The local government elections will be held on Saturday, September 14 and the calendar leading up to that day is full of days to remember – including the pre-poll voting period opening on September 7, and postal vote applications closing on Monday, September 9 at 5pm.
The big day is less than two weeks away and in the interests of helping voters make informed choices, The Echo asked Lismore Mayoral Candidates* several questions on a variety of issues.
Candidates were emailed the questions and asked to have their responses returned within seven days. The answers from the candidates who responded are here in full, and are published in the order they arrived.
The current mayor, Steve Krieg, was sent the initial email and two reminders to two email addresses. The Echo is still waiting for his responses and will publish them when they arrive.
What do you love about the Lismore region?
Vanessa Ekins The Australian Greens
I first visited the northern rivers region riding my motorbike on weekend adventures from Brisbane. I fell in love with the beautiful hills and valleys, rainforests and farmlands of this country and moved here when I finished my degree. While I still love the fecund nature of this place, it’s the strong sense of community that keeps me here.
Harper Dalton-Earls and the Lismore Labor Team
I love the resilience and community spirit in Lismore. There’s a deep sense of connection here – people are always ready to lend a hand, whether it’s during times of crisis or everyday life. The natural beauty of the Northern Rivers, from its rainforests to its rivers, is something I’ve cherished my whole life, and it’s a privilege to call this place home.
John Jenkins
The lifestyle, the people, the diversity, the environment, and the opportunities it offers for leisure, recreation and sport. Lismore is unique!
Why are you putting your hand up for Lismore Council?
Vanessa Ekins
Council is in desperate need of strong community focussed leadership, particularly as we plan our future with a changing climate. Councils core role is the provision of services that make a place liveable. I want to ensure services such as waste and water and access to sports fields and facilities are affordable and that housing is adequate and meets our needs.
Harper Dalton-Earls
I am running for council because Lismore needs strong, empathetic leadership, especially as we continue to recover and rebuild from the devastating floods of 2022. I have witnessed the gaps in our flood response and infrastructure firsthand, and I am determined to fight for a safer, more resilient future where residents and businesses can have confidence. I want to ensure that decisions made at the council level are focused on the long-term well-being of our communities, businesses, and our natural environment.
John Jenkins
I have a strong commitment to my local communities.
I wish to serve and support and advocate for the Lismore City Council electorate.
What relevant skills or experience do you bring to the position?
Vanessa Ekins
I have 20 years experience as a City Councillor and former Mayor with a demonstrated work ethic, extensive networks, long history of volunteering and I am keen to listen.
As a high school science teacher with a Diploma in Auslan, I value life long learning and working with others to achieve shared outcomes.
Harper Dalton-Earls
I bring a wealth of experience in social work, including trauma-informed care, drug and alcohol recovery, and flood recovery. I’ve spent years helping individuals and families navigate crises and rebuild their lives.
Additionally, I have extensive experience advocating for policy changes that prioritise community safety and well-being.
My background gives me the tools for effective leadership and the ability to approach complex problems with empathy and a focus on pragmatic solutions.
John Jenkins
I have formal qualifications, experience, skills and capabilities required, including: Approximately 15 years of successful experience in governance; a commitment to good governance; an ability to lead and support others; excellent listening, analytical and communication skills; a commitment to cultural diversity and inclusiveness; a commitment to decision-making that is based on evidence and consultation, and a willingness to engage with and research new and innovative ideas.
What is your position on the Dunoon Dam?
Vanessa Ekins
It is well documented that the scientists and engineers agree Dunoon Dam is ineffective, prohibitively expensive and unviable.
The region needs a diversity of water sources and well funded demand management programs, not another dam!
Harper Dalton-Earls
I oppose the Dunoon Dam project due to its profound cultural and environmental impacts. The dam threatens the destruction of Aboriginal cultural heritage and vital biodiversity in the region.
Furthermore, the dam cannot effectively serve both flood mitigation and water security—flood mitigation requires the dam to be mostly empty. In contrast, water security demands that it remains mostly full, which could lead to devastating impacts to Lismore in times of flooding and severe weather events.
Further, The Far North Coast Regional Water Strategy, adopted in June 2023, highlights that the Toonumbar Dam is currently under-utilised, making this project even less necessary than many realise.
Instead, we should prioritise sustainable water management strategies that protect our environment and cultural heritage, ensuring we explore all viable solutions for the best long-term outcome.
John Jenkins
I will need to learn more about this issue. I do not have all the information necessary to state a position.
How would you address the local housing crisis?
Vanessa Ekins
We need masterplanned medium density housing between Lismore and Ballina. This is a major investment opportunity and will provide key worker and affordable housing not only for Lismore but could service the coast as well.
