Are you a member of a political party, political group, or community advocacy group? (eg; Labor, Liberal, Greens, Socialist, My Place, Angry Victorians, Better West, environment groups, etc)
I have participated in several grassroots advocacy groups, including BikeWest, Climate Action Maribyrnong, and Transition Maribyrnong/Repair Cafe. I’ve also served on various council advisory groups, such as the Climate Emergency Advisory Committee, West Footscray Community Facilities Plan, Lae St Nursery Advisory Committee, Stony Creek Rehabilitation Community Workshop, and Maribyrnong Active Transport Advisory Committee. I am also a current member of the Greens.
What is the most important issue facing your electorate?
Council needs to better reflect community needs and demonstrate value by being more transparent, accessible, and accountable. Community consultation processes that fail to be implemented in a timely manner or misrepresent community expectations leave people feeling that their time was wasted. We need clearer processes and transparent timelines, from strategy to implementation. With a growing population, we need to be creative and adaptable to meet changing needs and pressures, fostering a culture of collaboration and trust to ensure progress is made.
Should/how can Council support local businesses?
Advocating for a state and federal funding commitment is needed to implement the Footscray Transport Hub which would reinvigorate Footscray CBD and catalyse private and community investment. The council must strongly advocate for this as a priority, given Footscray’s role as the gateway to Maribyrnong and the west.
Council can also help businesses transition from single-use packaging and introduce food waste composting, including in multi-unit developments. These steps would reduce costs and create a positive impact. Collaborating with local trader associations and businesses is a great opportunity to understand their needs and work together for community success.
Should/how can Council support local creatives and industries?
Access to high quality civic and commercial space enables creative activities, but affordable housing is also a concern. Essential workers and those in creative industries face housing insecurity, which harms Footscray’s economic and creative potential. There are ways to increase affordable housing and develop innovative tenure models for better neighbourhoods, sustainable design, and community resilience. Other areas have successfully partnered empty shops with creative industries, and local industrial areas could be used for social enterprises, entrepreneurship, and sports facilities. These spaces could also support environmental initiatives like repair cafes, sharing libraries, and swap shops, promoting reuse and creativity.
Should/how can Council help alleviate the impact of climate extremes on local communities and ecosystems?
I served on the council’s Climate Emergency Advisory Committee, and recently, a new group was formed to advise on the action plan. It’s crucial that climate action is prioritised in all council strategies to align with the emergency declaration. Many vulnerable communities in the west need support through proactive, responsible initiatives. There are great opportunities to improve both the environment and community well-being. For example, the Naturestrip Landscape Policy can support pollinators, food production, and flood control. Footscray Cemetery could boost urban greenery, and sustainable transport reduces pollution while promoting healthier lifestyles. Young people want to be involved and feel valued in these efforts, which can enhance their sense of agency.
Should/how can Council help alleviate cost of living and homelessness?
More affordable housing can be created through mandatory inclusionary zoning and innovative projects on government land, backed by citizen assemblies, streamlined planning, and affordable finance. The council must work with other governments while advocating for local communities, like those in Braybrook and Gaskin Gardens, to protect their mental health and housing security. As food insecurity rises, partnerships with local businesses, corporations, and social enterprises are vital. Improving public and active transport can help vulnerable people access affordable groceries and reduce living costs. Other ideas include social enterprises and community agriculture, which can build skills, employment, and food security, council can also support energy security and affordability.
What should Council stop spending money on?
Ratepayers are often concerned about value for money, transparency, and efficiency. I want to explore services that should be state funded but are shifted to local government, as well as a lack of state and federal investment in our area. Key infrastructure like schools, childcare, sports, arts amenities, and transport need to be prioritised. I also want more transparent project planning, ensuring design and community consultation come with clear funding and implementation strategies. Lastly, I support more community-led initiatives, which can reduce council workload and give communities more control in co-designing solutions.
Should the public be allowed to ask live, unscripted questions of councillors during council meetings?
Yes, we should explore creative ways to increase transparency and accountability, fostering a culture of democratic growth. This could include new forms of engagement like citizen assemblies, participatory budgeting, and community-led projects to ensure more inclusive consultation and governance.
Can you please provide a short personal statement detailing what your priorities are if elected, and what your vision for your electorate looks like.
If elected, my priorities will focus on creating a sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant community. I will advocate for affordable housing, essential infrastructure like schools, childcare, and transport, and promote innovative initiatives such as food waste composting, community agriculture, and sustainable business practices. I’ll push for state and federal investment in the Footscray Transport Hub to drive economic growth, while also supporting community-led projects that enhance agency and reduce council burden. Transparency and accountability will be key, with a focus on new forms of engagement like citizen assemblies and participatory budgeting.
My vision is a community where empowered citizens work together with the council to create vibrant streets, thriving activity centres, and healthier, more resilient neighbourhoods. I look forward to fostering a more integrated approach to consultation and implementation, allowing our community to co-create a future they love.
