Another macadamia nut farmer from the coast – along with Nationals candidate Austin Curtin – has thrown his hat in the ring for selection as the Lismore electorate’s state member of parliament.
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Independent Greg Bennett has spent the last seven years immersed in local government politics as a Lismore City councillor, but this is his first tilt at a state seat.
“I couldn’t see anyone I would vote for,” he said was his motivation to enter the race.
“I think this is the election to do it.”
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He doesn’t see his lack of party affiliation as a drawback, predicting that minor parties and independents will hold the balance of power in the next state government. He has already been in talks with them to match ideologies.
Although he polled well with Lismore voters in the last local government elections he’s an unknown quantity to the western end of the electorate, but he’s taking steps to correct that with several expeditions already under his belt.
He has caught up with local business owners to hear their concerns, and plans to go door-to-door to introduce himself to voters on his next visit.
“Tenterfield people so far have been friendly,” he said.
Before establishing his macadamia nut farm 23 years ago – since certified organic and now a major supplier – the former policeman’s background includes construction and financial planning. At one time he had an import business distributing education products, and regularly travelled to the Tenterfield district visiting schools.
Mudgee-born, he said he feels more comfortable here than in Lismore.
Zoning regulations which impinge on property owners’ rights to conduct their business are a particular target of his, at both local and state government levels.
He supports the local feedback he has received that Tenterfield should transfer to the Northern NSW Health District.
“We’ve just upgrade the (Lismore Base) hospital,” he said.
“It makes sense. It’s closer.
“Just about everyone I spoke to wanted that.”
Funding for roads is a priority, with Mr Bennett citing his many battles on Lismore City Council for resources to be focused on core services.
He said he has no delusions that he has a battle ahead of him to win the seat but will be giving it his best shot. At this stage he is not recommending how those voting for him should allocate their preferences.
“It’s their choice,” he said.
