Council Election: Meet the Candidates for the Northern Beaches

August 29, 2024

Ah, election day. The whiff of sausages sizzling on the barbecue. The cake stalls brimming with sugary treats, cupcakes and, if you’re lucky, homemade vanilla slice. The pamphlets thrust upon you from hopeful candidates as you enter the school gate.

It’s that time again – our local government election is on Saturday September 14.

For the Northern Beaches Council election, you will be asked to vote for Councillors based on which ward you live in (voting is compulsory).

There are five Wards in Northern Beaches Council, and each Ward will elect three Councillors. The Mayor is elected by the Council and not through the election process. The Wards are:

Curl Curl Ward
Frenchs Forest Ward
Manly Ward
Narrabeen Ward
Pittwater Ward

Not sure which ward you are in? Use the address lookup tool to find your council or ward.

Are you wanting information on where to vote and/or pre-poll locations, visit the Find My Electorate information page here.

Below are responses from candidates broken down by ward – thank you very much to those candidates who have responded. All candidates who listed their email address on the NSW Electoral Commision website were contacted and received the same questions. Any candidate who has not yet responded may do so at any time and we will add to this list – please contact info@thelivingcollective.com.au

Candidates are listed here in ballot paper order.

Curl Curl Ward

Name: Joeline Hackman
Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Tell us about your connection to the electorate and name three places in the electorate that you love.

Our fabulous beaches – raising my family here, there is nothing we love more than swimming, SUPing and surfing at Dee Why and meandering around the rockpools. My hubby loves kite surfing so he always has an eye on the conditions at Longy. From age 2 we taught our kids to Take 3 For The Sea and you’ll often see us doing that as gratitude for enjoying nature. Keeping our beaches pristine is so important.
Our coastal walks – I meet friends every week at South Curly and walk around to Freshie and sometimes all the way to Manly. I admire the way the light hits the coast at different times of the year and remind myself that we are so lucky to live here. I’m even more grateful when I catch the sight of a whale off the coast or dolphins in the water!

Our village communities: I live and breathe in this community and I try to support local businesses as often as I can. From Freshwater to Brookvale, and Dee Why to Curl Curl – I love the community feeling and the way our local businesses give everything to our community, making up the social fabric of our daily interactions. I share the love around to all the hospitality venues who are struggling right now but there is one place where I can be found buying a fresh cinnamon bun and coffee twice a week!

Why are you running as a candidate in this election and why should locals vote for you?

I know people are hurting with the cost of living and that there are multiple important issues that need addressing. As a business owner, charity director and member of Council’s Environmental Strategic Reference Group, I’m adept at navigating structures, processes and obstacles to get things done efficiently. I will bring a business mindset to local government’s management of assets, services and the budget and ensure that your experience of dealing with Council is streamlined and user friendly.

I have the skills and experience to empathise with different community groups, and directly act on their concerns and hopes for the future. I’m not afraid to get in and get things done.

Our Northern Beaches Living members have told us that rising costs for households is a key election concern for them. How will you advocate on their behalf for policies on this issue?

Supply chain and energy disruptions from the Russian invasion of Ukraine have sharply increased petrol, energy, and construction costs. Interest rate hikes have strained the housing market, while inflation has driven supermarket prices up by 8%. The council also faces rising costs in insurance, energy, and maintenance. I know that no one enjoys receiving a quarterly rates notice, ever, but the truth is that services and maintenance will have to be cut if rates are to come down. Everyone has had to implement some austerity measures. It’s been difficult.

If elected, I will look for gains in efficiencies and will also push to advocate to other levels of government for policy settings that will impact key inflationary drivers. These measures will be targeted directly at ratepayers’ current financial pressure.

I will continue to support sustainable housing and quality infrastructure. It is important that those who grew up and have families here can afford to live here and access transport and healthcare as a basis for a quality life.

However there is a delicate balance between the need to have enough homes for everyone and protecting the environment and character of our community. If medium to high-density housing must come to the Northern Beaches, a reasonable percentage of social and affordable housing should be included in perpetuity to meet the needs of teachers, nurses, and other essential workers so they can afford to live and work in the area. We need to ensure that there is sufficient supporting infrastructure and that we preserve the character, value and beauty of our community.

We have already seen the proposed development for Brookvale and heard of the 15% commitment in Frenchs Forest – I will continue to support diversifying the housing mix to include multi-unit dwellings and granny flats in appropriately zoned areas, as well as strategic density and amenities around pre-existing transport hubs. We can do this positively and build a better environment without any negative impact on what we already enjoy.

Domestic violence is a major concern in the Northern Beaches electorate. What will you do to advocate for community members facing this issue?

Listening to the organisations on the beaches who are already supporting DV victims is important to me. I’ve been a long time supporter of domestic violence groups in this area because I had first hand experience of it decades ago and deeply understand the issues. I’ve appreciated watching the hard work being done at all levels to address this stain on our society and think there is more to be done with policing, diversified housing supply and mental health support to ensure everyone can feel safe in their own home. Council must ensure the ongoing support of these organisations to do their work.

I believe Your Northern Beaches has already demonstrated its willingness to work with everyone on the Council to ensure the focus is on the community and I intend to continue in that positive manner. I do not believe that major parties belong in local government – the community should always come first.

What are the main issues you see as important for this election, and how will you advocate for them?

I think people want confidence that the council hear what they are saying and will take action to support them. The most prominent message I am hearing is that people are in financial pain, felt in interest rates, at the supermarket and in healthcare and insurance. I intend to listen, pull some levers, advocate for others, so that our community get the direct action they are asking for. We are here to serve the public.

What do you see as the biggest issues facing the people of the Northern Beaches electorate

Cost of living crisis
Supporting small business
Protecting the environment
Delivering quality infrastructure
Sustainable housing
Financial advocacy

Name: Nicholas Beaugeard
Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Tell us about your connection to the electorate and name three places in the electorate that you love.

I’ve lived in Dee Why for the last 19 years and we’ve raised our family here. I love John Fisher Park, North Curly Beach and the Brookvale Arts District.

Why are you running as a candidate in this election and why should locals vote for you?

I’ve got experience both raising a family on the beaches and in business. Our Council manages $5B in assets and needs councillors who understand both the local environment and community and governance of such a significant organisation.

Our Northern Beaches Living members have told us that rising costs for households is a key election concern for them. How will you advocate on their behalf for policies on this issue?

It’s an issue for us at home too. The cost of living issues affect all members of the community.

Our LGA is diverse, and in Curl Curl Ward, we have Freshwater village, Dee Why Beach, Brookvale and the Mall. Council needs to find ways to provide affordable accommodation in areas more suited to it, close to transport and facilities while trying to maintain the unique character of our village and town centres.

Domestic violence is a major concern in the Northern Beaches electorate. What will you do to advocate for community members facing this issue?

Domestic Violence is an issue across the community. The World Health Organisation has marked it globally as equivalent to a pandemic. Whilst keen to advocate for the victims, and support services, I’m also keen to find ideas in prevention. We should look further afield to see where countries and cities are having success and I would advocate to mirror successful approaches here.

I think one of the assets of being independent is not only being able to represent across the community, but also to find common ground between use, the community we represent and the major parties. This builds trust and the previous council showed how an independent council can work with both Liberal and Labor state and federal governments extremely well.

What are the main issues you see as important for this election, and how will you advocate for them?

I see key issues around sporting facilities for men and women, road and cycleway management, the rise of e-bikes, and development of our built environment. Across all of these, I intend to listen to the community, listen to council staff and their incredible expertise, listen to fellow councillors and on each and every issue try and make the best decision possible to keep improving our fantastic beaches.

What do you see as the biggest issues facing the people of the Northern Beaches electorate in the
a) short term – Cost of living is a key issue across the beaches, as is the provision of affordable housing.
b) medium term – Impacts from significant and increasing weather events will put a strain on our community and
c) long term – There needs to be a balance between growth and sustainability, we have finite resources – finding this is a infernally complex problem which require all of us to work together to help maintain and enhance all of our quality of life.

Name: Nick McDonald
Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Tell us about your connection to the electorate and name three places in the electorate that you love.
Bucketty’s – The brewery that my wife and I founded in Brookvale a few years ago. It’s work, but it’s also a place that I love. If that’s pouring beers, drinking beers, having a laugh with friends, family and patrons, or watching one of the hundreds of bands we book each year.
North Curly beach – I love floating right up near the rocks and washing off the stress of life.
South Curly beach – Grabbing a coffee, kicking around in the ocean pool with the kids and chasing waves.

Why are you running as a candidate in this election and why should locals vote for you?
Honestly, because they asked me to get involved and bring a voice for the business community.

Our Northern Beaches Living members have told us that rising costs for households is a key election concern for them. How will you advocate on their behalf for policies on this issue?
It’s a tough one, because there’s only so much money to go around and everything is becoming more expensive. I suspect there’s plenty of opportunity to build efficiencies into local council and avoid some of the double and triple handling of things. I’d also like to understand why it seems to take 10 people to dig a hole… Every time I walk past contractors doing work on council land, they seem to be taking the piss. There’ll be one person digging, 3 people holding signs and 6 on smoko.

Given the state government’s recent push for increased housing density, what policies would you implement to balance the need for additional housing with the preservation of ourcommunity’s character and amenities?
I think there needs to be much more density close to transport, particularly the B line. But only if we can get more affordable housing as part of the deal. I see it first hand, it’s almost impossible to live on the beaches brewer or hospitality worker, let alone a nurse or tradie.

Domestic violence is a major concern in the Northern Beaches electorate. What will you do to advocate for community members facing this issue?

The last Federal election showed that Independent candidates are a strong force on the North Shore and Northern Beaches. If you are an independent candidate, how will you work with the major parties if elected? And if you are from a political party, how will you work with independents if elected?
I’m not sure, I’ve never done this before. But at the end of the day, I’m a big believer that no decision is worse than a bad decision, so I’ll be advocating to implement ideas wherever they come from as long as they’re for the betterment of our community.

What are the main issues you see as important for this election, and how will you advocate for them?
I think people want confidence that the council know what they’re doing and are advocating for the community.

What do you see as the biggest issues facing the people of the Northern Beaches electorate in the
a) short term – Improving efficiencies to battle the rising cost of services.
b) medium term – Increased housing supply close to transport
c) long term? Inequality – We want to maintain our laid back lifestyle on the beaches, and that becomes hard when only rich people can live here.

Name: Kristyn Glanville
Affiliation: The Greens

Tell us about your connection to the electorate and name three places in the electorate that you love.

I have lived in the Northern Beaches for 25 years and in Freshwater since 2016. My favourite places in the area are Freshwater Beach, Manly Dam, and the walk around Long Reef Headland. We are blessed to be surrounded by such spectacular beaches, bushland and lagoons. I hope to continue to be a steward and advocate for our natural environment.

Why are you running as a candidate in this election and why should locals vote for you?

I am thrilled to run for re-election representing Curl Curl ward and continuing working on challenges like tackling housing affordability, caring for our natural environment, and rolling out new ways to reuse and recycle. I work as an environment and planning lawyer, and previously been a company director and disability support worker. I am also a parent to a young family and had my first child during the previous term of Council. I believe my professional background and lived experience means I see challenges from many points of view, but can bring collaborative and measured solutions to the table.

Our Northern Beaches Living members have told us that rising costs for households is a key election concern for them. How will you advocate on their behalf for policies on this issue?

I am already a leading voice on Council calling for more action on housing affordability and through my motions Council has been progressing further work on ensuring more affordable and social housing is built, including looking at a new contribution on developers for affordable housing, developing affordable housing on Council land, and strategies for shifting vacant homes/airbnbs to longer term rental accomodation.

The Greens did not support the last Council budget as we felt that the budget did not reflect community attitudes about needing to prioritise core business in order to minimise increases to rates, and I opposed further progression of some large “nice to have” but expensive projects while we are in a period of high inflation. While State Government pressures and inflation mean we may need a rate rise, I think there are opportunities to reduce or reprioritise costs in order to reduce these rates rises.