We know that over 60 per cent of homes are lived in by just one or two people so we need to build appropriate dwellings.
Harper Dalton-Earls
Addressing the housing crisis in Lismore requires strong leadership and a coordinated approach at the council level.
We need a council that can effectively advocate for the community and work together to ensure the state government implements a well-structured buyback and relocation program.
The lack of strong leadership and a cohesive council has led to a haphazard and inconsistent approach to buybacks, no coordination and a patchwork of houses left and brought back.
We need a council that can clearly direct the state government without any agenda other than for the betterment of the community, especially those in the highest-risk areas of the floodplain.
I will fight for more affordable housing developments and work closely with state and federal governments to secure the necessary funding for housing initiatives. But beyond that, we need a council that is united and focused on solutions – one that can advocate with one united voice to ensure that these programs are executed efficiently and fairly.
Safe, affordable housing is a basic necessity, and it’s time for the council to step up and lead with clarity and purpose to address the needs of our community.
John Jenkins
There has been a housing crisis for years. It has been greatly exacerbated by the floods of 2022. More concern needs to be shown for those who are homeless and those who are wanting to relocate after the floods.
Housing has been a massive policy failure of governments; one for too long needing answers and responses. We need more diverse housing, more affordable housing, more medium density housing in the towns and regions.
Realistically, Lismore cannot afford to slip back to past practice as time passes after the recent flood. We must acknowledge past risk and policy failures and develop clear and longer term strategic direction.
In addition, over time, we will need to ensure housing and various industries are not located in areas of high risk.
Until research and sound information and advice is presented and suggests otherwise, it appears a staged retreat from high risk flood areas, including the CBD, will be the best medium to long term answer.
How do you feel the flood response is travelling? what would you add/change?
Vanessa Ekins
The flood response has been painfully slow while a whole new bureaucracy was created. What we need is a new flood free suburb with the hundred year old rainforest timber flood liable homes relocated together. Under my leadership as Mayor, Council adopted an Affordable Housing Strategy that needs to be implemented and any upzoned land contributes to providing affordable homes.
Harper Dalton-Earls
The flood response has been slow and frustrating for many residents. While some progress has been made, we still need comprehensive plans for future flood mitigation and recovery. Currently, we are being left behind every other council in this area.
I would push for more transparent communication from all levels of government and advocate for a stronger focus on flood prevention infrastructure, such as better drainage and land use planning.
Additionally, I would strongly advocate that buyback and relocation programs be managed more effectively, equitably, and coordinated in their approach.
John Jenkins
The flood response has been far too slow. Many people are doing wonderful advocacy, but bureaucracy and slow state and federal government responses are hurting.
Again, until research and sound information and advice is presented and suggests otherwise, it appears a staged retreat from high risk flood areas, including the CBD, will be the best medium to long term answer.
Do you think there is a role for local councillors beyond roads, rates and rubbish? If so, what is it?
Vanessa Ekins
Yes the role of Councillors is to work with the community to identify needs and services and then come together as a Council and identify a Strategy and implement this vision.
This means getting out and about, turning up, listening to people, liaising with Council staff and debating ideas in the Council Chamber. Activities sadly lacking during this Council term.
Harper Dalton-Earls
Absolutely. Local councillors should be advocates for the broader community, working on issues that affect the environment, social justice, and community well-being. It’s about listening to the community and acting on concerns around climate change, housing, and public health.
Councillors have the power to influence policy on a wide range of issues, and I believe we need to be using that influence for the greater good.
John Jenkins
Yes. There must be.
Local councils have direct and indirect roles in areas such as infrastructure provision and maintenance, land use planning, environmental management, open space planning and management, public health and safety, encouraging local economic development, destination branding, and arts and cultural development.
What do you have to offer small business?
Vanessa Ekins
Small business depends on regular custom. I shop local and visit the CBD daily.
Council purchases from local businesses however the decision to privatise the waste collection service stripped $1Million from our local economy. The trucks, tyres, fuel and mechanics were all provided by local small businesses.
I will ensure local businesses get access to Councils $200 million budget.
Harper Dalton-Earls
Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and I’m committed to supporting them through practical measures such as improving infrastructure, reducing unnecessary red tape, and creating a more business-friendly environment.
I’ll also work to ensure that local businesses are part of the recovery process and included in the conversation regarding Lismore’s future.
Looking at opportunities to encourage businesses to be flood-adaptive and ways to reduce the time their operations are interrupted.
John Jenkins
An open and inquisitive mind on strategies to help small business prosper.
Where do you stand on the climate crisis and the risks it brings for Lismore and the region?
