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…..

My family arrived in Australia with me in tow in the 60’s. Dad and Mum headed off to factories shortly after. They would remain there until retirement.

We lived on Palace St Petersham and I rode the red rattler to Ashfield Boys. Later we moved out Liverpool way.

I left school, did an apprenticeship and worked in the motor trade a few years. The careers advisor said it was the thing to do - if you liked cars.

 I was drawn to music in my teens and ended up playing in bands. It was the 80’s, the music scene was buzzing and there were heaps of pubs about the inner city. Sadly most of them now closed. We released a single, a video and made the independent charts. Looking to repeat that on Sept. 9.

I settled down got married, a mortgage and two kids. For the next 10 years, I worked in community services providing advocacy for people with disabilities and managing childcare programs.

I coached junior football (that's sock-ah to the “uninitiated”), climbing through the ranks to coach NSW State sides. We won 3 championships - c'mon you blues.

I studied and re-trained in Information Technology and have remained in that field ever since. Today I’m a consultant providing IT services to both the public and private sector.

I was lucky enough to return to the inner west 6 years ago. I love its diversity, its vibrancy and that it's ok to have purple and green hair, if you want. “My time”, is spent between coffee at Cornersmith, plays at the New Theatre and foreign film festivals at Palace on Norton.

I love the place to bits and every bit about the place.

So when my community was threatened I stepped forward. Council amalgamations got me started. Toll roads, over development and the gradual and unrelenting erosion of our democratic rights got me hooked. The sprinkling of disingenuous politicians just strengthen my resolve to make a difference.

I reached out to community groups and asked if I could help. I became an advocate. I’ve spoken at council, I’ve spoken in town halls, I’ve spoken at rallies and even in the NSW Senate.  

I’m local and boy am I vocal.

Going once, going twice, sold for $3,300....
That's how much council accepted for a 200 sq mtr block of land at Reg Coady Reserve.

So I thought I'd check whether council left a few zeros of the price?