GREENS - Hilary van Haren
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I am a lawyer, mother and community volunteer with a commitment to social justice and sustainability. I grew up on the Central Coast and am grateful to be able to raise my own family here.
After leaving a career in state public service, I now work alongside individuals, not-for-profits and grassroots organisations to make sure governments and politicians deliver for the community.
The Greens is the only party that will ban new coal and gas, stand up for renters, provide free transport and TAFE, and keep big business, the mining industry and the gambling lobby out of NSW politics.
I'm proud to present the Greens policies to the Peninsula community - with your help we can let the major parties know we expect more.
ANSWERS TO RESIDENT QUESTIONS
Council Administration
The Greens have been vocal on the failure of the bungled amalgamation of Gosford and Wyong Councils and the extraordinary lack of democracy on the Central Coast. We support Local Government elections and a public vote on de-amalgamation before the end of 2023.
Representation, Ward Boundaries and Governance
The Greens have always advocated for genuine local democracy, where residents have a real say in the issues that affect them in their neighbourhoods.
The Central Coast Greens favour abolishing the ward system to allow residents to elect representatives for the entire area and encourage councillors to cooperate across the wide range of issues in our region.
This was recommended in the original 2016 Boundary Commission report, which also recommended retaining 15 councillors. The proposal for nine councillors would risk the region having the least representative government in the country.
We see this as the best way to reduce the impact of party politics on council, and ensure representatives govern for the whole community.
In terms of the performance of Council, we consider the issues have arisen predominantly as a result of the Liberal Government's amalgamation debacle, which had limited community involvement and short-changed the region.
While operational matters will need to be considered, our priority is to reinstate democratically elected local government as soon as possible.
Meaningful and Enforceable Planning Laws
I have worked extensively in law reform, and firmly believe that laws should be clear, unambiguous, and provide certainty for those impacted.
This is the same for local government strategy and policy.
The Greens will continue to make submissions on local issues, regardless of the outcome of the State election, and I will gladly provide Council or the administrator with input on drafting.
The enforceability of the Development Control Plan should be considered in the context of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
However, the Greens' preference is for a full review of the Local Environment Plan, to make sure development approaches are planned, clear, consulted, and meet community expectations.
Liveable Neighbourhoods
The Greens want to see vibrant and sustainable communities, by increasing public transport, and improving infrastructure to create "walkable, rideable" neighbourhoods.
We will fund Council to plant urban shade trees, to reduce the impact of climate-induced heatwaves and bring down the heat island effect.
We will also invest in arts, music and culture, to support the organisations and events that bring together the diverse communities across the Peninsula.
Housing Diversity
We are in the midst of a housing crisis, and the Greens commit to a massive investment in social and affordable housing.
At the same time, we recognise that good housing needs to be planned and delivered sensitively and in a way that benefits communities.
Townhouses and other medium density projects form part of a diverse housing mix and meet the needs of some members of the community.
However, these should not be developed at the expense of public green spaces, significant shade trees and critical habitat.
Community and Youth Engagement
The Greens agree that community engagement is central to a thriving democracy.
We want to see a return to town hall meetings, greater opportunities to participate early in policy development, and a robust network of community advisory groups.
In particular, we recognise that young people are disengaged from politics, as a result of both major parties looking after the interests of older, wealthier voters.
Our policies recognise that young people want politicians to prioritise their future, by reforming the rental market, providing free TAFE and transport, and making huge investments in social and affordable housing.
Most importantly we will ban new coal and gas and end fossil fuels by 2030, to give young people confidence they will inherit a planet they can live on.
SOURCE:
Media statement, 17 Mar 2023
Hilary van Haren, Greens