Wilderness Society stalwart Vica Bayley joins race for Tasmanian Upper House seat of Nelson

UPDATED: Another well-known face has entered the ever-expanding race for the Legislative Council seat of Nelson.

The election for the Upper House seat of Nelson is due to be held in May. Picture: ROB BLAKERS/AAP

WILDERNESS conservationist Vica Bayley says he will campaign for a better, fairer and more prosperous Tasmania in his bid to become an independent MLC for Nelson.

Mr Bayley will step away from managing The Wilderness Society while he campaigns for the southern seat held by retiring independent MLC Jim Wilkinson

The trained teacher and former property valuer said he would campaign on “day-to-day challenges” such as health, traffic congestion and education, but believed it was important to address trust in politics and climate change in order to make genuine progress.

“I’ve been an advocate for nature in Tasmania for the last 16 years and I’ve learned a lot, learned a lot of skills and achieved outcomes I’m proud of,” Mr Bayley said.

“The time’s right for me personally to seek another challenge and make a greater contribution.”

Veteran conservationist Vica Bayley has joined the race for the Upper House seat of Nelson. Picture: EDDIE SAFARIK

Mr Bayley has launched a survey on his campaign website aimed at learning about the issues important to Nelson voters.

The Legislative Council election will mark Mr Bayley’s first foray into politics. He said he had never been a member of a political party.

“I care about people, I care about poker machines, I care about health and education and other outcomes, and this is an opportunity for me to use the skills I’ve learned as an environmental advocate in a higher forum,” Mr Bayley said.

Civil Liberties Australia state head Richard Griggs, Green Deborah Brewer, cartoonist John “Polly” Farmer, Anglicare Social Research and Action Centre manager Meg Webb, former Labor MHA and lawyer Madeleine Ogilvie and former footballer and education manager Blair Brownless will also contest the seat. The election will be held in May.

Tom Allen will step into the state campaign manager role at The Wilderness Society in Mr Bayley’s absence.

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