Newcastle deserves better than what its got: Greens

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Newcastle Greens candidates say the city deserves better than what it's got.

With local council elections just one month away, the Green's kick started their campaign yesterday with NSW Greens MP David Shoebridge alongside Greens voters and local Newcastle residents.

Lord Mayoral candidate Therese Doyle says it is particularly encouraging that state MP's like David Shoebridge stand up for Newcastle and what Newcastle deserves.

"They take a lot of heart from the fact that people like David Shoebridge stand up for their interest in the State Parliament because the State Government is not standing up for Newcastle's interests."

Therese Doyal has promised if she takes out the top job she'll involve the community in all decisions and ensure they are listened to by the state government. In particular, the debate over the Newcastle 500 Supercars race, which doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon, and Therese says she'll keep fighting against it for Newcastle residents and the community.

Mayoral Candidate Therese Doyle, NSW Greens
MP David Shoebridge & Council Candidate
Thomas Levick.

David Shoebridge said the current council is giving the city nothing they deserve and everything they don't want and has some fighting words for current Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes.

"The Lord Mayor here in Newcastle has really surrendered the city to the State Government, she hasn't stood up when it mattered on Supercars, she hasn't stood up when it mattered on protecting the corridor and we need the strength of Councillor Doyle and hopefully with the Lord Mayor chains around her, really making sure Newcastle stands up to the arrogance of the state government."

Therese Doyle was a little more diplomatic towards the current Lord Mayor.

"Ahh... I have a different vision I believe to Nuatali. I would like to see some of the money we are spending here on the Supercars even spent on other projects. I would like to see us engaging more actively with supporting cultural arts events."

"There have been Greens on this council standing up for this community and the environment for decades. This is a chance to elect an even bigger team, to have a stronger influence on council and to make sure the community are being heard, not just those developers and those private interests that are picking off our parks, picking off our heritage. It's time the community really got a good listen to," said David Shoebridge.

The fight against the Supercars event isn't slowing down.