I believe that development rules should create communities which are inclusive, sustainable, walkable and affordable. Any changes to zoning should be developed with the community and experts working together, rather than a “top down” blunt instrument approach like the State Government proposes. I bring my professional background in planning law to have a measured and balanced position to how we achieve good planning. I think we can support some more medium density in the right locations, but this has to be co-designed with the community and with proper planning for infrastructure needs. I believe that some change to our housing mix is required though, as I know far too many young people who cannot afford to stay in the area where they grew up or struggling to stay in the area (including myself!). Conversely, many empty nesters are ready to downsize but cannot find suitable properties that are affordable and adaptable.

Domestic violence is a major concern in the Northern Beaches electorate. What will you do to advocate for community members facing this issue?

On the last term of Council, I was incredibly proud to block proposed de-funding of local domestic violence, homelessness, and youth mental health services, and instead locked in three years of funding. I will continue to advocate for Council to help support these services continuing with Council funding, and have been working with the Friends of Dalwood Spilsted on their petition to save the funding for their family intervention services. I also think that as we begin receiving affordable housing contributions from developers, we have an opportunity to work with local domestic violence services to offer housing to people escaping domestic violence.

I am proud to be a Greens councillor and represent our four pillars of ecological sustainability, social justice, grassroots democracy and peace and non-violence. On the last term of Council I worked with Liberals, Your Northern Beaches and Good for Manly on many successful motions, demonstrating that I am able to work “across the aisle” to progress issues of community interest. I focus primarily on the issues and common values, and try not to get too bogged down in politics.

What are the main issues you see as important for this election, and how will you advocate for them?

The Greens have doorknocked around 2500 houses on the Northern Beaches and asking residents what issues concern them. Some of the key issues that residents have raised with us are:

Prioritising maintenance of Council roads, footpaths, and buildings
Caring for our natural environment which people highly value
Making it easier for households to be more sustainable, such as new ways to reuse, repair and recycle
Addressing housing affordability
Trying to minimise the extent of rate rises
Getting the balance right for the growth of cycling – managing the safety issues of ebikes, building new cycling infrastructure but improving the way we communicate and develop these cycle path plans with the community

What do you see as the biggest issues facing the people of the Northern Beaches electorate in the
a) short term

In the short term, I think we continue to experience a cost of living crisis. I think Council has an obligation to look at how we can minimise rate rises, re-prioritise how we spend money, help local businesses stay afloat, and make it easier for residents to save money. b) medium term

In the medium term we need to continue good town planning to ensure that we have enough housing for diverse resident needs and spaces for businesses to operate and keep local jobs. Getting this wrong creates problems for both local residents and local businesses.

We need to ensure that we are resilient to climate change. Although people think of climate change as an environmental problem, it is also a financial problem. Extreme weather events are highly disruptive to council operations, damage council infrastructure such as roads and coastal areas, and disrupt supply chains. I think we need to work with all levels of government to manage and avoid the risks of climate change.

We also have to ensure that we are properly investing in our natural environment, and ensuring that we are properly resourcing keeping our local beaches, bushland, tree canopy and lagoons in good condition for future generations.

c) long term?

I think there are many medium-long term infrastructure projects I would like to see happen, like a new Circular Economy hub, a new Manly Environment Centre, and new community assets in the future Brookvale Town Centre. I think we need to keep our minds and imaginations open for forward planning and the community assets of the future.

Name: Pamela Dawes
Affiliation: The Greens

Tell us about your connection to the electorate and name three places in the electorate that you love.

I have lived on the Northern Beaches for 48 years, growing up in Seaforth where my parents started Seaforth Youth Club, organizing and running the club, providing facilities for netball and football games. Their example of working for community I still follow today, having raised my family of 3 in Manly, where I was involved as a manager of nippers, a scout leader and netball coach.

The special places for me in the area are Clontarf, from where I sailed with my father in the dinghy which he built. Fairy Bower, where my kids and I loved rock hopping around the shores, snorkelling and swimming in what is now Cabbage Tree Bay and Manly attending nipper training and carnivals at Manly Beach.

Why are you running as a candidate in this election and why should locals vote for you?

I am running as a candidate in this election because I believe we are at a critical time in our bid to improve the liveability of our environment which is being so affected by increasing heat, sea level rise, flooding and the threat of fire. I strive to work with the community over local issues and would fight to protect our bushland, local amenities and way of life.

Our Northern Beaches Living members have told us that rising costs for households is a key election concern for them. How will you advocate on their behalf for policies on this issue?

Rising costs of living can be lowered through the availability of reuse, recycle, repair and share facilities and I would strive to make the facilities available.

Increased density is already being planned in built-up areas but there should be at least 10% affordable living dwellings incorporated in such raised density when rezoning, and an affordable housing contribution for more forms of development. Careful planning needs to be done to avoid increased heat and loneliness in such complexes. I would endeavour to find ways to incorporate community gardens in courtyards and under-utilised areas instead of having paved surfaces. Avoiding development in areas which have little or no public transport or facilities is also paramount.

Domestic violence is a major concern in the Northern Beaches electorate. What will you do to advocate for community members facing this issue?

Domestic violence is a major problem and it is reported that gambling is a contributing factor in this epidemic. I would be asking that sports gambling be hidden from bars and places where young people under the age of 16 can access.

Irrespective of the co-councillors’ political affiliations, I will work to achieve desired outcomes for the community, following Greens’ principles and the beliefs which I deem as important for the Northern Beaches to continue to be a great place to live.

What are the main issues you see as important for this election, and how will you advocate for them?

Illegal clearing- A shorter response time (at present 48 hrs) needs to be established in response to reports of illegal clearing and to do that we need more compliance officers. Also, being pro-active rather than re-active would possibly be more successful

*Banning synthetic grass-The use of synthetic grass is polluting our waterways with the microplastics which wash off ending up in the ocean. Fish which are caught and eaten off our coast, may then contain these toxins which would be bad for our health with unknown outcomes. These grasses are also very hot, contributing to the heat of our suburbs and tough making them uncomfortable to play and fall onto.

* Reduction and recycling of soft plastics-I would propose strongly that council take a leading role in the local uptake of the National Plastics Plan and encourage retailers to reduce plastic packaging and use instead recyclable, reusable or compostable material. Also, that council encourage participation in Operation Clean Sweep- a federal government initiative to eliminate pre-production plastics and be part of their industry commitment to deliver national packaging targets by end of 2025.

*Maintenance of wildlife corridors, bushland, marine and aquatic reserves- Continue work to protect important biodiversity using the Biodiversity Planning Review, in the bid for protection of 30% of land and sea by 2030. Our aquatic reserves should be no take areas, as this helps to replenish fish stocks and restore the balance. I would work towards prioritising the protection of our natural environment and avoid further loss of our native flora and fauna.

* Social and affordable housing and the bid to keep housing costs down is a complex problem which is affecting our young people and people working in service industries who can’t afford to live in the area. I would be supporting ways to achieve a higher target of affordable living premises, with the aim of achieving the state target of 10% across our LGA. We need to find ways to attract workers into the area, with achievable costs in housing and rental.

What do you see as the biggest issues facing the people of the Northern Beaches electorate in the

Short term goals

Council has an active program of improving playgrounds and open spaces however, I would like to be reassured that all existing urban open spaces are protected for public use in perpetuity. The increasing use of apartment dwellings will lead to more pressure on outdoor spaces. Developers could, for example, be incentivised with increased Floor Space Ratios, if they allow roof tops to be used as community areas. Provision should be made to fully utilise these roof tops, for fully designed and properly built green spaces with shade coverings, watering and community gardens to facilitate social interaction and reduce the loneliness which can result from these types of dwellings.

Increasing the number of no-take aquatic reserves should continue towards 30% by 2030, as there is only a very small number of these reserves within the northern beaches.

The plantings of local species of trees in urban areas should continue but choices of an appropriate height under power lines, would save the council work force time and resources by not needing these trees to be lopped.

Public transport options should be further investigated in consultation with State Government. There is a fear that improving our public transport will increase pressure for further population but I would propose that the health of our population and environment, hinges on lowering the use of cars which can only be achieved by increasing public and active transport modes.

* Medium and long-term goals

Further goals are identified in the Community Strategic Plan, Towards 2040, Move Northern Beaches and Protect. Create. Live. which are all designed to map the future and I would be supporting those which are in the best interests of the community and the health of our environment.

Name: Judy Lambert
Affiliation: The Greens

Tell us about your connection to the electorate and name three places in the electorate that you love.

My husband and I have lived in Fairlight since 1979 and I have been an active member of our community ever since. In addition to being a Manly councillor for 9 years prior to amalgamation, I have been an active volunteer with Friends of Cabbage Tree Bay, the North Head Sanctuary Foundation, Friends of Ivanhoe Park and various other community groups, and was honoured to receive the Northern Beaches Council’s individual Lifetime Achievement Ecoaward in 2022. My favourite places include Cabbage Tree Bay, North Head and the Coastal Walk.

Why are you running as a candidate in this election and why should locals vote for you?

I’m pleased to lend my support to our lead candidate in Curl Curl Ward, Councillor Kristyn Glanville and to use the extensive experience I gained in a career encompassing scientific research, time as a political advisor to a former Federal Environment Minister, and more than 20 years as a partner in a

small environment and sustainability consultancy, as well as nine years as a former Manly councillor, to contribute to more lasting and sustainable environment & development outcomes for the Northern Beaches.

Our Northern Beaches Living members have told us that rising costs for households is a key election concern for them. How will you advocate on their behalf for policies on this issue?

The cost of living on the Northern Beaches has been a real concern for many households on the Northern Beaches for decades, and has recently become worse. While Council is not the main driver of these concerns, it is important that our elected local representatives focus on ways of providing more social and affordable housing. Planning, good design and location close to public transport, shopping, and other essential facilities are all important in addressing this need.

Well-designed, sustainable, social and affordable housing for essential or ‘key’ workers and those who are less well off is an important part of maintaining a diverse community on the Northern Beaches. This intensification of housing density can best be achieved by locating new housing in areas close to existing facilities – an approach that should ensure that the beaches and bushland that are so much a part of life on the Northern Beaches are conserved. As part of planning for increased housing density, Council will need to ensure that areas of outstanding biodiversity value and the relatively natural areas connecting them are maintained. Opportunities also exist to consider what currently under-utilised Council land might be suitable for additional medium to high density housing.

Domestic violence is a major concern in the Northern Beaches electorate. What will you do to advocate for community members facing this issue?

Even before the amalgamation of Councils the Northern Beaches Councils supported community services providing emergency & short-term assistance to people (predominantly women) who are victims of domestic violence. This support, along with provision of additional social and affordable housing, and advocacy for increased support from other levels of government should be continued, along with efforts to raise understanding of the occurrence of domestic violence across all sectors of the community.

The Greens at both State and Federal level of government already have a track record of working collaboratively with other members of the cross-benches, including Independents and those from other minor parties. Wherever issues align with the four fundamental principles of The Greens, these opportunities will be explored.

What are the main issues you see as important for this election, and how will you advocate for them?

On the Northern Beaches:

*Conservation of the natural environment Beginning with accurate mapping of areas of conservation significance and areas with trees or bushland that provide important connecting corridors between key areas, and protection of these areas. I will use my decades-long experience in this field to guide my efforts.

* Provision of more social and affordable housing Seeking changed development levies that allocate a proportion of fees to these outcomes, together with rezoning that enables well-designed, sustainable duplexes, townhouses and unit blocks, and identification of under-utilised Council sites suitable for such intensification of residential development.

* Leadership on action to address climate change Throughout the Northern Beaches climate change is already exacerbating the impacts heatwaves on human health, and in our area, more intense storm events are increasingly impacting on our beaches, roads and even homes. Although heading in this direction, I will work to ensure that Council continues to extend activities that will make our contribution to reductions in climate change, and advocate to the other levels of government and to the business sector, to play their part.

*Ensuring good governance across all areas of Council’s business, with an emphasis on environmental, social and economic aspects, backed up by improved compliance in town planning and environmental protection.

