My Vision
for Glen Eira
and Jasper Ward
As an independent candidate running in Jasper Ward at the October 2024 local council elections, my goal is to bring fresh ideas and inclusive solutions to ensure Glen Eira is a healthy and liveable municipality.
Let's work together to build a brighter future, where every voice is heard and every perspective matters. Join me in shaping a better future for all residents.
Climate Action
Glen Eira Council has made great strides in climate action, but urgent measures for Short Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs) are needed. While reducing carbon dioxide is crucial, addressing pollutants like methane and black carbon offers immediate benefits. Black carbon, more harmful than CO2, exacerbates warming and affects health. We must promote policies and awareness campaigns to tackle SLCPs for a sustainable future..
Council Services
I support council-run services as they are crucial for effective community support. The recent loss of 3 early learning centres has impacted our community, and I am committed to retaining all council services. Essential services like waste management, libraries, parks, and community facilities improve residents' quality of life and meet local needs. Keeping these services under council management ensures transparency, accessibility, and responsiveness, while fostering community cohesion. Council-run services are vital to local communities, and I am dedicated to supporting them for the community’s benefit.
Health -tackling local air pollution
Air quality impacts every aspect of our health. I have advocated for clean air for over 6 years, locally influencing the 2019 Local Law Review, enhancing the Open Fires Law. My community advocacy also resulted in the creation of the Glen Eira Woodfire Heating Report. We need council projects to assess their climate impact and also tackle local pollution. Education on our environmental footprint is essential. I seek safe, clean neighborhoods and will strive for Zero Emissions Neighbourhoods by promoting electrification to replace burning. We must also raise awareness and tackle local chemical, plastic, and light pollution.
Heritage
Importance of Heritage Protection for Communities
Preserving heritage maintains history, identity, and community pride while promoting sustainability. Research shows restoration and refurbishment impacts the environment less than demolition and construction. Studies indicate people prefer the charm of historic places over the new. Safeguarding heritage enhances neighborhood character, attracts investment, and strengthens local economies.
Environment - addressing multiple pollution crises
In 2025, the new council will review the Glen Eira Community Health and Wellbeing Plan to tackle current and emerging community issues. I will advocate for health, environment, and sustainability, focusing on climate action, green spaces, biodiversity, and pollution. We aren’t doing enough on local chemical, microplastic and light pollution.
Transport - active communities are healthier
Active transport, like walking and cycling, is key to health, climate action, and environmental improvement. As an independent candidate in Jasper Ward, I will promote policies that encourage active transport. This reduces greenhouse gas emissions, eases traffic, and boosts community health through physical activity. By prioritising infrastructure for walking and cycling, we can foster a sustainable, healthier future for our community.
Biodiversity - Green spaces, blue spaces, grey spaces
Biodiversity is crucial for our health and liveable urban areas. Australia faces significant biodiversity decline, impacting human health and well-being. Interaction with diverse ecosystems enhances physical, mental, and social health.
Green Spaces: It’s estimated that 3,000 trees are removed annually from private land in Glen Eira. Once vegetation is removed, it's hard to replace, especially with increasing urban density limiting space for large trees. We must enhance greenery and tree canopy in both private and public areas. I am dedicated to improving the quality of private gardens and public spaces, including promoting indigenous planting.
Ethics, Integrity and Honesty
As the independent candidate for Glen Eira and Jasper Ward in the upcoming local elections, I prioritise ethics, integrity, and honesty. These values are essential for transparency and accountability in public office. I believe they ensure decisions benefit the community, free from personal agendas.
I commit to open communication with residents, fostering trust and inclusivity. My dedication to high ethical standards has been evident in all the community roles I have undertaken.
Inclusion & Equity
I am committed to equity, inclusivity, diversity, and collaboration for a united Glen Eira and Jasper Ward. My campaign values our multicultural community and aims to represent all residents' needs, celebrating cultural differences. I support neurodivergent individuals, gender equality, and the LGBTQI+ community. I honour the traditional custodians of the land and will advocate for individuals with disabilities. Religious inclusivity is essential, ensuring everyone feels welcomed. Equity is vital; everyone deserves fair opportunities, regardless of background or status.
Local Businesses
I’m so grateful for the Centre Road Bentleigh Shops, Patterson Village, and Jasper/Tucker Rd shopping strips, which influenced my decision to live here. I support local shopping, including the Bentleigh Sunday Markets. These areas are essential for community access to goods and services and foster connections among residents. As a councillor, I will advocate for initiatives to enhance their vibrancy and sustainability. My aim is to create a thriving environment for our shopping strips, benefiting the community's well-being.
Safety
Putting community safety first helps everyone feel valued and secure in their homes.
Through my work with Neighbourhood Watch Glen Eira and collaboration with the council and local police, I've seen efforts to improve safety and liveability in our area, but I know more can be done and I have new ideas about that.
I want to know your thoughts! Do you feel safe in your neighborhood? What worries you? How can we enhance safety? Please reach out.
