On the first Saturday in December, your vote will determine our local council leadership.
Four years ago, I was tasked with setting up a firm foundation for the amalgamated Northern Beaches Council. Residents often ask me whether I believe it’s been successful. Personally, I believe it has.
Huge debts have been reduced, infrastructure renewed, surf clubs upgraded, hundreds of kilometres of footpaths improved, idyllic ocean pools made safer and cleaner. We’ve provided new skate parks, while protecting more of our environment and creating increased precious open space. All this while surviving a global pandemic, meaning we’re now able to proceed into the future full of hope and, I would argue, stronger than ever.
When I first ran for Warringah Council in 2008, I’d been working at Manly Council in town planning and customer service. I saw the dysfunction of the sacked council and the lack of community trust in their representatives. It was imperative the new council coming out of administration comprised a fresh, independent and robust team of councillors. I put my hand up for the Mayoral role and was humbled (and surprised!) when elected leader, but I worked incredibly hard to bring the old Warringah Council back up to scratch, focused on getting the basics right. From 2008 to 2016 I asked the community to trust us to deliver. And we did, finishing 2016 ranked one of Australia’s highest performing Councils, winning the prestigious
A R Bluett Award.
In 2017, I took the same approach with the newly amalgamated Council. We’ve focused on the basics and can now see the results: Record $125mio investment back into our infrastructure this year (more than 3 previous Councils combined); Annual $29mio savings from the merger, allowing us to pay down huge debts of the previous Council and take the pressure off rates; we created 1 waste contract (we had 3 different services, 2 contracts) increasing service levels and saving money for every single ratepayer; Residential rates reductions for 76% of households last year; Some of NSW’s lowest business rates; Rates rebates to residents during COVID; Absorbed a $46mio hit to the budget during COVID so as to directly support residents, local businesses, and NSW Health; Created Library 2U service (no other Australian Council did this); Maintained regular contact with over 9,000 vulnerable community residents; Kept beaches and green spaces open; Created overnight parking changes to support local cafes and restaurants.
This council is extremely focused on balancing the books and safeguarding our beautiful natural environment. We have saved millions of dollars by buying 100% renewable energy. We have some of the country’s largest solar instalments, such as the system we put in at Andrew Boy Charlton Pool. As a Council, we’re confident of reaching net zero emissions by 2030, and will do everything possible to help our community reach this milestone too.
Huge achievements have been made since 2017, but there is plenty more to do. Our business community need certainty as they recover from the unprecedented crisis. Environmentally, we are increasing our budget allocation for tree canopies, green spaces, native corridor protection, community batteries, a food waste and soft plastic collection service. The Frenchs Forest region needs a strong, uncompromised voice as the State Government begins rolling out their plans there.
On 4 December I need you to find Your Northern Beaches Independent Team above the line and put a 1 in the box. Make your voice heard! And please, help my team and I provide the independent leadership that has proved itself so effective.
Visit www.yournorthernbeaches.com.au to see our policies and vision for the future and to meet the amazing team of locals that are running with me as independents on council.