What do you see as the biggest issues facing the people of the Northern Beaches electorate in the

a) short term- Costs of living on the Northern Beaches & the loss of community diversity as a result, including loss of family integrity across generations, significant impacts on small businesses, and loss of key workers in positions at the lower end of the income range.

b) medium term- the impacts of climate change, including the damage occurring as a result of more frequent and more intense storm events, and to a lesser extent here on the Beaches, impacts of extreme heat on both bushfire frequency and intensity and human health.

c) long term- Environmental, social and economic sustainability of the Council and the Northern Beaches in ways that ensure real sustainability in the longer term.

Name: Roberto Suares
Affiliation: The Greens

Tell us about your connection to the electorate and name three places in the electorate that you love.

I love the ocean, I swim in it nearly every day and I revel in it, especially in the big swells. Now I live in the Fairlight / Manly area and have been here since 2009. I started off in Harbord in 1984 and spent 19 years in Mona Vale, where my kids were born and grew up and where I smashed my knee and became an ocean swimmer.

Why are you running as a candidate in this election and why should locals vote for you?

Growing up in Mozambique and South Africa, I was aware of injustices from a young age. I have always pursued a more equal and fairer society. I have always done the right thing because it is the right thing to do, and I have benefited and suffered the consequences. Truth, honesty and openness is what drives me.

I am a retired Electrical Engineer and worked in the telecommunications industry. Having managed large complex projects through my career, I welcome the opportunity to work through the budget and find areas that can be trimmed, but also the areas where we cannot neglect and need greater investment. In the short term, I think Council needs to stop showcase vanity projects.

Our Northern Beaches Living members have told us that rising costs for households is a key election concern for them. How will you advocate on their behalf for policies on this issue?

Unfortunately many of the levers for addressing rising household costs are controlled by the Federal or government. However, Council could do more to advocate to other levels of government for a more fair and socially just approach to energy pricing and ownership, taxation policy, and competition policy. Council could also advocate for more public funding to tackle problems where households currently face the financial burden – such as growing medical costs, education costs, childcare costs, etc.

We should not release more land – it must be reserved for our green spaces. The denser the developments then the need for more green spaces increases. We will need more cycleways and public transport to avoid more roads and congestion. I would like to see more aesthetic developments to improve design quality, a higher quality of construction to avoid defects, and more liveable homes. Vanity projects for large showcase projects that only benefit a segment of the community do not preserve our community’s character.

Domestic violence is a major concern in the Northern Beaches electorate. What will you do to advocate for community members facing this issue?

I do not consider myself an expert in this area. If elected, I will consult widely on this topic with people and experts and then work out a solution. I think we need less politicians “solving” this problem and more experts and people with lived experience guiding the solutions.

I will address each issue on its merits, irrespective of who the other councillors are. I will consult and discuss each issue with an open mind. I will do the right thing because it is the right thing to do.

What are the main issues you see as important for this election, and how will you advocate for them?

I believe in cycleways, healthy living, clean environment and environmentally friendly development with an aesthetic face. As a councillor I would be guided by the community and the council staff to better understand and prioritise the big issues, and then work together on finding solutions.

What do you see as the biggest issues facing the people of the Northern Beaches electorate in the
a) short term

Cycleways for healthy living. I would like to see Council staff work more closely with the community to co-design our streets and roads to encourage cycling. To date, Council has not worked closely enough with residents or experts to get the solutions right.

b) medium term

A lot of our medium term problems are not Council issues, but broader problems with current geopolitics like getting drawn into war.

c) long term?

The rising seas, increasing CO2 (Carbon Dioxide), climate change.

Name: Jasper Thatcher
Affiliation: Labor

Tell us about your connection to the electorate and name three places in the electorate that you love.

I was born in Mona Vale hospital and have lived on the beaches the rest of my life. My first ever job was working for a local fish and chips shop (Manly Fish Market). My current job is working on our world famous Manly ferries so you could say that I live and breathe the Northern Beaches.

My top 3 places on the beaches would have to be Freshwater beach/pool, Manly Dam and North head. As you can tell I really like to get out into nature and soak up the sun. But my favorite would have to be Freshwater beach. Nothing beats going for a swim down at Freshy in the morning followed by a few Aperol Spritz at Pilu for a long lunch looking out over freshy on a summers afternoon.

Why are you running as a candidate in this election and why should locals vote for you?

I think it is time for change on council. I want to improve people’s standard of living and reduce the financial burden of council. I believe I bring a fresh approach to council with a focus on the community as a whole. I also plan on being the voice on council holding them accountable and scrutinizing their decisions; as it is not healthy to have an autocratic organization without checks and balances.

Locals should vote for me if they want more access to affordable childcare. Parts of the beaches are childcare desserts and I will push for more council childcares that are subsidized to help hard working families. I want more flexible hours for council gyms and pools to accommodate for workers who do not work the usual 9-5. The environment on the beaches needs some attention, I want to increase the amount of trees and improve the greenspaces we have in the electorate, to help with ambient temperatures in the hotter months and provide better community use. Lastly being only 25 I will be a voice for our young people and advocate for their needs especially in terms of housing and public transport. I want our young people to be able stay living her in this beautiful place

Our Northern Beaches Living members have told us that rising costs for households is a key election concern for them. How will you advocate on their behalf for policies on this issue?

The cost of living is hurting every household and the last thing we need is a significant council rate hike on top of this. I am one to call out double standards when I see them. I believe if council is to ask rate payers to help make up the councils deficit then the council should be asking the same of themselves. The council needs to look internally at ways they can save money instead of just continually increasing rates.

I will advocate for council to be run efficiently so we don’t have to keep passing on rate hikes and leave more money in household budgets. One of my other cornerstone policy’s is cheaper and more accessible childcare. This will further help to take pressure of house hold budgets while also help give busy households more flexibility juggling work and kids.

Housing density has been a very topical issue recently. There is a need for more housing here on the beaches. We have some of the most unaffordable real estate in the country which is driving our young people off the beaches in search of more affordable housing, leaving their family and friends behind. One of the ways we can combat this is increasing housing supply by increasing unit density.

With increased density comes increased need for more gyms, shops and public transport. My plan would be to focus increased housing density on transport corridors such as Brookvale to reduce the amount of cars on the road and allow better access to transport. Part of new developments would include new shops, gyms and other essential services to avoid overcrowding of current facilities. Another of my cornerstone policy’s is to improve our greenspaces with a particular focus on improving Curl Curl lagoon. If we increased housing density we will need quality spaces for people to exercise and get out and that’s why I have already started planning for this.

Domestic violence is a major concern in the Northern Beaches electorate. What will you do to advocate for community members facing this issue?

Domestic violence is an issue that effects many in the community. It’s something I take very seriously. Part of the advantage I have as a Labor candidate is my ability to work with the state Labor governments and effect change. I would work with the NSW police minister Yasmin Catley and NSW minister for prevention of domestic violence Jodie Harrison to make sure the Northern beaches is properly resourced to deal with domestic violence. While also ensuring council plays its role when it can to help prevent domestic violence.

Part of the work I have done on various committees has included dealing with different personalities to achieve outcomes. I believe in putting ego’s to the side and will prioritize achieving outcomes and work with anyone across political spectrum whether they are independent or not. That being said I will not shy away from a fight to stick up for what I believe in if I feel it necessary.

What are the main issues you see as important for this election, and how will you advocate for them?

I believe the number one issue is the councils financial stability which is directly tied into the current cost of living crisis. I will be ensuring council does their fair share of the heavy lifting when it comes to tackling the deficit and not continually punishing rate payers.

Housing supply is also a big issue. I will focus sensible developments that deliver more housing but include the necessary facilities and services we need. I will endeavor to strike a balance between the lifestyle we all currently enjoy and ensuring we have additional housing required for future generations

I believe as a labor candidate with a sitting Labor state government I can provide real outcomes for the community and not just talk about them.

What do you see as the biggest issues facing the people of the Northern Beaches electorate in the
a) short term

The council budget and expenditure

b) medium term

affordable housing and housing supply

c) long term

maintenance and upgrade of the natural environment

Name: Carolyn Howells
Affiliation: Labor

Email not provided

Frenchs Forest Ward

Name: Ethan Hrnjak
Affiliation: The Greens

Tell us about your connection to the electorate and name three places in the electorate that you love.

Hi, I’m Ethan Hrnjak, your lead Greens candidate for the Frenchs Forest Ward of Northern Beaches Council. I’ve lived on the Northern Beaches all my life and believe our beautiful area deserves the strongest protections available. As we move deeper into the climate crisis, the importance of our natural environment cannot be understated. I’m currently undertaking my third year of Environment and Planning law at Macquarie University and serve as the Co-Secretary of The Greens NSW. Like many young people, I also work part-time to support myself through university.

My top three places are:

The Cascades
Lizard Rock
Manly Dam

Why are you running as a candidate in this election and why should locals vote for you?

I’m running because I know that young people deserve a seat at the council table. Whether it be climate change, high rates of anxiety and depression, a critical lack of affordable housing, or the degradation of our local environment, our Council plays a pivotal role in addressing these issues. A lack of input from young people on critical decisions about our future is contributing to our climate anxiety, political apathy, and increasing desire to disconnect. We must be able to give our young people hope for the future, because at this point it is little more than despair for many. As your Councillor, I would strive to reflect the values of our community in the work I do. Values such as securing the future of our children, promoting our sense of community and ensuring sustainable development by planning for people rather than profit.

Our Northern Beaches Living members have told us that rising costs for households is a

key election concern for them. How will you advocate on their behalf for policies on this

Issue?

The Greens are the only party at a local, state and federal level that has put forward real, tangible solutions to the cost of living crisis that many households are struggling with. While the Council is limited in resources and influence, there are many concrete policies we can implement to help ease the financial burden on residents such as:

Supporting initiatives to bring down power prices with solar panels, household batteries and publicly-owned community batteries, with low-interest loans for installation
Providing free leases of council facilities to local food banks, support services and community gardens
Supporting Council-managed, not-for-profit early childhood education facilities, and pushing the state government to fund more publicly-owned free preschools
Establishing local share-economy initiatives, like toy libraries and tool libraries, so locals can share cost-intensive resources
Ensuring concession holder access to Council facilities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, cricket nets, basketball courts and skate parks
Providing free sanitary products and free sunscreen in Council facilities

Given the state government’s recent push for increased housing density, what policies would you implement to balance the need for additional housing with the preservation of our community’s character and amenities?

The delivery of the Frenchs Forest town centre must managed sensitively and is something I will work towards. In some areas on the Northern Beaches, an increase in density can be done well if we are sensible and work with the community. Where increases in density are considered, we must have adequate infrastructure and alternative transport options to accommodate the increased population. I support making the construction of duplexes and multi-unit dwellings easier by improving the planning process and reducing zoning barriers. If we work with sustainability in mind we can improve and diversify the current housing stock on the Northern Beaches to give seniors, young people and essential workers affordable and beautiful places to live and work.

Domestic violence is a major concern in the Northern Beaches electorate. What will you do to advocate for community members facing this issue?

If elected I will work with our current Greens Councillors to keep supporting our local DV organisations. The Greens were pivotal in securing funding for local domestic violence and mental health services. Having Greens on Council means having strong advocates against domestic violence.

Council can achieve so much if we lead with compassion and work to conserve our local environment. We must prioritise the delivery of public amenities, including long-awaited public toilets, footpaths and sportsfields while being responsible with Council finances. I look forward to seeing the composition of the new Council after the election and working with both incoming and incumbent Councillors to advance sensible solutions to the issues our residents face over the next four years.

What are the main issues you see as important for this election, and how will you advocate for them?

The delivery of the new LEP is something I want to help get right. If we are careful we can strengthen local planning and improve the diversity of housing stock on the Northern Beaches to allow seniors, young people and essential workers affordable places to live. The Frenchs Forest Town Centre will see a lot of progress over the next four years and I want to be on the Council to hold developers accountable for their promises to deliver affordable housing, green space and community centres – as well as TfNSW for their promises to upgrade and improve the local infrastructure to support the increase in density. Finally, the Lizard Rock development will likely see an update within the next 12 months and the next Council will be tasked with managing whichever decision the Planning Minister makes regarding the progression of the development application. It is important that the Greens are on Council to continue advocating for the protection of our bushland here on the Northern Beaches.

