Mark Whalan, third on the GREENS ticket

Mark has grown up in Kiama and now lives in Gerroa. His experiences in local journalism and social media, gives him an astute awareness of the concerns of the local community. With a keen knowledge of local heritage and character, he sees preserving the best of the old with the best of the new is important as Kiama experiences the impacts of growth and change.

Mark has a strong commitment to environmental and social values, peace and non-violence, compassion and a strong regard for ethical behaviour and grassroots democracy. Mark's commitment is to seek the best quality result for local residents and to always seek to improve the quality of life in the Kiama LGA.

"The role of a local councillor is to listen to their community, and then ask the right questions that lead to the best possible result for local residents." he says. 

The GREENS candidates are very aware that the last council term was characterised by decisions that split the community and created disharmony within the council. Some in the community now feel distrust, with others left confused by processes that were clearly, not open and transparent.

The next term of Council requires a viable long term financial plan to be developed, achievement of the Performance Improvement Order tasks and commencement of the Growth and Housing Strategy.

For these programs to succeed, Councillors and staff must work together respectfully to avoid the internal division we have recently seen.

The community must also feel that it is trusted and heard throughout the change process.

The Growth and Housing Strategy has the potential to change the character of the whole area. The community needs confidence that the change ahead will not reduce local amenity and quality of life for existing residents.

Kiama Greens have a rich, thirty-year history of representation on Council, working to ensure that community values are part of all decision making.

Electing this team as councillors in September will continue that history of representation.

For further information, contact Melinda Lawton on 0403201968 or email the candidates via [email protected] or our website at https://kiamagreens.org.au