Why I'm standing for the Greens in Ward 4 Newcastle

I moved to Newcastle in 1985 to study medicine and after working as a doctor in general practice and hospitals, am currently a tutor in Newcastle University's Medical Faculty.

I am deeply concerned about the impact of climate change on the city and the health of its population. As a mother of three school-age children, I am committed to youth issues and health-care for children and adolescents, including mental health facilities and support services.

If elected, I will strongly advocate energy conservation and responsible management of resources by the council, so that our city can better cope with transition to energy efficiency and sustainability for the future.

In Ward 4 I recognise the importance of flood management and oppose any further housing development in flood prone areas. Adequate infrastructure such as footpaths, bus shelters and parking, must be provided and maintained.

I will support all efforts to protect existing natural habitats, such as the Hexham swamps, from inappropriately placed developments. I will work for improvement of street tree plantings and park maintenance, including more shaded play areas.

Council decisions directly affect our communities and are the local link between people and political processes. The Greens do politics differently founded on the principles of grassroots democracy, social and economic justice, peace and non-violence, and ecological sustainability.