What do you see as the biggest issues facing the people of the Northern Beaches

electorate in the

a) short term

Delivery of the Frenchs Forest Town Centre, the outcome of the Lizard Rock (Patyegarang) Development Application and the cost of living crisis.

b) medium term

Implementing strategies such as FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics), Bike Plan 2020 and Towards 2040 with the support of the community.

c) long term?

The impacts of man-made climate change will not spare the Northern Beaches and we must work towards resilience strategies and disaster preparedness and response. For example, I want to create heat refuges to protect us from extreme heat and ensure sufficient hazard-reduction burns to reduce bushfire risk.

Name: Fathimath Ibrahim
Affiliation: The Greens

Tell us about your connection to the electorate and name three places in the electorate that you love.

I’m originally from the Maldives and since I moved here 10 years ago, the Northern Beaches has made me feel like I never want to leave. The local businesses, my neighbours, the bush and most of all the sense of community keeps me connected to this area. One of my favourite places on the beaches would be Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, where I spend a lot of my spare time. Another place I love is Sri’s Indian Eatery – a family-run business that makes me feel at home.

Why are you running as a candidate in this election and why should locals vote for you?

I’m running as a candidate so that I can represent the younger generation on council. Fifty-three percent of councillors in NSW are aged between 50-69, so I think it’s high time we have people like me and Ethan Hrnjak on council. Why should you vote for us? Because we are engaged in our communities and what’s happening in this area – and are willing to represent and speak on behalf of the community.

Our Northern Beaches Living members have told us that rising costs for households is a key election concern for them. How will you advocate on their behalf for policies on this issue?

Council can save ratepayers money by fighting the state government’s cost-shifting where possible. One example is the emergency services levy, which the state government charged the council nearly $10 million for this year. The NSW government should find its own money and be accountable for its own budget, instead of taking money from councils around the state which are already struggling financially. Unfortunately council has little money to spare, so ensuring that the current services it provides continue, whilst limiting rate increases, is the best thing I think future councillors can do.

The character of the Northern Beaches is what draws people to live, and remain living, here. It is vital that we implement policies that protect our beautiful landscape and maintain them. If I am elected to council, I will fight to protect the character of our area and ensure that additional housing density is only considered if it is: a) sustainably built so it is part of the climate solution; b) not ecologically destructive; and c) our community is consulted first and supports any proposed development.

Domestic violence is a major concern in the Northern Beaches electorate. What will you do to advocate for community members facing this issue?

I will ensure that the current funding for DV shelters and homes are sustained and put forward a motion that council research further into what more can be done to support the victims of domestic violence. I also believe that council should push for more educational materials to be sourced to schools, educational facilities, etc.

I am standing as a member of the Greens. Over the last term of council, I observed a lot of the councillors (no matter what party) work hard for their community. They represented the values of their community and delivered within their capacity. If I am elected to council, I will work with any councillors — take their input, be it positive or negative — and ensure my community’s needs are met.

What are the main issues you see as important for this election, and how will you advocate for them?

The primary issues that I see as important for this election are the provision of affordable housing in any new developments, and mitigating the effects of climate change on our community. I will strive to ensure our targets for housing affordability in new developments are met, and provide clarity to my community on its progress. I will also advocate for ways to provide accessible information on climate mitigation and suggest practical avenues to achieve climate resilience on the Northern Beaches.

What do you see as the biggest issues facing the people of the Northern Beaches electorate in the
a) short term – Potholes.
b) medium term – Footpaths and bicycle paths and their maintenance.
c) long term – Heat resilience. We just felt one of the warmest ends to winter this year. The temperature’s getting warmer and warmer each year. We can address this by providing heat refuges and/or providing free access to pools/aquatic centres on hot summer days. We can also make sure, as a council, that we maintain and increase our tree canopy to provide a cooler environment for the community. As us Greens say: “More trees, cooler streets”.

Name: Cooper Holdsworth
Affiliation: The Greens

Awaiting responses

Name: Sue Heins
Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Tell us about your connection to the electorate and name three places in the electorate that you love.

I have lived in Davidson for about 15 years, moved from Dee Why and love both places.

My places I love here are the dog park, Austrian Club and Glen St Theatre

Why are you running as a candidate in this election and why should locals vote for you?

I love the area, have experience with Council and want to advocate for more efficient and practical processes to streamline how Council operates.I want to make our locals even more proud of the area we love to live in.

Our Northern Beaches Living members have told us that rising costs for households is a key election concern for them. How will you advocate on their behalf f or policies on this issue?

Cost of living is increasing for all of us. Major costs are beyond Council’s control ie: insurance, electricity, water, food etc however we can work on the costs of fees for our users and address the costs of managing our budgets.

We need to make sure our Development Controls are reflective of the balance between housing & infrastructure and the various communities they are in.

Domestic violence is a major concern in the Northern Beaches electorate. What will you do to advocate for community members facing this issue?

Having been on the board of a local domestic violence organisation for 10 years, I am truly aware of the need for State & Federal to address funding and changes needed to keep our families safe. Advocacy and public understanding of these issues is always important, people are not aware of what is happening in their communities.

I have always advocated to work with whoever is elected and have started strong relationships with our local MP’s.

What are the main issues you see as important for this election, and how will you advocate for them?

Main issues at this election is the NSW planning laws that have changed and working on to address the housing changes whilst keeping our character of the beaches community.

What do you see as the biggest issues facing the people of the Northern Beaches electorate in the
a) short term – affordability
b) medium term – environmental protection
c) long term – transport

Name: Jody Williams
Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Tell us about your connection to the electorate and name three places in the electorate that you love.

My great great grandfather was Frederick Passau, the Mayor of Manly from 1897-99, my family lived in Newport when I was a young child and my Aunty Dee still lives there. Many a Christmas was spent driving up to Newport for Christmas lunch at Uncle David & Aunty Dee’s.

My favourite places are The Garigal national park, Manly Beach & SES headquarters in Terrey Hills.

Why are you running as a candidate in this election and why should locals vote for you?

Community service is a passion of mine, and standing as a candidate in this election is a natural progression from my volunteering to local government. I’m a good person with a good brain, and I often find equitable solutions to difficult problems.

Our Northern Beaches Living members have told us that rising costs for households is a key election concern for them. How will you advocate on their behalf for policies on this issue?

Maintaining responsible oversight of budgets with community consultation.

You have answered the question with your question, I would balance the need for additional housing with the preservation of our community’s character and amenities. Additional housing needs to address a variety of households.

Domestic violence is a major concern in the Northern Beaches electorate. What will you do to advocate for community members facing this issue?

Affordable safe housing and support programs for survivors. There is a direct link between Alcohol/Gambling addiction and Domestic Violence, so increasing awareness of and support for rehabilitation programs and their effectiveness.

The Your Northern Beaches Independent Team prides itself as having the ability to work with all sides of government. In my case I have worked directly with Zali Steggall, Sophie Scamps and Michael Regan and have excellent relationships with their teams.

What are the main issues you see as important for this election, and how will you advocate for them?

This election is no different to any of the other elections since 2017, maintaining the Northern Beaches as the best place to live in Australia. Action on climate change through electrification and infrastructure development, maintaining transparency and accountability in government

What do you see as the biggest issues facing the people of the Northern Beaches electorate in the
a) short term – Affordable housing
b) medium term – Overcoming the shortfall in State and Federal funding
c) long term – Preparing the community for increased weather events

Name: Penny Philpott
Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Tell us about your connection to the electorate and name three places in the electorate that you love.

My late husband and I built our home in Frenchs Forest in 1978 so I have a very strong connection to the Forest area. Together we established the Redbacks Cricket Club which is now the Wakehurst Redbacks and in 1985 when Glen Street Theatre opened its doors we created the Forest Youth Theatre Company which performed at Glen Street for the following 20 years.

Why are you running as a candidate in this election and why should locals vote for you?

I’m running because I care deeply about the community. I was a Councillor (2017-21) and I consider I served the Forest community and in particular the Arts community of the entire Northern Beaches well.

Our Northern Beaches Living members have told us that rising costs for households is a key election concern for them. How will you advocate on their behalf for policies on this issue?

Unfortunately I consider Local Government has very little control on the rise in the cost of living for households. We live in a very privileged area and as I work with several charities I see many people in need. I would advocate for Council to maintain and increase funding and help for the 100s of people in need in the community.

I believe Council must have strict control on the density of housing and the preservation of our treasured bushland. We must maintain our green space and recreation area.

Domestic violence is a major concern in the Northern Beaches electorate. What will you do to advocate for community members facing this issue?

I will advocate for Council to increase funding and premises for community members facing domestic violence issues.

Fortunately, or unfortunately this party politics fiasco will not be an issue in the newly elected Council.

What are the main issues you see as important for this election, and how will you advocate for them?

For me, the main issue has always been to put the community first, in every way and keep petty party politics out of local government.

What do you see as the biggest issues facing the people of the Northern Beaches electorate in the
a) short term
b) medium term
c) long term?

I’m sorry, there are too many issues to talk about.

Manly

Name: Candy Bingham
Affiliation: Good For Manly

Tell us about your connection to the electorate and name three places in the electorate that you love.I am a third-generation Manlyite and am passionate about the area.

As a keen bush walker, I love North Head, As an aquatic reserve The Bower is special for swimming, and of course, being on the Manly Ferry. I’m proud of the campaign Good for Manly ran to save the iconic Manly Ferries, with the Queenscliff and Freshwater back in service, and the Narrabeen due early next year.

Why are you running as a candidate in this election and why should locals vote for you?

I have served 12 years as a Councillor, four on the previous Manly Council and eight on the Northern Beaches Council including 4 years as Deputy Mayor.

The Northern Beaches Council has effectively completed the amalgamation process and now it’s time to focus on infrastructure and services. Over the past eight years I have got to know the staff and the Council processes and believe I can be effective in continuing to get things done for the community.

Our Northern Beaches Living members have told us that rising costs for households is a key election concern for them. How will you advocate on their behalf for policies on this issue?

COVID cost the Council over $40m in losses and providing local support, plus we have had numerous environmental disasters with coastal erosion, flooding and bushfires. Costs have skyrocketed with building materials and operation costs. Everyone is feeling the pinch. We will have to make tough decisions to reign in our costs and ensure we are still providing the services the community expects. Consultation with the community in an open, transparent and accountable way is the key.

Affordable housing is vital to ensure a balanced community of ages and demographics. The Council has already started to find solutions looking at more townhouses, low rise apartments (two up and two down) and medium rise near appropriate transport hubs. It important to get the mix right. The Council has been working on this for some time and has demonstrated to the Department of Planning that we can achieve our targets for housing, without spoiling the unique character of the area.

Domestic violence is a major concern in the Northern Beaches electorate. What will you do to advocate for community members facing this issue?

I am already very active in this space supporting the Northern Beaches Women’s Shelter and Local Kind (formerly Manly Community Centre) with their fundraising and advocacy. It’s important the Council supports all agencies working in this field and I will continue to support any initiatives, and ensure that the Northern Beaches gets its fair share of funding

I have been an Independent since standing for election in 2012, setting up my own group Good for Manly and have found that the opportunity to vote for what the community wants, rather than being directed how to vote by a national political party, is of great benefit. My track record shows that I have worked effectively with all sides of politics, and will continue to do so. Being an Independent gives you enormous freedom to vote for what you believe is the right for your community.

What are the main issues you see as important for this election, and how will you advocate for them?

There are so many, but they are also driven by three key immediate concerns: the cost of living, affordable housing shortages, and climate change.

Cost-of-Living – it’s simple: we need to ensure that we operate within our income by cutting unnecessary costs while still providing the services ratepayers expect. This may mean delaying some projects but as a large Council (with a budget of $500m annually) we have the capacity to do this.

Affordable housing is vital to ensure that key workers are able to live in the area. Police, pre-school and school teachers, nurses etc. Also, by providing a variety of housing stock young people can continue to live in the area they grew up in, and empty nesters can sell their family homes and retire within the area. There is a lot of work to be done in this space.

Climate Change – The Northern Beaches Council is well on its way towards Net Zero in 2030. We will continue to advocate to State & Federal Governments to ensure targets continue to be met. After all, as a coastal area, a third of which is national park, we are seeing the effects of the changing environment perhaps a lot sooner than others with coastal erosion, fires and flooding.

