NSW Election 2019: Meet the Coogee candidates
Want to know who is running for the seat of Coogee at the upcoming NSW election? Take a look at the Southern Courier’s list below.
The Southern Courier has compiled profiles for all the candidates vying for the seat of Coogee. Check them out below.
BRUCE NOTLEY-SMITH
LIBERAL
My family moved to Coogee in the 1920s, so I have always been passionate about caring for and protecting this special part of the world. I live with my partner of 28 years, Paul, and two spoilt rescue pussycats.
Political background:
Randwick councillor 2000-2012, deputy mayor 2004-2006 and full-time mayor 2007-2009. Elected Coogee MP in 2011 and 2015.
Top three priorities:
• Continue the major upgrades of our local schools.
• Complete the Eastern Sydney CBD Cycle Link and fight for a Sydney marine park.
• Increase transparency and accountability of council finances, guarantee protection of Moore Park and major upgrade of Bondi Junction station and interchange.
MARJORIE O’NEILL
LABOR
Marjorie is a fifth-generation eastern suburbs local. She works as a lecturer and holds a PhD in management economics. She is a Clovelly surf lifesaver and a women’s rugby coach at UNSW.
Political background:
Marjorie has a track record of standing up for the eastern suburbs both as a Waverley councillor and as a founding member of the Save Bronte community group.
Top three priorities:
• Education. Labor has committed to building a new co-ed public high school.
• Overdevelopment. We will we will ban spot rezoning.
• Climate change. We have a comprehensive plan to tackle climate change by banning single use plastic bags, and reach 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030.
LINDSAY SHUREY
The GREENS
Living with my architect husband, I’m a long-term resident and was involved for a long time with the local Precinct group.
Political background:
I’ve served my community as a Randwick councillor since 2012 and was the former mayor — the second female to hold the position in 158 years.
Top three priorities:
• Our planet is in serious danger of irreversible environmental damage. The time for action is now.
• The State Government should properly fund the remediation of sewage in stormwater on Coogee Beach.
• Restructure the urban planning process to stop developers ignoring height and density requirements at the expense of open space.
SIMON GARROD
ANIMAL JUSTICE PARTY
I work at UNSW as an IT specialist. I have teaching and counselling experience and worked as a senior software developer with a major US firm.
Political background:
I have been advocating for animal rights for over two years. Animal liberation is essential for human societies to evolve into more caring and equal communities.
Top three priorities:
• The marine parks need to be set up to protect these sensitive environments.
• The planning system needs to be depoliticised so the town planners can do their job without interference.
• I want to make Coogee a more caring, compassionate and healthier community by applying core values of kindness, equality, rationality and nonviolence to all political decisions.
JOSH TURNBULL
SHOOTERS FISHERS AND FARMERS
I am a local resident who put my hand up when this Government tried to lockout recreational fishermen in Sydney.
NO PHOTO PROVIDED
Political background:
Not provided.
Top three priorities:
For four years people have been inconvenienced and small businesses have been ruined by the Liberals’ botched light rail project to nowhere. Work commutes are even more complicated now, with bus services changed and people having to travel longer distances to work.
This government’s priorities are misplaced. This electorate needs sustainable development not over development. I want to represent Coogee and I will always consult and listen to you.
JOSEPH O’DONOGHUE
KEEP SYDNEY OPEN
I’m a Clovelly local and I love this part of Sydney. My grandfather grew up here. I work in digital marketing and run a political party. I’m also a freelance journo.
Political background:
Rather than sitting on boards or councils, we’ve built a political movement out of an activist group in less than one year.
Top three priorities:
• Turn back the nanny state culture that stifles our beautiful way of local life.
• Start-up and small business bolster: support innovative start-ups and small businesses in Coogee.
• Ensure all infrastructure projects have transparent businesses cases, for the benefit of my community.
LLUISA MURRAY
SUSTAINABLE AUSTRALIA
Lluisa Murray is a long-time Sydney resident with ties to her community working in allied health and beach-based activities.
She wants to help drive more enduring, quality of life focused policies for everyday Australians as well as future arrivals to the country. She is living with her parents and renting to save for a deposit on her first home.
Political background:
Lluisa became involved in politics due to a lack of long-term vision in the current government.
Top three priorities:
• A sustainable environment and population.
• Affordable housing for first home buyers and renters.
• Secure jobs via a more diverse economy.
CIARAN O’BRIEN
THE SMALL BUSINESS PARTY
I am 36, live in Camperdown with partner Lucinda and my five-year-old son Archer. Campaign director and chief of staff for my party whilst also studying a Doctor of Medicine with plans to hopefully become a paediatrician.
Political background:
I have been politically active since I could walk, and am passionate about democracy.
Top three priorities:
• Public transport: Now that we have this disastrous light rail, we should make the most of it and extend it to our beaches.
• Overdevelopment:
We need to put a halt on this and compulsory acquisitions.
• Sand, surf, and sun: We need to protect our beaches, support our surf clubs and allocate marine parks.
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