COMMUNITY who see this state
election as a once-in-a-generation opportunity will put Coffs Harbour on the
map for all the right reasons.
Local high school teacher Mr Jonathan
Cassell is the Greens candidate for Coffs Harbour and believes that the Great
Koala National Park proposal is our region’s future economic base, especially
for today’s young people.
Mr Cassell said, “Koala’s and
adventure based tourism will be a big drawcard for visitors to Coffs Harbour.
Its not at Byron Bay, its not down at Port Macquarie, its right here at Coffs
Harbour and we need to grab this opportunity at this election.”
“If Coffs Harbour is genuine
about rejuvenating our economy than the Great Koala National Park is it. Money
from tourism ventures like this are expected to seriously ease our unemployment
rates and drive public and private investment in development of such areas as
world-class mountain biking, hiking and eco-accommodation.”
“I am serious about empowering
Coffs Harbour’s youth and I have made a personal pledge that if elected I will
donate half of my salary to finding positive outcomes for young people. Over 3
years, that should be at least a $200,000 boost for our youth,” he said.
Mr Cassell also understands
climate change is a risk to future generations whose lives will be radically
affected by extreme heatwaves, storms, fires, droughts and water shortages.
“Climate change looks very
bad if we see what’s already occurring. We need to fast-track NSW’s renewable
energy transition, preserve our native forests that store carbon and support
the local agricultural industry to become resilient in the face of radically
unpredictable weather,” he said.
“I am committed to a healthy
world that meets the needs of all in our community. I will rejuvenate our
economy, help make our community fairer and stand with nature.”
Mr Justin Field, a NSW Greens
MLC, is in Coffs Harbour this week to support Mr Cassell’s candidacy and cannot
agree more with the need for a positive vision for Coffs Harbour.
Mr Field said, "We stand at a fork in road.
Action on climate challenge is urgent and is a priority for the Greens. There
are huge opportunities for this region is terms of new jobs in sustainable
agriculture and tourism from acting to protect nature, restoring forests and
creating a great Koala National Park, and moving to regenerative land
management. Action on climate change is win, win, win for the Coffs Community.”
"I know
that Jonathan has the passion and the energy to take these ideas forward as a
local representative and to be a genuine community voice in the NSW Parliament,” he said.