What do you see as the biggest issues facing the people of the Northern Beaches electorate in the

a) short term – cost of living

b) medium term – housing

c) long term – climate change

Name: Taylah Schrader
Affiliation: Good For Manly

Tell us about your connection to the electorate and name three places in the electorate that you love.

I grew up in Manly Vale, a mere stone’s throw from the picturesque Manly Dam. I was a volunteer at Vinnies Balgowlah for years, did Nippers at North Curl Curl Surf Club and, in the summer, you can catch me playing SUPball just off Manly Wharf, much to the amusement of our many spectators at Wharf Bar or on an incoming ferry.

One of my favourite activities, which I often do with relatives and friends from out of town, is the Spit to Manly walk, always stopping for photographs of our breathtaking Sydney Harbour. Although I have been fortunate enough to have the chance to live and work overseas, the Northern Beaches will always be the place I call home.

Why are you running as a candidate in this election and why should locals vote for you?

I am running for Council because young people are often left out of the decision-making process and local government is the first step to ensuring that they have access to representation that understands the issues that are actually impacting them, such as climate change, housing affordability and mental health. By putting up my hand, I hope that it will encourage more young people to step into leadership roles (whether in government or otherwise) and advocate for the issues that concern them.

Our Northern Beaches Living members have told us that rising costs for households is a key election concern for them. How will you advocate on their behalf for policies on this issue?

I will advocate for transparent operating processes and the responsible funding of efficient, targeted and proactive crisis management services. People across the Northern Beaches are doing it tough, and Council is perfectly placed to understand and respond to the needs of its most vulnerable community members.

Moreover, when local governments have the confidence of their communities, they are better placed to secure resources and funding for local programs such food banks, disability services, legal aid, women’s shelters and youth engagement.

The Northern Beaches will always be confined by its unique geography, nestled as it is between pristine marine parks and unique bushlands. Council must therefore work with the State to compel developers to reserve a minimum percentage of affordable housing in all new developments on the Northern Beaches. I believe that a reactive, trigger-happy change to high-density residential planning will only create more problems in the long term, so careful consideration of our options is crucial. For example, streamlining the process for dual-occupancy in existing properties will increase the interim supply of housing while long-term projects take place.

Domestic violence is a major concern in the Northern Beaches electorate. What will you do to advocate for community members facing this issue?

I would fight for additional State funding to support our existing frontline services. The Northern Beaches already has phenomenal local crisis services, such as Northern Beaches Women’s Shelter and Women & Children First, and they need their local Council to support their ongoing and invaluable work. With adequate funding and support in place, the scope for support for at-risk women and their families will expand.

It has been interesting to see the increased role of independents in Australian politics. For me, being an independent councillor means that I wouldn’t be weighed down by party politics, instead I can simply get down to the important business of actually representing my community. That being said, if a policy is good for the community, being independent means I can freely work with whichever councillor put it forward to get it done, no matter what camp they come from.

I have friends across the political spectrum and believe that democracy thrives when there is a diversity of opinions. The trick is finding common ground, which is always much easier when I need only answer to my constituents.

What are the main issues you see as important for this election, and how will you advocate for them?

Cost-of-Living – We are in the midst of a cost of living crisis, so fiscal responsibility and political integrity is a must. Council needs to ‘trim the fat’ from inefficient processes and ensure that in-demand services are proactive and targeted to the needs of the community.

Climate Change – Northern Beaches Council has the opportunity to lead the way in climate-resilient planning and policy that safeguards public infrastructure and peoples’ homes for decades to come. A sustainable Beaches not only prevents the next generation of homes from being uninsurable, it is vital to preventing an expensive game of catch-up when floods, fires and storms inevitably occur.

Young people – Young people feel increasingly uncertain about their future. The young people I have spoken with feel increasingly disengaged from political system that devalues their concerns, despite their enthusiasm and innovative ideas. I would therefore work with youth groups, community services and directly with young people across the Northern Beaches to ensure that their contributions are not ignored, especially at the local level.

What do you see as the biggest issues facing the people of the Northern Beaches electorate in the…

a) short term – cost of living

b) medium term – housing

c) long term? – climate change

Name: Peter Greentree
Affiliation: Good For Manly

Email not provided

Name: Sarah Grattan
Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Tell us about your connection to the electorate and name three places in the electorate that you love.

The walk from North Harbour Reserve around to Forty Baskets Beach, a quick dip in our new tidal harbour pool and back again along the edge of the bushland.
Little Manly – and having dinner at the kiosk as the sun sets over the harbour
The Manly to Spit walk to Clontarf past hidden gems such as coffee at the Manly Boatshed, snorkling at Fairlight Beach, Castle Rock beach, the Aboriginal engravings and spotting the hidden huts in Crater Cove from Tania park, ending with breakfast at Clontarf – Bosk or Sandy Bear Cafe.

Why are you running as a candidate in this election and why should locals vote for you?

I am passionate about our community and I can give back by using my skills and qualifications in governance, strategy, financial and risk management to support our residents and local businesses. Council has $5 billion in assets under management, as a qualified company director I have the experience to provide oversight on behalf of the community.

Our Northern Beaches Living members have told us that rising costs for households is a key election concern for them. How will you advocate on their behalf for policies on this issue?

The Council is financially strong and has paid down $81M of debt since 2017, funded $41m support during COVID and $15m costs in weather disasters. The only meaningful way to reduce council expenditure by $10-15M per year is to defer asset maintenance, cancel upgrades or significantly cut services. We need to engage in conversation with the community, listening to what services they wish to retain, and what assets they want to renew or upgrade. In my view slashing services or privatisation is not the answer and will ultimately lead to greater costs on households and vulnerable residents who can least afford it .

The Council needs to do what it can to help provide spaces for housing, our kids and grandkids need somewhere to live. The new LEP will enable us to meet our housing targets and has identified areas around town centres that are suitable for “missing middle” housing. Eg duplex, manor houses, shop top housing. We have identified areas for higher density around Brookvale for the structure plan and new Forest town centre. This approach is designed to protect the character of our villages whilst supporting a greater supply of housing.

Domestic violence is a major concern in the Northern Beaches electorate. What will you do to advocate for community members facing this issue?

Domestic and family violence is a big issue on the beaches, with the statistics showing a significant association with alcohol use and gambling. Whilst predominately a state government issue, Council can continue to advocate to the government for additional shelter accommodation; supporting bans on gambling advertising; increasing awareness, education and reducing stigma in reporting; and continued involvement in the NB Domestic Violence Interagency. We can also continue to support community development grants for charities and local services working in the sector.

As an independent I collaborate closely with all members of Council and our local MPs. Council is a consensus body, not a “government” and “opposition”. It’s about the contest of ideas and different perspectives of our community. I feel there is no place for party politics in local government. We should all be squarely focused on our local community and their needs, not political ideologies.

What are the main issues you see as important for this election, and how will you advocate for them?

High inflation and interest rates hurting many households and negatively impacting economic activity on the beaches and creating tough conditions for our local business. Council be sensitive to cost of living pressures on residents.
Increasing frustration from residents at lack of asset maintenance, particularly on our roads, footpaths and stormwater. Our residents have high expectations, but Council is facing budget pressure, compounded by fewer Federal/ State Government grants. Prioritisation of spending is essential.
Competing demands on Council budget and continued requests for additional spending – Manly Life Saving Club redevelopment, North Steyne Surf Club refurbishment, Manly Warringah Gymnastics facility, Manly Place plan investment.

What do you see as the biggest issues facing the people of the Northern Beaches electorate in the
a) short term – Cost of living issues driving softness in economic conditions, particularly for mortgagees and renters, and local suburban businesses. It is patchy, as home owners and self-funded retirees are doing relatively well and continue to spend. This will continue until inflation falls and interest rates moderate to take the pressure off household budgets.
b) medium term – Ongoing financial sustainability of the council, given the ever increasing demands of our community, their expectations of high quality services, asset maintenance and upgrades and the continuation of cost shifting onto Council from state government.
c) long term – Housing provision for our kids and grandkids; affordable housing for everyone that needs it in our community be it our young people, teachers, nurses, police, bus drivers, single parents, older women… Our Council, businesses, services and community needs a diversity of people living locally and shifting demographics and lack of housing is going to bite.

The impacts of climate change will continue to add significant costs onto the Council – impacting local flooding, stormwater infrastructure, storms & extreme weather events, coastal erosion and reliability of energy. Council needs to continue to invest in our local infrastructure to be able to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Name: Rachael Martin
Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Tell us about your connection to the electorate and name three places in the electorate that you love.

I was first drawn to the Northern Beaches through my work in disability services. I now work as a constituent liaison officer in Manly, where I have the privilege of listening to and assisting community members with their concerns. Although I didn’t grow up here, I’ve chosen to make the Northern Beaches my home because I deeply appreciate its natural beauty and the warmth of the community. My favourite places are Forty Baskets for the tranquility, Silo Espresso because they put proper chocolate bits on their cappuccinos, and Shelly Beach is my absolute favourite because its perfect.

Why are you running as a candidate in this election, and why should locals vote for you?

Local government needs a fresh perspective and energy to address the challenges of today. Through my role as a constituent liaison, I’ve developed a unique understanding of our community’s needs and concerns. I’m good on my toes, I’m an innovative and creative problem-solver and most importantly I am committed to representing the needs of the community.

Our Northern Beaches Living members have told us that rising costs for households are a key election concern for them. How will you advocate on their behalf for policies on this issue?

I am all too familiar with the pressures of the current cost of living crisis, as I experience them myself. From rising rent and grocery bills to mounting medical expenses and student debt, I understand the urgency of finding solutions. It’s unacceptable that hardworking individuals and families, including our pensioners, are struggling to make ends meet. I will advocate for policies that provide immediate relief and long-term support, ensuring that our community has a high quality of life.

While we must acknowledge the need for increased housing, particularly medium-density options, it’s crucial that any development respects the unique character of the Northern Beaches. High-density, tall apartment buildings are not appropriate for our area, and our current infrastructure simply cannot support such developments. We need to focus on smart, community-focused local planning that addresses housing needs without compromising our local identity. We should also explore creative solutions, such as encouraging the better use of existing large family homes that are often underutilised.

Domestic violence is a major concern in the Northern Beaches electorate. What will you do to advocate for community members facing this issue?

Domestic violence is a critical issue that often goes under-acknowledged in our community, partly due to the Northern Beaches’ high socio-economic profile. I have engaged with many affected community members and local women’s shelters, and I am deeply committed to advocating for increased resources and awareness. With lived experience of domestic violence, I am driven by a personal understanding of the gravity of this issue and will tirelessly work to ensure that every individual facing such circumstances has access to the help they need.

Regardless of party affiliation, my primary focus is on progress and the well-being of our community. While the recent developments regarding the Liberal Party’s candidacy may have shifted the landscape, my approach remains unchanged. I am committed to collaboration and will work with all parties and independents to achieve outcomes that benefit our community. Compromise is essential when it serves the greater good.

What are the main issues you see as important for this election, and how will you advocate for them?

Housing affordability, environmental protection, and community cohesion are the pillars of my campaign. The Northern Beaches is a uniquely beautiful area, and it’s imperative that we safeguard its natural environment. Additionally, fostering a sense of community post-COVID is vital, particularly as many young people struggle with isolation. I will advocate for initiatives that promote sustainable living, affordable housing, and stronger community connections.

What do you see as the biggest issues facing the people of the Northern Beaches electorate in the:

a) Short term: The redevelopment of Manly Life Saving Club, which has been a long-standing concern for our community.

b) Medium term: Addressing the housing crisis to ensure that the Northern Beaches remains liveable, particularly for young families.

c) Long term: Tackling climate change and its impact on our coastline, including the rising sea levels that threaten our infrastructure.

Name: David Cowell
Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Tell us about your connection to the electorate and name three places in the electorate that you love.

My parents built a house in North Balgowlah in the early 1970’s. I grew up in North Balgowlah and now live in Allambie being on the Beaches and the Manly Dam catchment for 50 years.
North Steyne Beach where we run the special needs Nippers, patrol captain and Director at North Steyne SLSC.
The broader Manly community where we walk along the promenade, North Head bushwalks and volunteer for the Lions Club of Manly for a number of community and charity groups.

