Greens pick Courtney Gardner for Lara

THE Victorian Greens have preselected Dr Courtney Gardner to be their candidate in Lara for the next month’s state election.

Dr Gardner works as a GP in Geelong’s northern suburbs and is keen to do more to improve the lives of local residents.

Seeing people struggle to afford housing and to access basic services such as healthcare and public transportation prompted her to run as a Greens candidate.

Dr Gardner is also concerned about the local environment, especially the proposed floating gas terminals in Corio Bay and Port Philip Bay, which she says involve risks to local residents’ health as well as to the local and global environment at a critical time to be addressing climate change.

Dr Gardner attended Deakin Medical School and completed her initial medical training at Barwon Health.

Before becoming a doctor, she studied public health and worked in international development.

The candidate said if she was elected, she would work with integrity for the improvement of the lives of the people and the environment of Lara.

“In my role I hear directly from community members about the serious challenges they are facing. Too many of these issues are not being addressed sufficiently by the government.

“We urgently need to address the rising cost of living, lack of sufficient local public transport, improve housing affordability, and take immediate action to stop the impact of the climate crisis.

“I will stand strongly against the proposed floating gas terminals in Corio Bay and Port Philip Bay, as they have the potential for enormous impact on residents and our precious coastal waters.”

Lara is presently held by Labor’s John Eren, who is retiring at this election.

Following the redistribution of electoral boundaries late last year, Labor is estimated to hold the seat, on a two-party preferred basis, by more than 19 per cent.