Greens candidate Patchouli Paterson publicly supports retaining the market in a profile on the party website, and told The Age in was an important institution for Preston residents.
“I’ll be strongly advocating for its protection,” she said in a statement.
Greens candidate for Preston, Patchouli Paterson.Credit:The Greens
Greens leader Samantha Ratnam said the party wanted the market to remain where it was, with the addition of more open space and affordable housing.
Labor candidate Nathan Lambert, the party’s former assistant national secretary, has inherited a handsome 20 per cent margin from outgoing MP Robin Scott.
Loading
Lambert was not available to respond to questions by deadline.
Planning Minister Lizzie Blandthorn said: “We know how important Preston Market is to the community – so we’re making sure any development will ensure the market space is equal to or greater than it is now, and any changes won’t disturb its valued characteristics.”
The Liberal Party has endorsed Amanda Paliouras to contest the seat.
Greco believes the recent federal election proved voters will support independents, and argues local views on the market would be given more weight if the seat of Preston was marginal.
“I am not beholden to a political party machine or big corporate donors,” said Greco, a former Labor member who will take leave from Darebin Council once his nomination has been formally submitted.
He also contested the 2018 election, and received a modest 6.88 per cent of first preference votes. In the 2020 Darebin City Council election, he attracted almost 40 per cent of first preferences in the north-west ward.
Stakeholders are finalising submissions before the draft planning provisions go to a planning advisory committee next month.
The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.
