Save The Tarkine campaigner and Burnie local Scott Jordan will run as The Greens candidate for Braddon in the next state election.
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Conservation, education, tourism and government transparency were some of the issues Mr Jordan raised when his candidacy was announced on Tuesday.
Mr Jordan said the region needed to “move past the 1950s attitudes” of current politicians for Braddon to reach its potential.
“We have to move past the dig it up, quarry it, cut it down mentality. We’ve got a vibrant community here full of artists, craftspeople and entrepreneurial spirit that can do far more,” he said.
Braddon is currently held by four Liberal and one Labor party representative.
We really need to grasp and look to the future, not shackle ourselves to the 1950s.
- Scott Jordan
Tasmanian Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said Braddon was “one of the most environmentally significant parts of Tasmania” and it needed a strong Green voice in parliament.
“We believe that if you look after this area’s environment, a lot of the social and economic benefits will flow,” she said.
The Greens are aiming to win five seats at the next election.
Mr Jordan said the top five issues he will campaign for in the election are:
THE TARKINE
“We have an area there that is under threat, needs to be protected and provides such a strong future for this region."
EDUCATION
“We still have some of the lowest retention rates, we have some of the lowest tertiary education rates and if we want to grasp that future we need to get on top of education.”
HOUSING
“We’re not quite as far down that (housing unaffordability) road as they might be Melbourne and Sydney. We’ve got an opportunity to stop that now with a real investment in public housing and assistance for people in terms of rental affordability.”
PROTECTING COASTAL CROWN LAND
“Private development goes on private land. Public development for the public. It’s really simple.”
TRANSPARENCY
“You can't build an economy that encourages investment with a system that’s favours for mates and cutting corners. If you want people to invest in the area you need a robust planning system. You need and accountable government that's transparent.”