Hawthorn residents care deeply about climate and the environment, which is no surprise. The evidence of the impact of global warming is overwhelming, the costs of inaction are real, and the opportunity in front of us is genuine. Renewable energy means lower bills, warmer homes in winter, cooler homes in summer, lower carbon emissions, and less money flowing to fossil fuel companies.
I've worked hard to turn that opportunity into reality at the local level.
As a Councillor and Deputy Mayor of Boroondara, I helped build a $4 million a year climate action plan from the ground up, and then made sure it was actually implemented. Council buildings electrified, including the new Kew Recreation Centre. The council vehicle fleet transitioned off petrol and gas. EV charging rolled out. Solar subsidy programs launched, including solutions for residents in heritage precincts who had previously been prevented from putting up solar panels. We've added hundreds of trees to the significant tree register to help protect our tree canopy and summer shade.
That is my track record.
At the state level, the Liberals will take us backwards on climate action and the transition to renewables. They have no coherent long term plan for the energy transition. They have pledged to cancel the VNWest transmission project, will unwind restrictions on gas use in new buildings, and will open up new gas supplies. This is a plan for higher power bills and increased emissions.
Hawthorn deserves better than that.
As your Independent in Parliament, here's what I'll push for:
Cleaning up the energy system
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Maintain Victoria's 2045 net zero commitment, backed by legislated interim targets, strengthened annual sector by sector reporting, and a Ministerial statement to Parliament to ensure full transparency on progress to net zero.
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A rapid transition to a fully renewable energy grid, including finishing the major transmission line projects across Victoria.
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Support for households moving off gas, including rapid regulatory approval and rollout of plug-in balcony solar and batteries so renters and apartment dwellers aren't left behind.
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No new fossil fuel mining in Victoria, coupled with a plan and interim targets for the eventual closure of poorly utilised parts of the gas network.
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Emissions reduction targets for the sectors that keep getting a free pass – aviation, mining, agriculture and maritime.
Getting transport moving cleanly
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Increased action to cut transport emissions, backing faster EV adoption and the charging infrastructure to support it.
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Better active transport, with safer bike paths in Hawthorn and the Hawthorn to Box Hill rail trail finally built.
Protecting nature and adapting to a warmer climate
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Protect Victoria’s forests and biodiversity by maintaining the ban on commercial native-forest logging, strengthening protections for forests, national parks and conservation reserves, and properly resourcing their long-term management.
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Improve how we care for and manage our natural environment through evidence-based fire management, stronger independent oversight and transparency, and genuine partnership with Traditional Owners in caring for Country.
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Protect and restore nature in our cities as well as our forests, including stronger protection for Boroondara’s urban tree canopy and working with conservation organisations and communities to strengthen biodiversity and environmental policy.
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Suspending the duck hunting season for 2027/28 and stronger habitat protection to give our stressed native birds a better chance against H5 bird flu.
I'm proud of our climate record in Boroondara. I'm determined to bring that same ambition to Parliament.
For Hawthorn: Action that helps now—and protects the future.