A survey of local government candidates in the Clarence Valley has rated Janet Purcell, Ian Tiley, Pat Comben, Maurie Maher and Grace Clague as having the greenest credentials, with Mark Kingsley and Ian Dinham as close runners up.
The survey, carried out by the combined conservation groups of the Clarence Valley (including the Clarence Valley Conservation Coalition, Clarence Environment Centre, Clarence Valley Branch of the National Parks Association and Valley Watch), asked candidates for their views about environmental planning, waste management, sustainability, transport and protection of the Clarence's biodiversity.
According to the CVCC secretary, Leonie Blain, all of the 21 candidates responded. "We are very happy with the level of response received, with answers to the survey questions from 19 of the candidates. We extend our thanks to all candidates that took the time to provide these responses.
"It was disappointing that Terry Flanagan and Jim Simmons declined to address the survey, providing only general comments which could not be rated," she said.
The survey was mostly asked for yes or no responses to a range of questions, but most candidates took advantage of the opportunity to provide sometimes detailed comments as well as these simple answers.
"These comments revealed an interesting range of attitudes to environmental issues, as well as a range of levels of awareness – both of council's role in relation to the environment and of the environment itself," Ms Blain said.
All candidates indicated opposition to further loss of the Clarence River's water to other communities.
"Curiously, Ian Tiley indicated opposition to the reporting of the daily amount of water extracted from the Nymboida River by the Regional Water Scheme, which the conservation groups believe is necessary for open and transparent accountability of the Scheme's performance, especially once the Shannon Creek Dam is constructed."
On the issue of planning for climate change and development, most candidates indicated that sea level rise, storm surges and increased flooding should be a major constraint in considering development proposals on floodplain and coastal lands. Only Kurt Kristoffersen was undecided on this issue, claiming that climate change is a natural phenomenon.
"This was one of several poor responses from Mr Kristoffersen," said Ms Blain. "He generally showed a low awareness of planning issues and did not even respond to the question on sustainability. In relation to planning to minimise future conflicts between urban residents and flying-fox camps, he stated that flyingfoxes were not even native animals. This must be news to the eucalypt forests of our region which rely on flying-foxes for their pollination."
"Sustainability is enshrined in the legislation of local government. Over the past term of council, Ian Tiley has demonstrated the leadership role that Clarence Valley Council can take with regard to improving our sustainability. A solid understanding of what it means is a must-have for our councillors. However only a few candidates demonstrated this. Very good responses were provided by Pat Comben and Janet Purcell, with good responses from Grace Clague, Maurie Maher, Mark Kingsley, Karen Toms and Ian Dinham."
The candidates' responses to the questionnaire are on display for public scrutiny at the Clarence Environment Centre, 29 Skinner St, South Grafton.
Contact: Leonie Blain 02 6642 7640
