Meet a Council Candidate – Tanya Cullen (Greens)

How long have you lived in Yass Valley?
I’ve lived in Yass Valley for about 10 years now, having moved here to take up a job in the region. After moving around NSW over the years, Binalong is now my home and it’s hard to think of leaving the area.

What do you like about living here?
Apart from the seasonal changes in the landscape that always grab my attention, I like the community spirit that you find everywhere in Yass Valley. People acknowledge you and are happy to have a chat and share their time and stories. Over the last few years, I’ve had more time to get involved with community and volunteer groups, and I’ve been struck by the real desire that local people have for improving Yass Valley.

Why did you decide to run for Council?
I spent over 20 years in councils as a town planner and heritage consultant, working with a wide range of communities and interests. I understand the way councils work, the difficulties they have in balancing competing priorities and the ways they can work better with their communities. Even resource-challenged rural councils can lead their communities to positive social and environmental outcomes and I’d love to be part of doing that for Yass Valley.

What would you like to achieve on Council?
I’d love Council to lead in helping people to take their own practical, environmental action on reducing, re-using and recycling waste. We also need young people to have a stronger say in Yass Valley’s future and I’d like to see sensible and flexible ways to make that happen. And, while it’s not an ‘exciting’ topic, my experience has shown me that good governance, and open and transparent communication is the best way to build community trust and ownership in a sustainable future.

• Topics:

• Elections
• Local Council