The role of a councillor is to be a fierce, unstoppable advocate for residents, businesses and a watchdog for the common good in our local area. A representative of voters. A good decision-maker armed with evidence, facts and clear principles. With courage when faced by the weight of a bureaucracy top-heavy with managers or when faced by a difficult State Government or its agencies.
That’s why I believe it’s important to elect Councillors whose first allegiance is to their residents, not a political party. And Councillors grounded in community values. Councillors are responsible for our city, its services and decisions.
If elected I’ll be answerable about the basic services that everyone expects: street cleaning, drainage, footpath maintenance, noise abatement, fair parking and traffic management. And for the specific commitments I’ve made in this campaign.
Local government should be the most open, the most participatory, the most sensitive to community opinion of all levels of government.
Our Council used to be bold, controversial, and progressive – and delivered good value for the rate dollars we invest in it. It was listened to at all levels. But over recent years it has lost both its community touch and the interest and allegiance of residents. It is the responsibility of Councillors to restore these things. They set the tone.
The lesson of the last four years is that we need clear-eyed local leaders ready to fight for the schools, childcare, transport and recreation needs of a community facing unprecedented population and density pressures. Prepared to fight for better outcomes for the St Kilda Junction, Triangle and Fishermans Bend precincts; for better mix of retail and culture (including Live Music) in our shopping streets. And willing to challenge a model of rampant skyscraper development that is undermining our city.
I am standing for Council with 25 years of advocacy and activism in our community – from documenting our 20th century architecture (1991-92) through to saving the Espy hotel (1997-2003); standing firm for better outcomes on the foreshore including the Sea Baths (1997-2001) and Triangle (2000+) sites; leading the debate on the future of Fishermans Bend (2013+); and this year calling out Council for its lack of action on Fitzroy Street and Brookes Jetty… I have been there.
My approach is grounded in a deep appreciation of what it is to live in a community, not a bubble of ego or party politics. My campaign is supported by dozens of hard working volunteers right across Lake Ward – not expensive direct mail outs or celebrity events.
I hope that you agree with me that with greater resolve and boldness our Council – and this community can achieve so much more. As your local councillor I will bring a vision for the future to this city. I will be a driver of policy reform, a watch-dog guarding the things we value, and your “designated reader” for the mountain of council issues we need to keep on top of. These are the roles of a true community councilor.
We can be an engine room of innovation, sustainability and social justice. Let’s do it.