Dr Greg Clancy is a Master of Science, he’s also a PhD and the deputy mayor of Clarence Valley Council. Cr Clancy is contesting the seat of Clarence for the Greens.
What is your big number one issue that you’re looking at going into this election?
It is the issue of climate change and species extinction and the impacts of them on local communities.
What is your background – what did you study or train for? What skills do you bring to this?
I was originally a clerk/administrative officer in the NSW public service (TAFE, Planning, NSW Public Service Board) and completed a Personnel Administration Certificate at TAFE. I completed a Bachelor of Science at Macquarie University, and a Master of Science and a PhD at the University of New England. I worked for forty years as an ecological consultant, NPWS ranger and a wildlife tour guide. I also did a little TAFE teaching. I bring a great variety of skills to this position.
What is your current job?
I am a retired ecologist/ranger and am presently deputy mayor of Clarence Valley Council.
Why is it important to you that you’re in Parliament?
It is important because I am a scientist and politicians generally don’t listen to the science. In addition I have personal skills that allow me to communicate with the community and to fight for them on important issues.
Looking at New South Wales Parliament at the moment what is the thing that frustrates you the most?
The lack of moral and ethical behaviour of some politicians and their general lack of concern for the environment and the community. There are good examples of exceptions to this though.
Do you support building on floodplains?
NO – I am working with other Clarence Valley Councillors to address the real issue of fill and development on the West Yamba floodplain. I am hoping that the areas not already approved for development will be rezoned to rural and conservation.
How would you address the issue of legacy floodplain approvals (developments that have been approved but not yet built, that are on floodplains)?
Land that has approval for a development but hasn’t had any work commenced can be rezoned from residential without compensation being involved according to legal advice received by Clarence Valley Council recently. I would support rezoning the land to conservation where appropriate or rural where ecological values have been lost.
Do you consider that the current NSW government’s Short Term Rental Accommodation laws (STRA) has contributed to the current housing crisis and would you advocate for local councils to regain control over STRA?
Yes I do consider that STRA has contributed to the current housing crisis. Homes are for the community not short-term holiday letting. We’ll resource Councils to regulate the number of short-term rental dwellings to ensure the availability and affordability of housing for local and long-term residents.
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