Why are you running as a candidate in this election and why should locals vote for you?

Passionate about volunteering, community and inclusion, I would like to see cohesion and opportunity for all on the beaches. My carreer has been in design and construction for major Australian companies on many large urban planned communities, infrastructure and residential projects around Australia.

Our Northern Beaches Living members have told us that rising costs for households is a key election concern for them. How will you advocate on their behalf for policies on this issue?

I do not think that wholesale reductions in rates will lead to positive outcomes if this results in a reduction in services. Look for efficiencies through technology for services and keen to see refurbishment of community facilities like North Steyne SLSC.I want ensure longevity for all assets undertaken holistically to reduce future costs and provide adequate and safe facilities for all community users. Looking at current assets that are surplus and non income producing that can recycled and put to better community use.

Development and infrastructure need to go hand in hand. We are limited in public transport offerings on the beaches and high density precincts take 7-15 years to realise. We are a family that has a home that provides intergenerational accommodation. There are the planning rules to allow in law accommodation, duplexes and granny flats along with medium density sites that can realise additional homes in 3-5 years without substantial pressure on existing infrastructure, transport and services.

Domestic violence is a major concern in the Northern Beaches electorate. What will you do to advocate for community members facing this issue?

Through my community and volunteering I am already involved with the Northern Beaches Women’s Shelters, Local Kind and other facilities through the Lions Clubs of Manly supporting these causes with fundraising and donations. This needs to be hand in hand with earlier intervention through schools and social media to arrest the decline in social and community values.

As an independent with independent views, I will work with other like minded councillors to represent the people of the Northern Beaches and not beholden to major party politics. We can represent the residents without ignoring our own views and beliefs.

What are the main issues you see as important for this election, and how will you advocate for them?

Ensuring community assets are refurbished and safe for all users and represent good value for money with a reduction in ongoing costs with income producing opportunities like the Surf Clubs, ovals and parks.
Focus on water and tributary pollution from major storm events that see our lagoon and beaches filled with rubbish, waste and sewerage..
Provide greater opportunities for everyone on the northern beaches to participate in volunteered and community events to increase the social cohesion for all and make our great community even better.

What do you see as the biggest issues facing the people of the Northern Beaches electorate in the
a) short term – Manage the competing costs across the beaches to ensure rates remain as affordable as possible without a reduction in service.
b) medium term – Look at opportunities with technology to remove inefficiency and duplication of costs in the delivery of services and assets / infrastructure construction and refurbishment across the beaches with sound financial, cost and project planning.
c) long term – Provide the opportunity for all families on the beaches to stay on the beaches and those that want to join us the opportunity for sustainable and affordable accommodation options now and for the upcoming and new generations to follow. Government needs to provide the framework and Council deliver the opportunity for businesses and not for profit to provide the building and services efficiently.

Name: Brandt Clifford
Affiliation: Labor

Awaiting responses

Name: Celine Varghese-Fell
Affiliation: Labor

Awaiting responses

Name: Sam Pigram
Affiliation: Labor

Awaiting responses

Name: Bonnie Harvey
Affiliation: The Greens

Tell us about your connection to the electorate and name three places in the electorate that you love.

I grew up on the Beaches, moving between my parents’ houses in Allambie and Balgowlah. I am grateful to have lived here because it has allowed me to grow into the person I am today; someone with a connection to nature, a good education and great community connections. When I solo travelled across Europe and America last year a large part of me was aching to be home. It’s easy to forget just how good we have it living here.

Why are you running as a candidate in this election and why should locals vote for you?

I am running for Council because I see the potential for Manly to become an area of climate leadership and community closeness. I want to keep community assets in public ownership, ensure more sustainable development and conserve local bush and beaches. I also want to advocate a community-first approach to supporting arts and culture, that as sponsoring local young people to busk on the Corso under the shade of a newly planted native tree. That is where the magic happens.

Why me? I am an artist and activist in my third year as a Political Scholar at USYD. I bring to Council my experience as a policy researcher, my commitment to community aspirations and my skills in the arts industry. I believe my passion will be useful in evolving the way people view politics and engaging the next generation in local issues. You can count on me for community consensus, creative policy innovation and a new energy in the Council chambers.

Our Northern Beaches Living members have told us that rising costs for households is a key election concern for them. How will you advocate on their behalf for policies on this issue?

Cost of living is an issue many residents have raised during my doorknocks. Our current Greens councillors Korzy and Glanville did not support the last budget due to the prominence of expensive projects that are not sensitive to the current challenges in economic conditions. This is particularly relevant in Manly where there is ongoing community discussion about large-scale developments such as the Manly Life Saving Club and the Manly Town Hall. There needs to be more discussion about whether this is the right time to prioritise such upscale developments. If they do go ahead, these projects need to be economically sustainable to limit rate rises on a community experiencing cost of living pressures. Another way Council can support residents in the cost of living crisis is through affordable housing. This is a space where previous Greens councillors have done valuable work. I look forward to collaborating with Cr Glanville and Cr Korzy with motions to fund and build more affordable housing on Council-owned land and better utilise vacant homes and Airbnbs. I am also interested in finding ways to assist small business in times of economic decline.

There are many important considerations Council must undertake when it comes to housing. Ideal communities are aesthetic, accessible, affordable and environmentally friendly. Council should support developing medium-density areas while upholding stringent policies around heritage, design and sustainability. Developments must coincide with community, environment and character to make them truly liveable. That’s why my policy platform advocates for maintaining green space and publicly owned facilities. One of the Greens’ four pillars is grassroots democracy, so I would also promote extensive community consultation throughout all development proposals.

Domestic violence is a major concern in the Northern Beaches electorate. What will you do to advocate for community members facing this issue?

The Greens were proud to oppose budget cuts supported by other councillors to local domestic violence and homelessness services, and to instead successfully secure three years of ongoing funding for these services. We have championed action on funding and building more affordable housing, to make it easier for DV survivors to find secure housing. I look forward to working with local DV services and people with lived experience in this area: towards a safe and inclusive community for all.

I intend to create good working relationships with independents on Council; treating them with the respect they deserve and encouraging them to adopt aspects of the Greens vision for a more inclusive, sustainable and vibrant Northern Beaches. I am interested in creating joint public initiatives with fellow councillors to work cooperatively and actualise community interests.

What are the main issues you see as important for this election, and how will you advocate for them?

I see the primary issues as a commitment to climate action and addressing the cost of living crisis (which inherently coincides with the climate crisis). I will advocate for local climate leadership by ensuring that all levels of sustainability and environmental protection are prioritised. In the last council term, the Greens sought to pass positive climate and environmental reform such as increasing environmental compliance staff, implementing a moratorium on costly and damaging astroturf installations and banning fossil fuel advertising on Council land – unfortunately, these initiatives were not supported by a majority of Councillors. With a more progressive chamber I hope these kinds of initiatives can succeed in the future, as well as cultivate a culture of sustainability through more second-hand goods festivals and community recycling options. As for the cost of living, I would advocate for a reprioritisation of Council spending away from large-scale development for the time being and support new motions for affordable housing options and other ways to ease household budgets.

What do you see as the biggest issues facing the people of the Northern Beaches electorate in the

a) short term – The cost of living crisis, particularly for the third of our residents who are renting and affected by the housing crisis.

b) medium term – Pollution and climate change. We are already seeing the impacts of climate change in our everyday life; with worsening weather events, recurring road damage and disappearing species, such as our Fairy Penguins. Climate change also poses a large financial risk to Council (due to damaged infrastructure, disrupted supply chains etc). We need to activate our community and work with all levels of government to mitigate climate change and prepare for the future.

c) long term – I see mental health as a large issue in the Northern Beaches, particularly among younger people. I fear the lack of participation in arts, nature and community will only exacerbate this in the future. We must work hard to create a positive and cohesive culture so people can come together and young people can find support in times of hardship.

Name: Terry Le Roux
Affiliation: The Greens

My Association with the Northern Beaches:

I have lived on the Northern Beaches for over 25 years, and have worked in a number of community groups to help achieve outcomes for these communities. These communities are the North Harbour Community Group and the Balgowlah Residents Group, ensuring that Manly retains its community and environmental values. I have been active in campaigns to protect local bushland, save the Manly Ferries, oppose a poorly designed proposed car park under Manly Oval, and the community campaign opposing the Northern Beaches Tunnel.

My work for the community, and my collaborative and constructive approach to engaging with residents and local government, was recognised by the Northern Beaches Council, as I was awarded Senior Citizen of the Year in 2022.

3 Places in the Northern Beaches I Love:

Wellings Reserve and the walk from the Reserve to Tania Park via 40 Baskets Beach and Reef Beach
North Head – where I ride my bike regularly and take visitors to see the wild flowers and enjoy views of the harbour
Long Reef Headland – where I play golf on the Long Reef Golf Course and go walking

Why Should the Voters Vote for Greens Councillors:

The Greens lead candidate for the Manly Ward is Bonnie Harvey. I am on the Greens Ticket to be part of Bonnie’s team to provide support to her as a new councillor. My experience in working with the community will, I hope to be of help to her.

Greens councillors on Manly Council and then on the Northern Beaches Council have demonstrated their understanding of the long-term benefits for the community of respecting and protecting the bush in our area.

Cost of Living Pressures:

On the last council, the Greens councillors opposed the budget that was adopted by a decision of the majority of the councillors. As a local resident and a member of the Greens I support their decision.

Pressure to Increase Housing and Housing Density

As the Northern Beaches does not have rail (or light rail) mass transport to service our area, there is not as much pressure from the State Government for our area to have new high rise housing developments. The Greens councillors have in the past advocated for the council to take a more proactive approach and taking a lead in redeveloping council-owned car parks, redundant building sites and land for medium density housing. I will continue to get the council to pursue this option as a way of contributing the pressure on new housing.

Domestic Violence Issues:

In the last council, the Greens councillors opposed a motion from councillors to reduce the contribution from council to the Women’s Refuges. This demonstrates the commitment of the Greens to acknowledge the problem of domestic violence and the responsibility of the community to help those impacted domestic violence.

Working with other Councillors – Importance of Collegiality on the Council:

I am strongly of the view that a councillor’s primary responsibility to the residents of the Northern Beaches – and not to the ideology of the political party they are a member of. 90%+ of the decisions councillors are expected to make relate to bread-and-butter issues impacting the lives of Northern Beaches residents. For this reason it is important that all councillors work for better outcomes for the community and the environment.

The Biggest Issues Facing the Council:

Long Term Issues:

- Maintain a balance between the pressure to over-develop for housing and to preserve the quality of our natural environment

Medium Term Issues:

- - Improve the engagement from residents in the Council’s planning and decision-making process
  - Resist the temptation to have “vanity projects” that the council cannot really afford. Adjust capital expenditure to the accept the limited financial resources of the council.
  - Improve compliance relating to: tree/vegetation removal, non-compliance with new developments / renovations.
  - Develop and implement strategies to improve tree canopy cover in council-owned public areas – and on private property.

Short Term Issues:

- Repair potholes on roads
- Better mange the expectations of the community on new community facilities for surf and life saving clubs
- Continue with strategies to improve behaviour by e-bike cyclists

Narabeen Ward

Name: Vincent De Luca
Affiliation: Independent

Awaiting responses

Name: Robert Giltinan
Affiliation: Independent

Awaiting responses

Name: Tammy Cook
Affiliation: Independent

Awaiting responses

Name: Sue Wright
Affiliation: Labor

Tell us about your connection to the electorate and name three places in the electorate that you love.

I grew up in North Narrabeen and on Collaroy Plateau and am fortunate enough to be the 4th generation in my family to live in the Narrabeen Ward. I raised my two children here and it is home. I think my three favourite places in the Narrabeen Ward are the lookout on Edgecliffe Boulevarde on Collaroy Plateau, looking out at everything, Long Reef beach and the headland and the North Narrabeen baths.

Why are you running as a candidate in this election and why should locals vote for you?