Vanessa Ekins
Scientists say our rain events will be more intense due to the heating atmosphere. This means major flood events that we cannot mitigate against.
My view is we need to move the 2,000 homes that are subject to extreme and high risk of inundation out of the floodplain.
I also believe the CBD has a future as a gathering and social space. As a community we need to be flood ready so Lismore can thrive.
This region has a can do attitude and a long history as a place where thousands of people gathered for ceremony, feasting, lore and learning, all things we do today and will continue to do.
Harper Dalton-Earls
The changing climate proposes significant challenges to all governments of the day, and we know that Lismore is on the front lines of this impact with the increased rainfall and severe weather events due to a warmer atmosphere.
We must take immediate action to mitigate risks by pursuing multifaceted approaches to floodplain management.
Lismore is one of the most flood-prone postcodes in Australia. I’ll push for climate adaptation measures that include flood-proofing, nature-based solutions, and engineering approaches.
We also desperately need to see well-considered town planning and fast-tracked development to address the housing crisis and our future growth.
Lismore must be a leader in adapting to a changing climate so we are not left behind, a victim of its consequences.
John Jenkins
Climate change is a historical fact and it is being exacerbated by human actions. The risks are evident for all to see.
What will be important in the future is that we actually address those risks and not perpetuate the same policy and planning responses in years to come.
Who do you see as your allies and who do you see as your opponents? Why?
Vanessa Ekins
We all want outcomes for our community, the way to achieve them and the energy we put in are the differences.
This is why community focussed decision making is so important and strong and experienced leadership that can pull the Council together with a clear vision.
Harper Dalton-Earls
The premise of allies and opponents is not helpful for our community. What we need is collaboration and unity.
Everyone should be working together to prioritise the community’s long-term health, because when the community thrives, businesses thrive, and vice versa.
My focus is on finding common ground and bringing people together to work towards the greater good and betterment of our beautiful city and surrounding villages.
John Jenkins
Everyone is an ally, and I don’t consider anyone an opponent. We are all trying to do the best for LCC.
What do you regard as the biggest challenges for Lismore, going forward?
Vanessa Ekins
The first challenge is the cost of living. I will prioritise making Council services efficient and affordable and ensure Council Jobs by Council Workers.
The second is affordable housing for key workers and flood-affected families. Relocating homes from the floodplain makes sense and Council has planned flood-free land for 4,000 houses. I am keen to see medium-density units built between Lismore and Ballina, this is a major investment opportunity and will provide affordable key worker housing for the whole region.
The third is flood preparedness. With scientists and engineers telling us rain events are getting bigger, we need evacuation plans in place for the CBD and the homes likely to get wet in a major flood.
I will continue to lobby the Reconstruction Authority to expand the buyback, relocate vulnerable people out of the floodplain and raise flood-liable houses.
I also think the CBD has an important future as an economic hub and social gathering space and I will continue to support CBD businesses.
Harper Dalton-Earls
The biggest challenges for Lismore are recovering from the floods while also preparing for the future. This includes rebuilding our infrastructure, addressing the housing crisis, and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
We also face challenges in ensuring that our local economy can grow sustainably and support the needs of all residents, not just a select few.
John Jenkins
1 The risks of disaster and devastation relating to floods.
2 Homelessness and housing.
3 A fully functional and collaborative Council that provides strong leadership, and that works collaboratively and fulfils its responsibilities to more effectively support the community and achieve strategic priorities.
What is your biggest priority for Lismore in the next four years?
Vanessa Ekins
In four years I expect Lismore to have affordable medium density key worker housing built and accommodating our reconstruction workers and service workers for Lismore businesses and also businesses in Ballina and Byron Bay.
Our historical rainforest timber homes relocated to flood free land in Goonellabah. Our roads and sewer infrastructure rebuilt and our CBD thriving. Our villages with adequate services and community facilities.
Thousands of trees planted in the upper catchment to make our rivers healthy again. Exciting and safe spaces for our growing number of young families, the Olympic standard skate park and a youth hub in Goonellabah.
I have so much hope in my heart for this place.
Harper Dalton-Earls
My main priority is to build a resilient Lismore that is prepared for the future. This means fighting for better flood mitigation infrastructure, ensuring that housing is safe and affordable, and making sure that our waste services are transparent and serve the needs of the community.
I want to see Lismore thriving, not just surviving. We need a vision for Lismore and people willing to work together on practical solutions that involve and consider everyone.
John Jenkins
Fulfilling the responsibilities of a member of the Council to the best of my ability.
* Except Mr Big Rob. On December 1, 2021, Mr Rob formally requested that ‘no-one from your publication ever approach me or contact me again by any means for any reason.’
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
