Blue Mountains election candidates are keen to be green. Showing a strong commitment to environmental issues, council’s new and existing candidates have given their unanimous support for no Coal Seam Gas in the Blue Mountains, no nuclear waste transportation and the retention of key environmental provisions in the current local environment plan.
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In a bid to gauge opinions of lead candidates, The Blue Mountains Conservation Society distributed a questionnaire relating to local environmental and conservation matters. Each candidate was also given the opportunity to provide a brief statement on their personal conservation values.
“We received overwhelming positive responses to the questions asked, with candidates indicating a very high level of support for environmental issues specific to the Blue Mountains,” said Tara Cameron from the society.
“As a city within a world heritage area it is crucial that we have the appropriate measures and provisions in place to preserve and protect our unique environment - to do this requires having a responsible and proactive local council.”
Questions posed ranged from natural area management to planning and development; from waste to tourism; the Western Sydney Airport to CSG.
One main point of difference among the candidates was the introduction into the Mountains of a new zone - SP3 (Special Purpose) Tourism - which is aimed at encouraging high-end intensive tourism development.
Liberals candidates in Wards 2, 3 and 4 all supported the introduction. Other candidates indicated opposition to the new zone or indicated they would seek advice of council staff.
“The Conservation Society is opposed to the introduction of the SP3 tourism zone,” Ms Cameron said. “Current intensive tourism sites are operating successfully under existing zonings and we believe the SP3 zone is not appropriate for the Mountains with its sensitive and fragile environment.”
“In areas where small scale tourism is currently occurring, such as the Blackheath Caravan Park, the society is strongly opposed to council’s recent proposition of moving forward on the process of applying the SP3 zone, including further public consultation.
Nearly all candidates strongly opposed the Western Sydney Airport including all the lead candidates in Ward 4. One independent candidate suggested efforts at opposing the airport would be better directed at lobbying for a high speed east coast rail link.
Views differed among candidates with regards to waste. The idea of introducing financial incentives to encourage residents to compost is not supported by any Liberal candidates and one Labor candidate. All candidates surveyed supported maintaining the existing budget for volunteer Bushcare groups.
“Reassuringly, all candidates have shown their support in maintaining the environmental provisions in the current LEP, which we are thrilled by,” Ms Cameron said.
Candidates responses can be viewed at the Blue Mountains Conservation Society’s dedicated election website: bmce16.info.