Meet independent candidate for Wollongong Lord Mayor, Suzanne de Vive

Self-employed author, student and Corrimal resident Suzanne de Vive will take her first independent foray into politics at this month’s Wollongong City Council election.

Suzanne holds a Diploma in Town Planning and is studying a Bachelor of Arts with a major in community planning.

In the past Suzanne has stood for the Sustainable Australia Party at local government and federal elections.

“I’ve had a long-time interest in politics,” she said.

“I went back to work part-time at NRMA when I went back to study, and listening to the community and seeing what was happening in the environment made me think I should get into politics.”

Her main policy platform is opposition to the offshore wind farm proposal for the Illawarra coast.

Suzanne said she was first motivated to write a book outlining an alternative approach to green energy, such as increased residential rooftop solar, because she felt frustrated that politicians would not take her ideas on board.

“I never thought the wind farms would eventuate because we’re the sunniest continent on the planet,” she said.

“When it became a reality I became quite concerned. I started spamming politicians, but nobody took any notice so I thought I’d write a book.

“To my knowledge no politicians bought it so I thought I’d better get in the game.”

Although the wind farm is a Federal Government proposal, Suzanne said the position of Lord Mayor would give her a voice.

“I wouldn’t be the only Lord Mayor who is not happy with this, and I’d like to form a coalition of Lord Mayors from wind farm areas and see what we can do there,” she said.

“We really have to mitigate climate change, we can’t delay and we can’t keep abusing nature.”

Suzanne is also keen to work with the business community to see how the council can help to support local businesses.

“As a business person with my corporate background doing executive and business coaching and having worked in retail, I have an understanding of shopping strips and the issues they face,” she said.

“I would like to work with business community and organise a monthly meeting where we can sort out what issues there are and how the council can help.

“I’m sure if we all come together as a business community we can find solutions.”

Suzanne moved to Wollongong from the Sutherland Shire almost 20 years ago to pursue further study.

In her spare time she is part of a choir, enjoys going to the gym at the University of Wollongong campus and taking walks in the region’s beautiful environment.

She is also part of a mindfulness community, and described herself as an avid reader.

“I just love it here,” she said.

“Every morning when I go outside I have a beautiful view of the escarmpent, and I’m part of a wonderful community.”

Suzanne said a strength of the current council was its commitment to park maintenance.