Greens start council pre-selection

The Central Coast Greens have commenced pre-selection of candidates for the Council elections in September.

"We look forward to the restoration of democracy in our region, after this period of administration forced by the 'voluntary' merger of the former councils," said Central Coast Greens co-convenor Ms Cath Connor.

The Greens will be campaigning for a new Council that prioritises the development of a sustainable, healthy community for all.

Central Coast Greens candidates will be running on a platform of transparency and accountability, in order to start rebuilding trust between voters and the new Council.

Ms Connor said: "We call on all candidates for the upcoming election to show the electorate the respect it deserves and make clear in their candidate statements: any current or past membership of any political party; any current or past business links with senior council staff; any current or past relationships with other candidates or groups running in this election (for instance, donations to groups/parties, or acting as party agents for other candidates in past elections); any current or past business interests that might impact on decision making in Council.

"The Central Coast Greens also call on the Administrator to make arrangements for a referendum on the ward system to be held with the Council election.

"The three-member ward system that has been imposed on the region by the state government had no public consultation, in flagrant disregard for basic principles of democracy and community consultation.

"We are also discussing the Draft Community Plan, launched at the CEN Annual Forum.

"Members of the Central Coast Greens have been involved in the drafting of this plan, and we fully support the non-partisan, inclusive, community-based approach to drawing up this real reflection of the vision for the region that the local community has developed" she said.

SOURCE:

Media release, 28 May 2017

Kate da Costa, Central Coast Greens