Vote 1 for the environment.
This is the message of the Oatley Flora and Fauna Conservation Society (OFF) for voters in the upcoming Georges River Council election campaign.
Society members and friends gathered on Monday to launch their involvement in the election campaign by taking part in a mass planting of the reserve near Oatley station.
Society president Graham Lalchere announced that OFF has decided to take an active part in the September council elections.
While the society won’t have any candidates standing for council, it will be holding candidates accountable.
“We won’t necessarily be advocating a vote for any particular candidate,” he said.
“What we are looking for are new candidates who will give the newly merged Georges River Council a fresh start.”
“We are seeking candidates who will support:
Council openness and good governance
Protection of open spaces like Myles Dunphy Reserve
Effective control of developers and development
Protection of trees on public and private land
Georges River water quality improvement projects and programs; and
Climate change policies that enhance liveability and sustainability at the local level.
“With this planting we are putting our money where our mouth is and leading the way to maintaining healthy parks and open space” Mr Lalchere said.
“So, what we will be asking the community to do is get to know who they are voting for. It really matters.
“First and foremost we want the council to be well-governed by ethical councillors who act honourably, fairly and solely in the public interest.
“Protection of our local environment underpins the health and well-being of the whole community.
“Councillors have a key role in ensuring our quality of life is maintained so look for those who will be putting these policies high on the agenda.”
To assist with this OFF will be raising awareness by canvassing the candidates’ opinions and positions on important local issues and publicising their responses.
OFF will be sending out a series of questions to candidates on environment and ethical issues.
The questions will be based on former judge Tony Fitzgerald’s six principles he recently sent out to Federal politicians questioning them on their attitudes to accountability, integrity, nepotism, deception and the spending of public money.
The society will be compiling the answers of the council candidates and circulating them among its members.
And with 300 plus members, the society’s influence could have some clout.
“We cannot afford to sit back and abdicate our responsibility when voting on September 9.
Show you care for our local environment. Ensure it is protected. Vote 1 for a fresh start” Mr Lalchere said.
