07/10/2022
There was a request on Facebook for candidates to provide a short bio. So this is me!
âºWe've lived at the top of Crabtree for 18 years and manage our property as part-farm, partly for wildlife. I'm from a long line of farmworkers and we keep cows, goats and poultry, and try to manage the paddocks on regen agricultural principles. We lived in a caravan on our property for four years, with a small baby, while we self-built our house, so I understand the problems faced by young families. I publish wildlife footage on my TasWildlife social media channels (Tas Wildlife), and strongly feel we should cherish and promote our unique wildlife and scenery.
âºI studied law at university but went on to work in senior roles in business development and technology management. While in Tassie I was employed for two years at Hobart City Council but have mostly worked as a freelancer for small businesses, helping them win tenders and grants, and writing reports plus quality and WHS documentation.
âºWhile here I've taken part in many community activities. I campaigned for four years with the West Wellington Protection Group and wrote the Natural Values Assessment of the mountainous region between Crabtree, Judbury and Lachlan, which contributed to it becoming the Russell Ridge Conservation Area as part of the Forest Peace Deal. I later wrote a lengthy submission against the development of Jefferys Track through the conservation area, into a freight/ tourist road, arguing instead that the Plenty-Link road was a cheaper and more useful option for linking the valleys, particularly given the difficulties and community worries associated with the Jefferys Track route.
âºRecently I've worked with Circular Economy Huon on waste management and housing affordability, with a view to: helping HVC accelerate waste diversion and promote the use of waste streams as feedstock for small businesses in the Huon, and develop practical creative ways to assist people in housing stress. Recently, I wrote and won a grant on behalf of ourselves and 14 neighbours, to tackle noxious and invasive weeds on a landscape scale. I'm a long-time member of the Friends of Billy Browns Falls Wildcare Group that has developed leaflets, maintained the track and assisted PWS with installing a car-park, signage, seating and walker logbook.
âºMy motivation for running for council is because I've been dismayed at failures of governance, wasted money, inconsistent and ad-hoc decision-making, and the widening gap between council and community. I'm running as a Green because I believe in their values of honesty, equality and compassion, and also in the interests of transparency - other people running as 'independents' are in fact very much connected with other parties, but these affiliations are not made public. At a local govt level, endorsed Greens councillors are not expected to slavishly follow party policies, but rather to stick to our principles and vote with our conscience on the best way forward for our locality.
The issues that concern me most are:
âºFor council to consult meaningfully with community, govern openly and to draw on the expertise of residents in different sectors.
âºBuild durable roads that are also safe for cyclists, walkers and other road users, and open up new connecting tracks and walkways for people to better appreciate our amazing region.
âºLook after our most vulnerable and provide a future for youth.
âºCreate a vision for the Huon together with community, against which other projects and programs can be tested to ensure their relevance to our long-term goals.
âºProperly communicate planning issues such as what council can and cannot do as a statutory planning authority and what is expected of those wishing to submit a development application.
âºWe must ensure all those approaching council are treated equally and that the planning process is understandable and consistent, with a view to achieving just outcomes.
âºCouncil must work with all levels of govt and different agencies to find long-term sustainable models to retain healthcare services in Dover and Geeveston, and also to assist those in housing stress. Both of these are large challenges and require council and community to work together.
âºI also want to support local sustainable businesses, particularly in waste re-purposing, low-impact marine activities such as seaweed farming, food production, and tracks and trails tourism. Council can assist through promoting business, directories, networking hubs, negotiating for lower commercial rents, resource libraries and highlighting grant opportunities.
I'm a keen bushwalker, love doing crafts and listening to podcasts, am a real science nerd and try to follow my principles in all aspects of my life.
If you have any questions please message me via my candidate page: Jenny Cambers-Smith for Huon Valley Council or email me on [email protected]
