Jonathan Cassell ran as the State Candidate in 2019 for the Coffs Harbour Greens promising to fight for the implementation of the Great Koala National Park. The ecotourism benefits for our Coffs Coast economy, Mr Cassell believed, would provide far more direct and indirect jobs than the forestry industry that costs the NSW taxpayer on average $11 million per year according an Australian Institute report. The establishment of the koala park would also secure the habitat of NSW largest koala hubs as recognised by the Office of Environment and Heritage in 2018. Mr Cassell, a school teacher, also commited to halving his $160, 000 MP salary and donating it the establish a Coffs Harbour Youth Strategy. While Mr Cassell didn’t succeed in his attempt for state office, he continues on as the Convener for the Coffs Harbour Greens to date.

The 2016 Local Election team for the Coffs Harbour Greens included incumbant Councillor Dr Sally Townley and candidates Craig Christie, Jonathan Cassell and Mark Graham. Our slogan for that election was ‘Coffs Harbour Deserves Better’ and our 6-point plan set out a path to make that a reality though:
    * No Secret Deals;
    * Sustainable Progress;
    * Local Infrastructure Prioritised;
    * Planning for the Community;
    * 100% Renewable Energy by 2030;
    * Protecting our Coast and Waterways. 

Dr Townley resigned on good terms from the Coffs Harbour Greens in 2018 to run as an independent in future elections.

 News of the launch can be found here!

Dr Sally Townley represented the Coffs Harbour Greens for the first time as a candidate. Her Mayoral ticket team included Mark Graham, Craig Christie and Aina Ranke. The strong representation of Greens in council was the priority for this election campaign and they adopted the slogan ‘The Team you can Trust’. The groundwork laid by Mark Graham over the previous 4 years was formative to the campaign with Mr Graham taking position of 2nd on the ticket to strategically aim for two candidates on Council. Dr Townley was successful in her attempt to become elected to Council but unfortunately Mr Graham fell short of the numbers needed for two councillors. A news story about the 2012 launch can be found here!

Ecologist Mark Graham was successful in 2008 as a Coffs Harbour Greens community representative in local council. Mr Graham worked tirelessly against an historically conservative and at times politically aggressive era in local government. Mr Graham made many significant gains particularly in defending our region against inappropriate development and environmental injustice. There were many difficult fights during his time on council but he also become the 2nd Councillor to have a child born during his time on Council. Mr Graham laid the foundation for the Coffs Harbour Greens high standing in our community. Image and a 2009 story is credited here!

Aina Ranke was a Greens activist and helped create our early local group in 2007. She went to many of the NSW Greens State Delegates Council meetings and organised an SDC to be held in Coffs Harbour. She also had a special relationship with the Gumbaynggirr People and making every effort to bridge environmental and social justice issues. Sadly Aina died in 2013 but her legacy for a kinder and environmentally healthy Australia continues with a growing enthusisam for Greens politics here in Coffs Harbour.