The Greens have announced Braidwood artist Catherine Moore as their candidate for the upcoming Monaro by-election.

Ms Moore, a long-time Greens member, said her campaign will focus on addressing a lack of affordable housing in Braidwood, Queanbeyan and Cooma; more funding for roads; and selecting a site for the new Bungendore High School.

It’s the fourth time Ms Moore has run for the state seat of Monaro for the Greens. The ex-Palerang councillor also stood for the federal seat of Eden-Monaro in 2010.

Despite admitting her chances of election on February 12 were “slim”, Ms Moore said she is encouraged by the recent election of Greens candidates to  local councils across the region.

“I’m really optimistic that the tide is turning, especially after the increase in the number of Greens elected to councils around NSW in December,” said Ms Moore.

“Queanbeyan-Monaro Greens member Katrina Willis headed the Greens’ ticket for Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council and received in excess of a quota, and John Castellari was re-elected to Snowy Monaro Regional Council…the number of progressive councillors has grown around the state.”

Ms Moore, from Charleys Forest near Braidwood, said her campaign would focus on the “important” issues overlooked by the Liberal Nationals government including funding for national parks and planning for climate change.

“The NSW Government has failed to address a number of pressing concerns and despite the short time-frame, I am looking forward to the opportunity to highlight them in the coming weeks,” Ms Moore said.