Hi, I'm Paul Gibson.
I'm an architect, builder, and Huon Valley Councillor – and I'm proud to be standing as the Greens candidate for Mayor of Huon Valley Council.
The Huon is a stunningly beautiful place with amazing communities, and I want the role of Mayor to drive a real vision for its future. That means planning strategically for population growth, proactively preparing for bushfires, and encouraging food production and small business – work that goes beyond balancing services and rates, and requires genuine community participation and someone with the energy and communication skills to spearhead it.
I've been in small business, architecture and sustainable building for thirty years, and I've always prioritised volunteering alongside that work. I'm a key member of Cygnet Cares, and was behind Oura Oura House, the Cygnet Cycle Festival, the Cygnet Lantern Parade, and the Cygnet Primary P&F. I also authored the proposal for Palawa Lugganah – a camino-style multi-use trail from Huonville to Cockle Creek, overnighting in Franklin, Geeveston, Dover and Southport, designed to boost small business in hospitality and beyond. We were runners-up in the Next Iconic Walk competition.
Since 2018 I've been representing Huon Valley communities on Council. I stood up against a corrupted process and played a key role in forming our council into the respectful, progressive organisation it is today. I believe politics works best when it is grounded in listening, facts, and democratic decision-making.
I'm deeply committed to caring for the character of the Huon Valley. For our safety it is critical that we plan for a changing climate, and I will work across the Huon to build stronger, safer communities.
Hope to see you on the campaign trail,
Paul