I have been involved in a lot of campaigns over the years for our community to retain our public services on the Northern Beaches, on the Save the Mona Vale Hospital Committee, where we were instrumental in gaining an Inquiry into the NB Hospital, Save the Manly Ferries Alliance, where we were able to have 3 of the 4 Freshwater Class ferries reinstated on the F1 run and in raising money for public schools in the area. I also worked with Minister John Graham when I stood as the Labor Candidate in the Wakehurst electorate during the 2023 State Election, submitting a proposal to him and securing $13 million in funding for the Wakehurst Parkway. Standing for Council seemed a natural progression as a means to be able to do more for the community.

Our Northern Beaches Living members have told us that rising costs for households is a key election concern for them. How will you advocate on their behalf for policies on this issue?

Everyone in the community is feeling the pinch. On a local level, I would advocate for better Council financial management to try and minimise rate rises, I would love to see more community kindergartens to help families with the cost of vital early childhood education and I would also advocate for more social and affordable housing to try and address the housing rental price problems.

There is a housing crisis across New South Wales and in the Northern Beaches local government area. Labor candidates believe in providing more homes and housing choices for local key workers, young people, to their jobs and for and multi-generational families to live closer to each other, and within the communities they choose. By voting Labor at this council election, voters can be assured that they will be supporting councillors who are committed to building liveable and sustainable communities that have well-built and designed homes, with parks and open public spaces, as well as footpaths and shared cycleways.

We also need to treasure our heritage, our older buildings, and preserve them and look after them.

Domestic violence is a major concern in the Northern Beaches electorate. What will you do to advocate for community members facing this issue?

Domestic violence is an increasing danger for families in our community. There are so many aspects that need to be addressed. More shelters are the first priority, social housing for long term accommodation, a larger police presence across the entire community would mean shorter wait times for assistance and working with both the state and federal governments for housing, grants and other assistance.

I am representing the Labor Party in the Council election. I believe that everyone in our community should be represented, and as a party of government that has bever held a place on the Northern Beaches Council, I think it’s time for a change. I am on a number of committees with members from all political persuasions. You have to discuss ideas and collaborate to work out what is best for the whole community.

What are the main issues you see as important for this election, and how will you advocate for them?

If I am elected in September, my focus would be to help residents with cost of living pressures, facilitate housing for families and essential workers, protect and enrich our bushland and implement a coastal management plan and make our community a safer place to live and work.

What do you see as the biggest issues facing the people of the Northern Beaches electorate in the
a) short term Housing affordability
b) medium term Infrastructure
c) long term? Climate change

Name: Ryan O’Sullivan
Affiliation: Labor

Tell us about your connection to the electorate and name three places in the electorate that you love.

I’ve lived all over Sydney and have chosen to call the Northern Beaches home. I’ve worked here over the years and aimed to keep the community safer. I enjoy the beaches, the parks and the pubs.

Why are you running as a candidate in this election and why should locals vote for you?

Working families on the Northern Beaches have been abandoned by all levels of government on the Northern Beaches, for decades. It’s time working families had a councillor that respects them and fights for issues on their behalf.

Our Northern Beaches Living members have told us that rising costs for households is a key election concern for them. How will you advocate on their behalf for policies on this issue?

As a frontline worker I know the pressures that families are facing first hand. The first step is to reduce spending for things that the majority do not want. Such as millions being spent on seawalls that do not work and destroy our beaches. These expenses should not be funded by the community and drive up our rates. I would suggest a freeze on rates and eventually syncing rates to inflation rather than the huge increases that we have seen.

For many years politicians here have halted progress by creating a “chicken and egg” scenario. They have blamed lack of infrastructure to prevent affordable housing and then blamed lack of affordable housing for not building infrastructure. This has resulted in the Northern Beaches not getting its fair share of state and federal funding. I will push for both, it’s time to make living on the Northern Beaches an achievable goal for young aspirational families and provide us with infrastructure that suits our needs.

Domestic violence is a major concern in the Northern Beaches electorate. What will you do to advocate for community members facing this issue?

I will ensure support networks for victims of domestic violence are fully funded, ensure housing is made affordable to attract people to work in frontline services for the Northern Beaches.

It is my view that Independent candidates here have unfortunately focussed on becoming an anti-Liberal Party, rather than focusing on working families and the community. This has become evident by inaction and poor decision making at all levels of government that do not reflect the views of working families. I will work with Independent Councillors and ensure that working families become a priority in their decision making.

What are the main issues you see as important for this election, and how will you advocate for them?

I will be pushing for affordable housing for working families and frontline workers. I’ll ensure council implements crime reduction strategies like installing CCTV around isolated areas such as Narrabeen Lagoon, as well as all entry/exit points to the Northern Beaches to reduce criminals coming into the peninsula. I’ll be pushing for preventing constant rate rises and push for emergency services to have safer parking.

What do you see as the biggest issues facing the people of the Northern Beaches electorate in the
a) short term
b) medium term
c) long term?

The biggest issue facing short, medium and long term is lack of affordable housing for working families. Unfortunately, aspiration has become imagination for many residents’ children and their families are being divided all over Sydney and NSW, rather than keeping families together in the same community. When families are driven apart this causes a drain on our roads, our services and our mental health. It needs to be fixed.

Name: Ruth Robins
Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Tell us about your connection to the electorate and name three places in the electorate that you love.

I am a local resident of the Narrabeen Ward, a mother to 2 and a grandmother to 5 and have lived and worked on the Northern Beaches for over 25 years. During this time, I have volunteered for several local charities, committees and boards. I use the Warriewood Valley cycleways on a regular basis and swim regularly in the Narrabeen Rock Pool.

Three places that I love:

Narrabeen Rock Pool
Narrabeen Lake
The Basin – Pittwater

Why are you running as a candidate in this election and why should locals vote for you?

I want to continue to make sure the people of Narrabeen Ward have a voice.

I believe in the importance of involving the community in decisions that affect them, ensuring accountability and transparency for strong governance and financial sustainability.

I love being part of my community and I want to make sure it remains connected and caring, and a great place to live.

Our Northern Beaches Living members have told us that rising costs for households is a key election concern for them. How will you advocate on their behalf for policies on this issue?

Where possible minimize Councils costs ie rates and fees

Inform community of Councils fee relief policies.

Advocate to the Federal and State Governments for community support programs fee relief programs.

Stop cost shifting of Sate programs to local government ie the Emergency Services Levy.

The new Local Environment Plan will enable us to meet our housing targets with a mix of identified areas around town centres that are suitable for “missing middle” housing. Eg duplex, manor houses, shop top housing.

We have identified areas of higher density around Brookvale for the structure plan and the new Forest town centre.

However, it is still important to engage our community in any discussions to do with the preservation of our community’s character and amenities.

Domestic violence is a major concern in the Northern Beaches electorate. What will you do to advocate for community members facing this issue?

In my role as Councillor, I represent the Narrabeen Ward on Council’s Community and Safety Committee and the Domestic Violence Working Party.

I will continue to liaise and advocate for victims, children and families at the local, state and federal levels of government.

The last Federal election showed that independent candidates are a strong force on the North Shore and Northern Beaches. If you are an independent candidate, how will you work with the major parties if elected? And if you are from a political party, how will you work with independents if elected?

I have great working relationships with both the Federal Independent members of Parliament, the State Independent for Wakehurst and the Pittwater State member of Parliament

What are the main issues you see as important for this election, and how will you advocate for them?

Cost of living

Talking and listening to our community to hear how the Council can assist in alleviating the impact.

Inform the Community on what the Council can offer with regard to helping with payment of rates etc.

Housing affordability

Advocate to Federal and State Government for diversity of housing on the Northern Beaches.

Financial sustainability of the Council

It’s important that the Council spend money wisely to get the best value on behalf of our community

What do you see as the biggest issues facing the people of the Northern Beaches electorate in the

a) short term – cost of living

b) medium term – financial sustainability of the Council

c) long term – housing availability, affordability and diversity

Name: Chris Jackson
Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Tell us about your connection to the electorate and name three places in the electorate that you love.

Narrabeen Ward has a wealth of riches to enjoy. The Rockpool and beaches, the wetlands and the lagoon walk. I regularly volunteer at Manly Warringah Pittwater Community Care and have worked as a bus driver across the beaches for more than 15 years.

Why are you running as a candidate in this election and why should locals vote for you?

I’ve lived on the peninsula for over twenty years. I’ve worked and volunteered locally for almost that entire time. I see standing for Council as an extension of my commitment to the community.

Our Northern Beaches Living members have told us that rising costs for households is a key election concern for them. How will you advocate on their behalf for policies on this issue?

The rise in the cost of living has taken its toll on us all. We all need a steady job and somewhere safe to live. Small and medium size businesses are the key to a secure standard of living and I will advocate on behalf of Narrabeen business to reduce red-tape and interference in how they run their businesses.

One of the pillars of Your Northern Beaches Independent Team is to protect the environment from inappropriate development. I fully support the development currently slated for Frenchs Forest and Brookvale which is modest by what is planned for the rest of Sydney. If elected I’ll be working with you to lobby State and Federal Governments for the money needed to maintain and improve the vital infrastructure required to maintain our communities and our enviable standard of living.

Domestic violence is a major concern in the Northern Beaches electorate. What will you do to advocate for community members facing this issue?

Men’s mental health is an issue I take very seriously. I volunteer for a charity called Mentoring Men which supports blokes through troubled times. I also enthusiastically support the wonderful work of Women and Children First.

I strongly believe Council should be independent of major political parties so that regardless of who governs NSW from Macquarie St or Australia from Canberra, an independent Council will be best placed to negotiate on behalf of Northern Beaches residents. If I’m fortunate enough to be elected I will work with all Councillors, regardless of their allegiances, on behalf of the people of Narrabeen Ward and all of the Northern beaches.

What are the main issues you see as important for this election, and how will you advocate for them?

Jobs, services and the environment. Jobs, supporting local business by cutting red-tape. Services, by maintaining levels of funding to the services that support social cohesion across the peninsular e.g Sporting and surf clubs, Libraries, Child Care, Community centres to name a few . Environment, to protect our unique environment from inappropriate development and to maintain vital infrastructure.

What do you see as the biggest issues facing the people of the Northern Beaches electorate in the
a) short term – Cost of living, a good job and a safe place to live.
b) medium term – Maintaining and improving infrastructure including roads, footpaths, stormwater assets and sporting facilities.
c) long term – Protection of property and assets from extreme weather events.

Name: Adam Hughes
Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Tell us about your connection to the electorate and name three places in the electorate that you love.

I am school principal of North Narrabeen Primary School.
I love the walk around Narrabeen Lagoon, the local sporting grounds and Iove my school.

Why are you running as a candidate in this election and why should locals vote for you?

I want to advocate for a healthy, inclusive, safe and accessible Northern Beaches community. As the principal of a Northern Beaches Public school I have developed a deep connection to the community I wish to represent.

Our Northern Beaches Living members have told us that rising costs for households is a key election concern for them. How will you advocate on their behalf for policies on this issue?

I understand the implications of cost of living with the families I represent and want to work with all levels of Government to address this.

I my role as principle we need to be mindful the increased population and the capacity of schools and infrastructure.

Domestic violence is a major concern in the Northern Beaches electorate. What will you do to advocate for community members facing this issue?

I am acutely aware of the impact of DV in my community and the impacts on children. I work with local services to address this,

I plan to continue the strong relationships with the 2 State members

What are the main issues you see as important for this election, and how will you advocate for them?

Involving the community with decisions that affect them.

What do you see as the biggest issues facing the people of the Northern Beaches electorate in the
a) short term – traffic
b) medium term- sporting amenities
c) long term – Community support for families

Pittwater Ward

Name: Miranda Korzy
Affiliation: The Greens

Tell us about your connection to the electorate and name three places in the electorate that you love.

I’ve lived in Avalon for 20 years – 30 on the Northern Beaches. My husband grew up in Pittwater and he and our kids all went to local schools. We moved back here because we love the relaxed atmosphere and spectacular natural beauty, with our low key villages, bushland and beaches. I feel incredibly lucky to live here and a responsibility to play my part in caring for our natural surroundings and supporting our local community.

