Independent Ballina Shire Councillor Jeff Johnson has announced his departure from local government, less than three weeks out from elections.
Cr Johnson started serving on the council sixteen years ago as a member of The Greens, and has represented Ballina’s B ward ever since.
He quit the party to run as an Independent for the state seat of Ballina in 2015 after losing a preselection party candidate vote.
Losing a party candidate preselection process before becoming an Independent is perhaps one of the few things Cr Johnson has in common with former Nationals member, Cr Sharon Cadwallader.
He ran against Cr Cadwallader, with the support of The Greens, for mayor in 2021 after Cr David Wright’s retirement.
Cr Cadwallader beat Cr Johnson for the top job but he won enough support to keep his council seat.
A Green Independent
As an Independent councillor, he continued to advocate for the environment, making an end to what he called ‘4WD tourism’ on Seven Mile Beach a priority and speaking in support of conservation zones.
He didn’t announce a mayoral campaign this year, with The Greens instead representing the progressive voice in the B Ward thanks to Cr Dicker’s decision to stand.
Work, family and travel on new agenda for Cr Johnson
In an emailed statement Monday morning, Cr Johnson said he and his partner planned to travel in the next couple of years before his older child starts high school.
‘While I am still highly motivated to represent the community on Council,’ Cr Johnson wrote, ‘I have decided not to stand for personal reasons’.
Cr Johnson referred to his two school-aged children, his ‘growing’ solar and electrical business, and to his elderly parents.
The outgoing councillor expressed gratitude for support received throughout his time in local government.
‘I’ve had the privilege to work with and meet so many community focused people over the years,’ Cr Johnson said, ‘and made a lot of friends and social connections along the way’.
‘I’m certainly looking forward to spending more time with my family and less late nights reading Council reports,’ he wrote.
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