What are people on the street asking Lismore candidates?

We asked the candidates for the seat of Lismore this question:

On your election campaign what are the main issues people are expressing? Is this what you expected or a surprise? Pick one of the issues to give feedback on.

We did not receive a response from Alex Rubin: Nationals, Allen Crossthwaite: Independent,  James McKenzie: Independent, Matthew Bertalli: Shooters, Fishers, Farmers or Vanessa Rosayro: Animal Justice Party.

Below are answers from Ross Honniball: Sustainable Australia Party, Adam Guise: Greens and Janelle Saffin: Labor.

Adam Guise, Greens

Since the devastating flooding and landslips across the region, people are expressing their frustration with the slow recovery and lack of transparency from the Reconstruction Corporation.

Coupled with the escalating cost of living and housing crisis, people are saying they’re sick of a government that privileges the big end of town while leaving our communities to struggle.

This is no surprise and is a result of government policies which have pork barrelled their own electorates, looked after their mates and failed to address the climate emergency.

This can’t continue. We need to transform the usual way of doing things. No longer can we rely on the free market and a hands-off government to deliver the equitable outcomes we need. Affordable land and housing are essential to our collective wellbeing and futures. The Greens have the policies and vision that care for people and the planet.

Janelle Saffin, Labor

The housing crisis, worsened by last year’s floods; roads; health; education and care for our natural environment, are among many issues.

I have secured from NSW Labor a $30-million commitment for a Build-to-Rent pilot program for Lismore, Murwillumbah, Tweed Heads and Ballina.

Landcom will be tasked with delivering the extra rental stock, identifying existing surplus government land and working with local councils on potential sites.

I want to see this program extended to Kyogle LGA.

A Minns Labor Government will deliver $5 million to Resilient Lismore, in partnership with Reece Foundation, for their Two Rooms and a Bathroom rollout to 250 flood-impacted homes as well as restoring essential plumbing to at least 100 homes.

Ross Honniball, Sustainable Australia Party

The issues people are expressing are that we need to protect our environment, stop overdevelopment and stop corruption. Australia has a unique natural environment which is the foundation upon all of our wellbeing and prosperity is built. We need to better protect, manage and restore (where possible) this so that it can be enjoyed by future generations.