Skip navigation

Policy Priorities

Boroondara is a diverse community with a spectrum of needs and priorities. My primary objective is to improve the ways in which Council responds to the interests of residents, businesses, heritage conservation, and environmental sustainability. Like many others, I know we can do better.

Ensure proper decision-making processes to avoid excessive projects like the Kew Recreation Centre that is running well over its initial budget of $73m and the Customer First Portal, a website and customer service IT system, that is costing around $80m. At the same time as the Kew Recreation Centre development has stalled, Council is progressing another costly decision to demolish and rebuild the Kew Library. I will work towards more equitable distribution of funding and support for local organisations and sporting clubs who are clearly underfunded and of low priority to Council (for instance $34.27 per $100 is spent on Capital works and priority projects and $0.89 for Economic development)

I will also address Boroondara's lack of community consultation around its budgetary practice. A better model would be participatory budgeting used by other councils such as City of Stonnington and Port Phillip. It is not acceptable for Boroondara to present its draft budget based solely on broad themes from the 10-year Community Plan and to postpone considering feedback until the next budget for 2025/2026.

The well-being of our residents is of vital importance, and as a candidate for Boroondara Council, my commitment is to ensure that our local services, amenities, and infrastructure are not only well-maintained but also equitably distributed across our neighborhoods. This means that our parks, community centres, and recreational facilities will receive the care and attention they deserve, ensuring they remain safe, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone.

Another aspect I would like to address is to ensure that residents from diverse cultural backgrounds have better access to council services and feel genuinely supported. Boroondara is home to a vibrant and diverse community, and it's crucial that our Council reflects this in its approach. I will advocate for more inclusive outreach programs, better translation services, and targeted support to ensure all residents feel connected and valued.

However, achieving these goals requires more than just well-intentioned policies—it demands meaningful consultation with residents. One recent issue that highlighted the need for better communication and engagement is the Council's handling of the plans to make Maling Road one way. Many residents in Canterbury and local traders felt that their concerns were not adequately listened to during this process. This has led to frustration and a sense of being dismissed.

To enhance resident satisfaction, I would take several steps:

  1. Genuine Consultation: I believe in real, two-way communication between the Council and the community. This means going beyond just ticking boxes with surveys and actually engaging with residents through face-to-face meetings, focus groups, and town halls. It's essential to create an environment where all voices are heard, and where feedback is actively sought and valued.

  2. Transparency in Decision-Making: Residents should have a clear understanding of how decisions are made, particularly those that directly impact their daily lives. I would push for more transparency in Council processes, including detailed explanations of why certain decisions are made and how community input has been considered.

  3. Improved Communication Channels: Effective communication is key to building trust. I would advocate for better use of digital platforms, social media, and local newsletters to keep residents informed about upcoming projects, consultations, and decisions. This would include regular updates on the status of projects and clear timelines so that residents know what to expect.

  4. Support for Local Traders: Our local businesses are the heartbeat of our community, and their input is invaluable. I would ensure that traders are actively involved in discussions about changes that affect them, such as the Maling Road plans. This includes setting up dedicated forums or working groups where traders can voice their concerns and contribute to the planning process.

  5. Inclusive Planning: I would ensure that all planning and development projects take into account the diverse needs of our community. This means considering the unique needs of different cultural groups, age demographics, and business sectors when making decisions that affect public spaces and infrastructure.

By focusing on these areas, I am confident that we can enhance resident satisfaction, build stronger connections between the Council and the community, and create a more inclusive, supportive environment for everyone in Boroondara. It's about ensuring that every resident feels heard, valued, and supported by their Council.

Local enterprises constitute the economic backbone of our community. Many local traders feel Boroondara Council fails to engage in proper consultation and has ignored their feedback such as in the Canterbury Maling Road ‘place making’ plans. Traders have told me they are more concerned with empty shopfronts and how to vitalise shopping strips. I will work to cultivate a conducive environment for businesses to grow by mitigating bureaucratic impediments, and fostering a collaborative rapport between local business owners and Council. I will explore how Council can work more actively to support the capacity of local Trader Associations who represent businesses in Surrey Hills, Canterbury and Balwyn in Maling Ward.

