DEAR News Of The Area,

I READ the article in your last issue about Nambucca Valley Mayoral candidate Susan Jenvey.

I have known Ms Jenvey for quite some time now and thought that it might be useful to point out some history that people may not know about her since she is a hard worker and not prone to ‘blowing her own trumpet’ regarding her ongoing commitment and contributions to our community.

One thing that comes to mind is Sue’s long term concern about the impact of blueberry farming as a form of intensive horticulture.

Some years ago, Ms Jenvey participated in a forum in Coffs Harbour with Coffs Councillor Sally Townley where the future of blueberry farming was discussed.

The meeting was well attended and generally agreed that some form of oversight or regulation was necessary to ensure that the industry was sustainable and that it did not impact on existing residents and agriculture.

When Bellingen Council attempted to introduce some planning regulation of blueberry farming, Sue consulted with their Council and warned many locals here of the need for this action.

This initiative by Bellingen Council was quashed by the previous State Government citing the “right to farm” mantra.

Now, faced with the same concerns in Nambucca Valley, our Council is attempting to introduce an LEP to ensure that blueberries don’t impact on our existing residents and agriculture. Hopefully the current State Government will listen to Sue’s advocacy for our local community and support this important initiative.

Ms Jenvey has also been a long-term advocate for the Great Koala National Park and the current Government commitment to its establishment is in no small part down to Sue’s acknowledged advocacy for more than a decade in the community and within the Labor Party.

She is now part of the advisory process to make this a reality.

Then there is her work on the Nambucca Heads Library upgrade and Arts Mid North Coast, valuable work to improve the quality of life for many citizens in our area.

It is my opinion that Sue would make an excellent choice as a good and experienced Mayor for our local community and the Nambucca Valley.

Yours faithfully,
Stuart HOLMES,
Nambucca Heads.