COMMUNITY groups across the region have united to have their voices heard in the upcoming federal election.
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The community alliance, Voices of New England, says it represents at least 15,000 voters in the electorate, based on the membership of its various groups.
Group spokeswoman Kirsten Grace says the alliance aims to make voters aware of each candidate’s policies on a number of key issues, such as water security, protecting agricultural land, education funding, renewable energy and the National Broadband Network.
“We need to base this election on the issues, not the candidates’ name or party,” Ms Grace said.
“The New England region is at a crossroads and this election will define our region’s future for decades to come.
“This is going to be a tightly contested race, so we feel it’s a great opportunity for the community to be heard.
“Too often they say ‘this is my policy’ – they should make their policies based on what the community wants.”
Liverpool Plains Youth, New England Climate Action Group, Sustainable Living Armidale, New England Energy Futures, NBN for New England, GetUp New England, Solar Citizens, Australian Youth Climate Coalition and Artesian Borewater Users’ Association are all part of the alliance.
“Our membership continues to grow as people become aware of the opportunity we have, and in sharing a united agenda, we can progress our message for tomorrow and the future of our region,” Ms Grace said.
Ms Grace said the group was apolitical and would represent each candidate equally.
“We won’t endorse any candidate,” she said.
Voices of New England will also seek to hold whoever is elected accountable to the promises they make during the election.
“We want to have our voices not only heard, but acted on,” Ms Grace said.
“Too often we see politicians get in and do something completely different to what they promised.”