Article-Chronicle Presents the Nelson Candidates

Kingborough Chronicle | 13 May 2025: pg 18.

Meet the Candidates: 2025 Tasmanian Legislative Council election – Division of Nelson

Contribution by Meg Webb, Independent Candidate for Nelson.

   1. Can you introduce yourself and explain why you are running for Legislative Council?

As the current independent member for Nelson, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with constituents and local community organisations either advocating on their behalf or supporting their efforts.

I intend to continue building on my strong track record of holding the government to account, and walking the talk on integrity and accountability.

I have seen firsthand how important it is to stand up for pokies reform, political donations reform, the need to tackle fish farms, child safety and human rights, for example.

I will continue to stand up on these matters.

As the House of Review scrutinising the government of the day, I believe it is essential for the community that the state’s upper house remains independent.

As an independent I put the community interest first, every time – I am not dictated to by a party or captured by vested interests.

   2. If elected, what are your top three priorities for the division of Nelson?

MODERN INFRASTRUCTURE

At the time I welcomed the announcement the new AFL high-performance centre would join the JackJumpers’ training centre at the Kingborough Sports Precinct – wonderful examples of modern infrastructure to benefit our expanding community in the southern end of Nelson.

We must still address accessible and affordable housing, fit-for-purpose education facilities, traffic issues on the Southern Outlet, including improved public transport, as well as prioritise a new ferry terminal location.

PLANNING

Protecting our planning rights and the right for community voices to be heard is a key priority.

There is a concerning push by the State Government to erode community planning protections and rights, such as the latest version of the anti-democratic Development Assessment Panels (DAPs) Bill.

Our robust planning system is further undermined by moves such as the abandoning of the PoSS assessment process for the controversial and unaffordable Mac Point Stadium.

SOCIAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND CLIMATE JUSTICE

Climate justice recognises climate change poses social challenges as well as environmental.

Climate justice in Nelson should drive accessible and energy-affordable housing and other public buildings, electrification of our private and public transport systems, food and water security and other initiatives to ensure the vulnerable in our community are not disproportionately affected by impacts of climate change.

We also must plan ahead for future generations.

For example, many within the fishing community are contacting me appalled at the detrimental impact fish farms are having on our waterways and fisheries – the marine life of their youth is no longer there for their grandchildren to experience.

   3. How will you listen to and act on the concerns of local residents?

I welcome the range of matters raised with me either by people contacting me or dropping into my Kingston office.

People sharing their views, expertise and lived experience contribute when I’m forming my views on matters before the Parliament.

Currently, I utilise all options available to pursue matters flagged with me, including raising them directly with ministers, departments and councils. I also ask questions in Parliament, bring matters on for debate to pursue action and seek to amend legislation to address stakeholder concerns, to mention a few examples.

Attending community meetings, working bees and AGMs are other fantastic ways of keeping my finger on the local pulse!

View below Meg’s contribution in the Kingborough Chronicle, pg 18, or here:

Note: Due to Electoral Act 2004 restrictions on publishing other candidates’ names and images we are only reproducing the excerpt containing Meg’s contribution.  To see the entire feature as published, please visit the Kingborough Chronicle website here

See more of Meg in the media.