About
Howard Nielsen is the co-owner and principal consultant of a company that helps improve businesses and communities through people development, leadership and sustainable practices.
He has a strong belief that our quality of life is improved when we have significant control over our lives and when we have our connections with work, family and nature in balance.
Howard's previous ‘lives’ include being a tertiary lecturer, school teacher and principal, environmental education consultant and school-community participation consultant. Howard was also Chief Executive of two leading consulting companies for twelve years.
During his 37 years in the Hills and Samford districts he has been involved in leadership roles with Patricks Road School P & C, Everton Aussie Rules Club, Ferny Grove Cricket Club, Pine Community School and Bunyaville Environmental Education Centre.
He is currently involved in leadership capacities with ViVa Samford, the Samford Solar Neighbourhood, the Samford Sustainability Hub and the Samford Green Business Precinct. He is also an active member of the Samford Chamber of Commerce and Life Member of the Samford Tennis Club.
He has graduate and postgraduate qualifications in teaching, education, sustainability and management. He has facilitated many major projects and has presented his ideas at five world conferences. At the same time he has consulted in grassroots activities in Australia and overseas.
Howard has been involved in junior sport as coach of tennis, cricket, soccer and Australian Rules football teams. He played tennis and Australian Rules football at state level in his youth and continues playing tennis at the Samford Tennis Club.
He and his wife Wendy live in the Samford Valley and have three adult children and four grandchildren.
Policies
Howard Nielsen believes in tackling real issues and in tapping the wisdom of people to implement practical strategies that will improve our own quality of life and that of generations to come.
Howard Nielsen’s Greenplan for the Ferny Grove electorate includes:
· Continuing to expand new bikewaysin the Ferny Grove and Samford areas to connect to public transport
· Supporting improved sport and recreation facilitiesand administrative support for sporting organisations
· Supporting school studentsthrough improved engagement with teachers and parents and better resourcing of school communities.
· Providing far more bike lockers at railway stationsin the electorate
· Ensuring the Samford Valley retains its “green lung” statuswhich benefits all in the electorate
· Improving public transportto enable better access by people to community facilities at a lower cost to the hip pocket and the environment
· Supporting the installation of solar panelsand the take up of renewable energyto fight climate change and reduce people’s power bills
· Improving the safety of dangerous road surfacesin the electorate
· Ensuring proper protection from bushfiresin the electorate
· Introducing a Neighbourhood-based Parenting Support Program- direct help for parents via traditional neighbourhood networks that respect old wisdoms, new parenting skills and the insights and confidence of new parents
· Supporting the move to establish the D’Aguilar Biospherewhich will protect naturasl habitat
· InitiatingSustainable Lifestyle projects- working with interest groups that are trying to introduce environmentally friendly, socially beneficial and economically viable ideas
· Setting up a Capacity of the People Project- regular neighbourhood conferences and electronic communications will be set up to connect people for the purpose of making better decisions in the electorate and in State Parliament
