With its attention fixed firmly on environmental sustainability, the Granite Belt Sustainable Action Network sent a survey to all mayoral and councillor candidates for the coming local government elections at Southern Downs and has now released the responses.
The survey was undertaken to gauge interest and support for a variety of sustainable development initiatives. All mayoral candidates responded, although Mayor Pennisi chose to make his own commentary rather than completing the individual questions of the survey.
Responses from councillor candidates sat at 50 per cent.
GBSAN president Rick Humphries said the survey covered a range of possible future initiatives and investments that could assist economic development, protect the region’s natural assets and put downward pressure on rates.
“The survey focussed on key issues including diverting waste from landfill, household chemical waste disposal, recycling education, funding bush care positions, improved and strategic cat management, water security and renewable energy,” he said.
“We believe it’s essential that the next council increases its level of ambition and innovation in regards to new ideas, technologies and creative policies.
“Our survey was designed to get some insight into whether the candidates are willing to embrace new opportunities. The good news is that the majority of respondents are up for the challenge.”
He said that it would be valuable for people to read individual responses on the GBSAN website because even where some of the initiatives weren’t supported, candidates made useful suggestions.
“Of some concern is the poor response from some councillor candidates – including incumbents. While the last council adopted the SDRC Environmental Sustainability Strategy, the ambition and delivery has been modest. It is clear there is work to be done to get the next council to lift the bar,” he said.
He cited the sustainable development projects of councils such as Goondiwindi (with a green hydrogen plant linked to their new sewage treatment plant) and Toowoomba (with methane captured from their capped landfill.
“These big projects will really pay dividends for the ratepayers in the future,” said Mr Humphries.
“Our council needs to focus on partnering with the Federal and State Governments for project funding to support environmentally sustainable outcomes.
Councillor candidates who responded to the survey were Sarah Deane, Cameron Gow, Morwenna Harslett, Kelvin Johnston, Marika McNichol, Joel Richters, Brett Tunbridge and Sheryl Windle.
Mayoral and councillor andidates’ detailed responses can be read on the GBSAN website at www.gbsan.org.au/sdrc-election. To make it easier for voters to assess candidates on environmental and sustainability issues, GBSAN has released a colour-coded quick guide showing how respondents answered the questions.
