2021-12-05
The Greens have strongly increased our number of local Councillors across NSW, rising from 56 in the 2017 elections to at least 67 on current counting. This is a statewide increase in councillors of almost 20%. This number is likely to grow as the counting progresses.
Importantly Greens broke new ground with Councillors elected on new councils growing the statewide representation of elected Greens. This includes Councillors on Yass, Wagga Wagga, Bayside, Burwood, City of Sydney, The Hills, Lane Cove, Mid Coast, Kempsey, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Ballina and Brewarrina.
The Greens vote also grew significantly on strong traditional Greens councils including the Inner West, Waverley and Randwick. On current counting the Greens have outpolled Labor in the Inner West with at least five Councillors elected and are looking to have a record four Councillors on Randwick Council.
One of the state-wide highlights is the Greens strongly leading the counting for the popularly elected Mayor of Shoalhaven in the face of a huge conservative campaign from former Christian Democrats member of Parliament Paul Green. The Greens Amanda Findley is leading that race with over a third of all primary votes.
The Greens are looking to send a record three Councillors to Kiama which is matched by at least three Greens for neighbouring Shoalhaven Council.
In Hornsby Emma Heyde received a 43% primary vote against sitting Mayor and Former Liberal Minister Phillip Ruddock which is a swing to the Greens of 24.5%. Emma is one of a record three Greens elected to Hornsby.
We also pay tribute to the Mayor of Glen Innes, Carol Sparks, who had the courage at the time to call out the 2019/20 bushfires as being the result of climate change. She has been returned to Glen Innes Council with the highest vote of any candidate.
Greens MP and Local Government Spokesperson David Shoebridge said: “This is a vote of confidence in the Greens and a strong call for action on climate and fairness.
“Communities trust Greens Councillors to stand up for the environment and the local community against developers and greedy corporations seeking to exploit their neighbourhood. This vote reflects that trust is growing.
“The Greens don't take corporate donations and which means this was a people powered campaign.
“It’s a big thanks to all of our members and supporters who volunteered their time to take our message of integrity, community consultation and climate action and renewable energy to residents across NSW,” Mr Shoebridge said.