It is an honour to represent the community in East Ward and The Hills Shire Council as a Local Councillor.
It is great news that the Waves Pool upgrade is on the agenda and planning is underway with further community consultation to be held. I have engaged the community regarding this matter, I have listened to concerns raised and have received queries about the upgrade. I look forward to further engaging with the community and providing information about Waves going forward. It’s important that everyone is involved and consulted with regarding this significant community investment.
At Council, I presented a petition of 460 signatures by members of the community who support a ban on Circuses who utilise exotic animals on Council land. I took this matter to debate at Council, however the majority of Liberal Councillors were not willing to allow a debate on the matter. Although this outcome is unfortunate, I will continue to represent and be a voice for all people in our community.
I will always stand up for residents and our neighbourhoods when it comes to defending our established suburbs and retaining their unique qualities. In regards to the Mirvac proposal on the IBM site in West Pennant Hills, I have stood with the community on this matter, demanding further environmental protection and for an appropriate development outcome for the site.
I will stand up for the residents in The Mill Drive Estate in North Rocks who continue to be concerned about their area changing dramatically without specific local controls in place.
I have stood up for residents of Governor Phillip Place in West Pennant Hills who were concerned about a development proposal which will affect the environment and the place they live in. The feedback received from a resident affected by the proposal was: “While we still feel disheartened by the outcome, we are extremely grateful for all your efforts to protect our beautiful area. It was wonderful to see that some of The Hills Shire Council were ready to fight for us and what we wished to uphold - a residential area of beauty, community spirit and peace and quiet”. As one of your local Labor Councillors, I will always do what I can to ensure the unique features of our areas are maintained and its residents are represented.
It was a great honour to attend a NAIDOC week event held by Hills Community Aid at Balcombe Heights Estate. The theme was ‘Because of Her We Can’ - thanks to Uncle Lex who carried out a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country. Thank you to the organisers for holding this event. I alongside fellow Labor Councillor Tony Hay OAM have called upon The Hills Shire Council to acknowledge the traditional custodians at our Council meetings and events. To this date there has been an eerie silence and the Liberal Councillors continue to reject acknowledging the traditional custodians at any event.
Do you care about your local parks? If you have a green thumb sign up to your local Bushcare group - call The Hills Shire Council’s Bushcare Office (6.30am to 3.30pm, 7 days a week) on 9843 0108 or 9843 0555, or email council-enviro@thehills.nsw.gov.au