Mrs Findley has been preselected to run as the Greens candidate for the seat of South Coast in the March 28 State Election.

After recently completing her teaching degree at the Shoalhaven campus of Wollongong University, Mrs Findley said she had her sights set on the election and would put her career on hold.

For nine years she has been juggling study, running a small business and her role on Shoalhaven City Council as well as raising two children and will graduate on Friday.

As the Greens’ representative, education, climate change, planning and retention of social services are high on her agenda.

“I want to make sure that the State Government’s planning strategy is right for here,” she said.

“We need to have a sensible plan for growth, while maintaining the character of our villages and protecting the bands of bush between the villages so we don’t become like Shellharbour.”

Mrs Findley said the socioeconomic climate of the south coast meant services, such as women’s shelters, needed to be retained and social services expanded.

“There have been massive cuts to community service budgets in an area where many people are struggling,” she said.

She said TAFE cuts, in areas like Ulladulla, were also in the spotlight.

“I believe TAFE services should be reinvigorated to offer more courses locally.”

Mrs Findley is running her third state campaign after standing in 2007 and again in 2011 where her primary vote increased from six to 10 per cent.