I love the inner west. Our streets are full of wonderfully diverse architecture. Yes development is needed. But it must fit into the surroundings our community cherishes.
High density style developments, like Waterloo, completely transform our communities and erode away the very things that drew us to the inner west. We are a welcoming community but our services must grow along side our new neighbours. Placing more pressures on our already stretched infrastructure is not the way to go.

Here’s what I am thinking….

1. All developments must be accompanied by additions to public space, parks and active transport systems.
2. Increases to schools, childcare, health facilities and public transport must be factored in to cater for the population growth.
3. New architecture must compliment exisiting suburban landscapes and also add to the diversity that defines our inner west.
4. Let's set up a key position on council. A position responsible for setting strategic outcomes for future developments. We want to see "inner west friendly" proposals. Let's choose an individual with global town planning and architecture experience. Let's set the bar high.
5. Our planning controls are being stripped away by the State Govt. Let's start turning that around. Our council not only has an obligation to shape and contribute towards government policies but also to advocate publicly on behalf of our community when those policies are unfair and unjust.

I am passionate about keeping party politics out of our councils. They add no value and there’s simply no place for it. 

Councils are community forums where independent community minded representatives collectively formulate policies for the interest of the community.

Our council was forcibly amalgamated without our say. No councillor with the communities interest at heart would have voted to strip away our autonomy or put up such little resistance. 

I yearn for an independent thinking council where councillors debate over community issues, not espouse political rhetoric. 

We need to start ruffling a few feathers….

Let’s face it, politicians only sit up and listen when they fear for their jobs. And nothing instils fear in them as the possibility of loosing votes. Huge swings and independent candidates elected to our council sends strong messages. It's a very accurate poll, reflecting the mood of the community. And we all know how much they love their polls. Our community has the power to make a difference. 

Your vote on September 9 can start the avalanche…..