Mayor Regan, running for Wakehurst

Michael Regan is excited about what the community can achieve if he is elected as the Independent Member for Wakehurst at the State Election on 25 March. Having served as local Mayor for 14 years, he points to the many successes that he, the Council and the community have achieved together in that time.

“From creating accessible playgrounds to renovating surf clubs; investing in the arts, improving sporting facilities, protecting the environment and completing our iconic Narrabeen boardwalk, the list of community achievements is a long one” he says. “We saved ratepayers millions of dollars by installing solar panels and switching to 100% renewable power. This is good for the environment but also good for Council’s bottom line.”

Michael says all these achievements culminated in Council being awarded the prestigious A.R Bluett Award at the end of 2022 as the most progressive Council in all of NSW! Michael now wants to take that experience and local knowledge to the State level.

“Imagine what the community of Wakehurst can achieve together by having a strong, independent voice stand up for us in State Parliament.”

Michael says many of the big challenges facing Wakehurst aren’t based at a Council level but instead require State Government input and approvals. “In the next few years there are some big challenges facing the Wakehurst electorate. We already know the smart solutions exist. It just requires experience and commitment to get things done.”

Michael will be focussing on 6 key areas during the campaign:

Fixing the Bottlenecks: addressing significant traffic congestion and public transport
problems. He has put forward a plan to have a bypass built at the Officeworks intersection in Dee Why to alleviate congestion on Pittwater Road. Similarly, he wants to establish a community task force to review the privatisation of public transport systems.

Protect the Environment and create Vibrant Communities: Michael points to the fact that just before Christmas the Liberal Government approved the bulldozing of 45 football fields of bushland in Belrose to build 400 homes in a bushfire zone. “We need an independent voice to speak up against such massive overdevelopment that goes against the Government’s own processes. We need to protect our unique environment and ensure the planning for Frenchs Forest and Brookvale deliver vibrant urban centres with appropriate infrastructure and fantastic public facilities.”

Housing Affordability: provide better housing options for all, from downsizers to first home buyers to housing for our essential workers.

Lower Energy Bills: make rooftop solar power more affordable by offering $15,000 interest-free loans without a cap or postcode qualification and create community battery options for all.

Climate Protection: proper planning to protect our homes and community from inundation, flooding and bushfires.

Health and Education: fund and support our vital healthcare, NDIS, aged care and public education workers and support our mental health services.

Michael says his track record speaks for itself. “I have the experience and negotiating skills to work with all parties at every level of Government. As an independent, I will be guided only by my community. We deserve that strong independent voice to stand up for Wakehurst.”