The local Greens are claiming the status of being the "opposition party" on Randwick Council.

Greens MLC Sylvia Hale recently launched the Randwick-Botany Greens 2004 Council election campaign at the contentious Dudley Corner site in Maroubra Junction.

They chose the Dudley site to highlight their concern for preserving heritage significant buildings in the Randwick City Council area.

Ms Hale lead a battle last year to force the withdrawal of a Government bill intended to give itself sweeping powers to alter Council boundaries and election procedures.

Present with Ms Hale were the Greens candidates for North, East, West and Central Wards. They were:

• North Ward, Margaret Woodsmith, a retired businesswoman from the retail industry;

• East Ward, Murray Matson, an eight year veteran sitting Randwick Councillor;

• West Ward, Bradley Hughes, an information technology expert and light rail enthusiast; and

• Central Ward, Clare Raffan, an elected official of the United Services Union (USU) and a qualified arborist and landscape technician.

Councillor Matson expects a "ground swell" of support for the Greens in the elections because of the party's recognised role as the present "opposition" on the Council. He elaborated,

"Myself and Cr Greenwood have placed all Council motions on the Internet at www.randwickbotanygreens.org.au, showing our position on many issues including, inappropriate development, heritage items, street trees, recycling, backpackers, parking, poker machines, hotel drinking hours and the closure of public schools.

Many times we provided the only alternative voice on contentious matters such as the Bundock Street redevelopment, the Clovelly bowling club, excessive building heights at Maroubra and Coogee beaches, the Ritz Cinema, and Orica's contamination."

Central Ward candidate Ms Raffan was recently rebuffed by the ALP controlled Council when she spoke in favour of seeking Memorandums of Understanding with the NSW Labor Council.

She said this week,

"My union supported the Greens motion and I was amazed when it was voted down by ALP Mayor Dominic Sullivan. The Labor Mayor of Randwick really let the union movement down.

I am also very concerned that many development proposals such as at the Maroubra Bay Hotel site don't numerically comply with Councils building restrictions."

Mr Hughes wants a light rail system to cope with the increased building densities now allowed in the Kensington and Kingsford areas of West Ward. He said this week,

"Labor's push to increase the population density in West Ward must be matched by a strong Council endorsement for light rail. The Labor Councillors should be pushing the Government into action on a comprehensive eastern suburbs light rail system but aren't.

Again on transport issues, I am also doubtful that Council has adequately resolved the issue of traffic flows through the Kensington residential areas."

North Ward candidate Ms Woodsmith is critical of the Liberal and Labor parties acceptance of financial donations from business interests.

"The Greens don't share the Liberal and Labor party's view that it is OK for politicians to directly or indirectly benefit from donations from the development and liquor industry."

Saving large street trees in North, West and East wards will be a big issue for the Greens. Mr Woodsmith elaborated,

"Murray, Bradley and I are keen to draw on Clare Raffan's arborist credentials to find a way to save many of Councils large so called "problem" street trees from removal."