is where it’s at.
      Gwyn

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