Boroondara’s historical character is so valuable and the reason why so many of us live here.

But at the same time, our population continues to grow, and the demand for increased housing is evident. I am committed to supporting the expansion of housing options that meet the diverse needs of our community, including young families, seniors, and people with disabilities whilst maintaining our heritage character. It is also important that Council proactively engages with the state government in relation to its ambitious housing plans to ensure that developments are properly planned, with a focus on sustainability, heritage preservation, and community consultation.

Key Commitments:

  • Advocating for Affordable, Sustainable, and Heritage-Sensitive Housing: I will support the development of affordable and sustainable housing that is accessible to all residents, while also being sensitive to the unique heritage of Boroondara. New developments should respect and preserve the architectural integrity of our historic buildings and homes, ensuring that growth enhances rather than diminishes the character of our community.
  • Promoting Comprehensive Community Engagement: Effective housing development must be a collaborative process. I will prioritise transparent and inclusive community consultation, ensuring that the voices of residents—particularly those who value our heritage—are heard and respected. This approach will ensure that new developments align with our city’s heritage and our community.

  • Balancing Growth with Heritage Preservation and Liveability: While accommodating population growth is necessary, it must be done in a way that preserves the quality of life for all residents and respects our historic environment. I will advocate for developments that are thoughtfully integrated into existing neighbourhoods. I will also support initiatives that ensure new developments are supported by essential infrastructure, green spaces, and public amenities, while safeguarding the historical character that makes Boroondara unique.

I believe we have a responsibility to protect our environment and promote sustainable practices. My commitment is to create policies and actions at local council level that support a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future.

Safer and More Accessible Bike Paths

I am committed to making Boroondara a more bike-friendly community by expanding and improving our network of bike paths. Safe, well-designed bike paths encourage more residents to choose cycling as a mode of transport, reducing traffic congestion and lowering carbon emissions. I will advocate for the completion and enhancement of key bike routes, including the Box Hill to Hawthorn Rail Trail and the Anniversary Trail bridge over Toorak Road as well as implementing safety measures such as better signage, road markings, and lighting

Increasing Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure 

Electric vehicles are a crucial part of our transition to a low-carbon future. However, for many residents, particularly those living in apartments without off-street parking, access to charging infrastructure is a barrier. I will work to Increase the number of public EV charging stations across Boroondara, particularly in high-density areas where residents may not have access to private charging facilities.

Maintaining and Expanding Tree Canopies

Our tree-lined streets and green spaces are vital to the health, biodiversity, and character of Boroondara. Trees not only enhance our suburban landscape but also play a crucial role in cooling our neighborhoods, improving air quality, and supporting local wildlife. My goals include protecting and maintaining existing trees, especially mature canopies that are essential for suburban cooling and biodiversity, as well as  expanding tree planting initiatives in parks, streets, and public spaces to increase overall canopy coverage.

Supporting Renewable Energy and Sustainable Practices

Boroondara can play a leading role in the transition to renewable energy and sustainable practices. My focus will be on encouraging the adoption of renewable energy solutions in both residential and commercial properties.  Council can also be more active in promoting energy efficiency programs that help reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills for residents.

Community Engagement and Education

Environmental sustainability requires collective effort. I am committed to fostering a culture of sustainability in Boroondara by providing residents with the tools and information they need to make sustainable choices, such as workshops on energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction.

I look forward to creating a more sustainable Boroondara.

Boroondara Council should be aligned with the values of our community: progressive, inclusive, and community focussed. I am disappointed that there have been votes in the Chamber that have not supported reconciliation, the LGBTQ+ community, and declaring a climate emergency.  My vision is to nurture a community where every resident feels there are opportunities and channels to engage with council issues in a collaborative, positive, and outcome-focused manner. Residents should also feel confident that when they are consulted, their feedback informs policy and council decisions.

My platform for Boroondara local council is driven by a commitment to transparency, responsibility, equity, and active community engagement. With my background in advocacy, community building, and financial services, I am confident in my ability to deliver a listening and collaborative approach to our council that aligns with the values of the many residents living in Boroondara. Collectively, I hope to work with council and residents to cultivate a community that is vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive, reflecting the values and aspirations of all its residents.