Maria Kerr

I am proudly independent and am not aligned with any political party. I was previously a member of the Liberal Party, however, I voluntarily left the party earlier this year because I believe it has turned its back on Melbourne’s west.

I believe our community deserves better representation, a stronger voice and a local member who puts residents ahead of party politics. My priority is representing the people of Sydenham, not a political party.

My preferences will be determined independently, based on candidates’ policies, values and commitments to our community. I will make my own decisions based on what I believe is best for the people of Sydenham.

I am concerned about the scale of data centre developments proposed for Melbourne’s west and their potential impact on our electricity supply, water resources, air quality and local environment.

I support a pause on new approvals where necessary until independent assessments and stronger planning and environmental safeguards are in place. Developers must demonstrate that their projects will not compromise essential services or the liveability of our suburbs.

I believe data centres should contribute to additional energy generation and storage rather than place further pressure on existing infrastructure. I support a reliable and affordable energy mix, including wind and solar backed by storage and dependable generation. I am also open to considering nuclear energy as part of Australia’s longer-term energy mix.

Our community deserves transparency and a genuine say in developments that affect our future. We should not be approving major projects without properly considering the consequences for the people who live here.

I will advocate for more frequent and reliable bus services, better connections to train stations and improved cross-suburban transport so residents can access work, schools, hospitals and essential services without having to travel through the CBD.

I also want better connections to Watergardens, safer and more accessible transport infrastructure, and services that keep pace with population growth.

I believe residents should not have to rely on a car to get to work, attend appointments or access essential services. I will push for greater investment in our transport network and work with the Victorian Government, transport agencies and local councils to address gaps in services.

Our population is growing, and our infrastructure must keep up. The west deserves proper transport investment and must not be treated as an afterthought.

I believe residents in Melbourne’s west deserve clean air and the same environmental protections as people anywhere else in Victoria.

I will advocate for independent air-quality monitoring, greater transparency around industrial emissions and stronger enforcement of environmental standards. Residents should have access to clear information about local air quality and confidence that their concerns are being taken seriously.

Major developments must be assessed for their cumulative impact on air quality and public health before approvals are granted. Where businesses breach environmental standards, there must be meaningful consequences.

I also support cleaner transport, urban greening and protecting our remaining green spaces. Economic development should never come at the expense of public health.

Our community deserves a healthy environment, responsible development and a government that listens to residents.

I believe homelessness and housing affordability require practical solutions, early intervention and cooperation between all levels of government.

I will advocate for more social and affordable housing, improved access to crisis accommodation and stronger support for people escaping family violence or experiencing homelessness.

We also need better mental health services, employment pathways and early intervention to help people stay housed and regain stability.

I support increasing housing supply through sensible planning, but new developments must be matched with the infrastructure our communities need, including roads, public transport, schools and healthcare.

I believe we need to balance housing growth with the needs of existing residents and ensure our suburbs remain liveable as they grow.

Homelessness cannot be solved by simply moving people from one location to another. We need coordinated support and long-term solutions that help people regain stability and independence. Everyone deserves the opportunity to live safely and with dignity.

I recognise that abortion is a deeply personal and sensitive issue, and I believe women deserve dignity, compassion and access to appropriate healthcare.

Women should be able to make informed decisions in consultation with qualified healthcare professionals.

I also believe women facing an unplanned or difficult pregnancy should have access to appropriate counselling, healthcare and practical support if they choose to continue their pregnancy.

I respect that people in our community hold different personal beliefs, and I believe this issue should be approached with compassion and respect, and abortion should be legal, safe, rare and early.

Community safety is one of my highest priorities. Residents deserve to feel safe in their homes, on public transport, in shopping centres and in their local parks.

I have been advocating for a police presence at Watergardens since 2020, and I will continue pushing for this. Our community needs more visible policing and adequate resources to respond to crime.

I believe there must be effective investigations, appropriate consequences for offenders and better support for victims. Serious and repeat offending must be dealt with firmly, and community safety must remain paramount.

We also need to invest in early intervention and youth programs, support families experiencing difficulties and address the factors that can lead young people into offending.

I support safer public spaces, better lighting, CCTV where appropriate, and stronger coordination between police, councils, schools and community organisations.

I know residents are tired of raising concerns about safety and feeling they are not being heard. I believe in practical action, accountability and delivering results, not empty promises.

Our families deserve to feel safe in their own neighbourhoods, and I will continue fighting for the police resources and community safety measures our west needs.