In a continuing series, in the leadup to the 25 March election, we publish the answers we received from candidates on important questions. Word limits were set for the answers.

Most important aspect of our electorate you want to protect?

Dr Tonia Gray, The Greens

Protecting Kiama’s unique environment. The combination of mountains, valleys, farmlands, beaches and forests forms a beautiful landscape making Kiama special. It’s the reason most people choose to live here.

Saddleback Mountain supports the largest subtropical rainforest in southern NSW. Seven Mile Beach has rare vegetation, including Coomonderry Swamp which is the largest coastal freshwater wetland in NSW. Our well-watered volcanic soils support some of the most valuable farmlands in the state.

All this is threatened. Minnamurra and Seven Mile Beach are threatened by sand mining and our farmlands targeted for development. The Greens have always worked to protect these values.

Most important aspect of our electorate you want to protect?

Gareth Ward, Independent

It’s no accident that Kiama has been recognised as the best town in Australia not just because of its character and environment – but the warmth, generosity and inclusivity of its people.

The character and local environment of the Kiama Municipality is unique. I worked hard to ensure village character was recognised in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven Regional Plan.

The reason why so many tourists love visiting our area each year is because they are extremely jealous of what we have. It’s worth fighting to preserve and protect the unspoilt and unique character of our community because we love it.

Most important aspect of our electorate you want to protect?

Katelin McInnerney, Labor

Our people – first and foremost we need to make sure our schools and hospitals are back to being world class and that we can rely on our local roads to get home safely.

We need to make sure our region is properly supported, so communities either side of the Princes Highway aren’t left behind and our views are heard on the floor of the parliament.

I believe that if we work together, we can build a better future for our region and have the fresh start we deserve here in Kiama.