It’s really hard to narrow down which places I love the best in Pittwater, because we’re spoilt for choice. However, I love the trees and tranquility of Angophora Reserve – you feel like you’re way out in the bush and it’s hard to believe it’s in the middle of Avalon. Similarly, Bangalley Headland, especially when the flannel flowers are blooming and looking out to sea, plus any of our beaches on a sunny day when the water is sparkling.

Why are you running as a candidate in this election and why should locals vote for you?

As a journalist, activist and local Mum, I passionately believe in the importance of a strong community and that we must protect our precious environment for future generations. I’ve always been involved in the community – from a playgroup leader and the P&C to helping found the Protect Pittwater Association, and as a member of the Save Mona Vale Hospital committee. I also support a range of local residents’ and environmental groups, including Canopy Keepers, which I helped set up five years ago to preserve our urban forest.

Working with the community while on council, I successfully organised opposition to a council proposal to cut 3,613 properties from Pittwater’s Conservation Zones and secured a Tree Canopy Plan for the Northern Beaches. Having initiated a Coastal Management Working Group, I’m also the NBC councillor delegate to the Sydney Coastal Councils Group – whose brief is to guarantee sustainable management of the urban coastal environment. I’ve also supported funding for youth and domestic violence support services.

Finally, I’ve strived to listen to, work with, and inform residents via my monthly council report. If re-elected, I will continue to ensure Pittwater’s voice is clearly heard on council.

Our Northern Beaches Living members have told us that rising costs for households is a key election concern for them. How will you advocate on their behalf for policies on this issue?

I will be circumspect in any decisions that involve increasing rates or fees – as I was when I voted against the council’s last budget. At the beginning of the next council term we will have the opportunity to examine the current council organisational structure for any inefficiencies and to reprioritise spending where necessary. As part of this process, I would like to review what council work is being outsourced that could be brought in house at a lower cost. I also believe we might need to sacrifice some areas – such as events – to redirect funding to maintain our basic infrastructure.

Where the NSW government is forcing increased density upon us, we must ensure we provide affordable housing for our young people, families, downsizers, those with disabilities and essential workers. The council has a 10 per cent affordable housing target that applies to anywhere that has been “upzoned” – meaning where density has increased – and I will vote to strictly enforce this.

However, we must ensure Pittwater’s tree canopy remains intact via the Tree Canopy Plan and a new Tree Management Policy and, working with the NSW government, that the necessary infrastructure – such as upgrading Warriewood Sewage Treatment Plant, roads, more schools and hospital beds – are also provided.

We should also work with the NSW government on strategies such as increasing rates for homes that remain empty for extended periods and introducing a time limit on the duration of Airbnb lettings.

Domestic violence is a major concern in the Northern Beaches electorate. What will you do to advocate for community members facing this issue?

On the current council I successfully advocated to continue funding local youth, homelessness and domestic violence services and I will continue to do so into the future. However, I would also like to pursue avenues to prevent domestic violence. We know one in three women has experienced physical violence and one in five has been sexually assaulted. Further, research indicates that some men’s attitudes to gender relations and excessive alcohol consumption are major factors in domestic violence. So I will be proposing council strategies for changing the culture, structures and attitudes that drive domestic violence.

Over the years, I’ve worked cooperatively with residents from across the political spectrum on a variety of community groups including Protect Pittwater and Save Mona Vale Hospital. I’m not easily moved on matters of principle but believe that many of us on council have the same underlying desire to do what’s best for the community. I also believe that with so many women standing for council this time, it’s likely to be more collegial.

What are the main issues you see as important for this election, and how will you advocate for them?

Harmonising planning regulations will be a critical issue over the next term and I will work to ensure they protect our environment and Pittwater’s character.
I’ll also advocate to make climate change and adaption a central focus of council business in the next term, as sea level rise erodes our beaches, and more frequent storms, intense heat and the risk of bushfire threaten our homes and tree canopy.
We need more staff for building and environmental compliance to inspect and enforce the rules. I also want to see a council campaign to educate the community about the standards most of us expect.
Pittwater’s parks and reserves, with their tree canopy providing homes for wildlife, are suffering from a lack of care. We must find funds in the next budget to prevent them becoming further degraded by weeds.
Synthetic turf comes with many significant environmental and health risks – as well as costing four times as much as natural turf over its lifetime. I want council to prevent this artificial grass replacing natural turf in local parks and ovals.
Pittwater’s uneven and hazardous footpaths, potholed roads and our ageing rockpools need increased funding, which I will also prioritise in budget discussions.

What do you see as the biggest issues facing the people of the Northern Beaches electorate in the

a) short term

Housing and cost of living crises.
Stress: time pressures for families; isolation across all age groups; impact of social media, academic pressures, body image expectations, and fears for the future amongst young people; mental health in all age groups, domestic violence.
Climate change: more frequent and extreme storms; flooding; loss of beaches due to sea level rise coupled with building on sand dunes and vertical seawalls; extreme heat; bushfires.
Environmental degradation: loss of tree canopy and other vegetation; the extinction crisis; plastic pollution and waste disposal – with landfill sites running out of room.
Deterioration in public assets such as council buildings, roads, footpaths, rockpools, bus shelters, playing fields, community centres and halls.

b) medium term

Climate change – as for short term but becoming more extreme, including inundation of low lying areas on the Northern Beaches, without any level of government taking decisive action, whilst insurance premiums rise.

c) long term

Climate change – with sea level rise of up to 1.1 metres by the end of the century, low lying property and infrastructure worth billions of dollars (such as schools, roads, surf clubs and private homes) suffering permanent inundation up to 100 metres inland, extreme heat and frequent bushfires, social dislocation and environmental degradation.

Name: Evan Turner-Schiller
Affiliation: The Greens

Tell us about your connection to the electorate and name three places in the electorate that you love.

Having been fortunate enough to live in Pittwater my whole life, I love our community and the local environment, especially the beaches and bushland. I went to school at Avalon Public and then Barrenjoey High and have been passionate about preserving our beautiful area since I was a kid. We live in the best place in the world – but we have to recognise why that is, and do everything we can to keep it that way.

My three favourite places in the area are: Avalon Beach (particularly North Av), Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, and The Cheer Factory Indian restaurant in Newport.

Why are you running as a candidate in this election and why should locals vote for you?

I’m a life-long local, an environmentalist, and a small-business owner, with a Cert III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management and a Bachelor of Communications from UTS. I run a local eco-gardening business and volunteer for Canopy Keepers, a community group working towards the preservation and regeneration of Pittwater’s canopy.

I’m running because I care deeply about our local environment and I feel that council hasn’t done enough to protect and enhance it. In particular, I’m passionate about our precious local biodiversity, particularly bushland reserves. I want to see more investment in managing and protecting these reserves now, so that the cost of properly maintaining them decreases over time and future generations can enjoy what past generations have experienced. Council must do better to protect and enhance what tree canopy, bushland and endangered species we have left.

Our Northern Beaches Living members have told us that rising costs for households is a key election concern for them. How will you advocate on their behalf for policies on this issue?

As a young person and local small business owner, I understand how much the cost-of-living is hurting at the moment. Although council has limited policy levers when it comes to cost-of-living, it can help in ways like ensuring services it provides residents are well maintained, promoting local businesses, and advocating to state and federal governments.

Council could also save residents money by cutting gimmicky expenses. The council budget must be reprioritized to invest in core business, including protection of our local environment. However, many savings will only come with a more long-term approach – just like how we often buy in bulk at the supermarket, which is more expensive today, but pays off greatly over time.

Since council amalgamation, Pittwater has faced a development onslaught which has caused a lot of environmental damage and is not in keeping with the area’s character. However, the most destructive development is for holiday homes and obscenely sized mansions that house only two people, which adds no new housing stock.

Domestic violence is a major concern in the Northern Beaches electorate. What will you do to advocate for community members facing this issue?

I’ll be working to ensure that council continues to fund the DV services which it currently does. I will also work with the council to liaise with victims and the community more broadly to figure out what more can be done by council, as well as local police and schools, to end domestic violence.

I’ll work with whoever is elected to council on any and all issues that they’re willing to work with me on. I am running for The Greens. The term ‘Independents’ is somewhat deceptive at a local government level – Greens councillors sometimes vote differently from fellow Greens councillors, just as Liberal councillors sometimes voted differently from fellow Liberals.

What are the main issues you see as important for this election, and how will you advocate for them?

As mentioned before, my number one issue for the next term of council is preserving our area’s special biodiversity.

What do you see as the biggest issues facing the people of the Northern Beaches electorate in the
a) short term:
Cost of living pressures and tree canopy loss
b) medium term:
The local biodiversity crisis
c) long term:
Climate change

Name: Felicity Davis
Affiliation: The Greens

Tell us about your connection to the electorate and name three places in the electorate that you love.

My husband and I bought a block of land in 1972. The land was running out and we got a piece that was down a private unmade-up road on a very steep block. My husband built it himself from a modified Pettit and Sevitt Plan. It took 4 years to build and we lived there for 18 years. So my children grew up there. We love the bushy nature and the beaches of the area.

Why are you running as a candidate in this election and why should locals vote for you?

Because I love the bush and the tall trees and I want to keep them.

Our Northern Beaches Living members have told us that rising costs for households is a key election concern for them. How will you advocate on their behalf for policies on this issue?

Advocate for and support groups and community organisations who assist people who are economically disadvantaged.

Supporting the values of the Northern Beaches through sustainable economic decision making.

Advocate to the State and Federal government for better wages for nurses and teachers and other essential workers.

Work with community housing providers, Support innovative rental matching service for people at risk of homelessness.

Domestic violence is a major concern in the Northern Beaches electorate. What will you do to advocate for community members facing this issue?

Set up a Community Reference Group including people with lived experience and professional experience in the sector and develop an Action Plan.

I’m from the Greens and I’m happy to work with any councillors who get elected.

What are the main issues you see as important for this election, and how will you advocate for them?

Sustainable Living Initiatives.
Tree Conservation.
Biodiversity Preservation.
Encouraging Renewable Energy uptake.
Getting everybody off using gas and going all electric.
Work towards Net Zero emissions by 2030.
Social Justice, give help to people who need it.
Saving Habitats for Koalas and other native animals and birds.
Supporting Affordable Housing.
Make us a Plastic Free community.
Protect the beaches by not increasing Climate Change.
Encouraging People to Take up electric vehicles.

What do you see as the biggest issues facing the people of the Northern Beaches electorate in the
a) short term

Affordable Housing and other means of sharing houses.

b) medium term

Preserving Koala and other native animals and birds, Habitat.

c) long term

Sustainable Living for everyone by stopping carbon emissions.

Name: Mandeep (Sunny) Singh
Affiliation: Independent

Tell us about your connection to the electorate and name three places in the electorate that you love.

Born in India, I have lived on the Northern Beaches ever since my family moved to Australia over 25 years ago.

I own and run cafes in Newport, Warriewood, North Narrabeen, Narrabeen and Brookvale, including the 4 Knots cafes. We all know Pittwater is the best place on earth. I’m eager to serve our community on Council to make it even better. I live locally with my wife and 6-month-old son.

It’s hard to pick just three! I love a quiet afternoon enjoying Barrenjoey Headland, visiting Newport Beach after a day of work at my cafe and taking in the view of beautiful Pittwater from the Bayview Marina.

Why are you running as a candidate in this election and why should locals vote for you?

I am a committed member of the Liberal Party and was endorsed to run for Council by the Liberals. For reasons which are well known, I am the only Liberal member standing across the entire Northern Beaches. It is critical our entire community is represented on our Council. Strength is in diversity of opinion, and I will bring a Liberal approach.

If you want a Liberal representative on Council, you will need to cast your number 1 preference below the line for me and you must give a number 2 preference for another candidate below the line as well.

Our Northern Beaches Living members have told us that rising costs for households is a key election concern for them. How will you advocate on their behalf for policies on this issue?

Council is run by Teals (Your Northern Beaches Independent Team) and Greens. Like so many small business owners and young families in Pittwater, I feel the impact of the Teals’ and Greens’ financial mismanagement and State and Federal Labor’s inflation and cost of living crisis.

On Northern Beaches Council, the Teals and the Greens have worsened our quality of life – overseeing significant rate hikes. By next year, rates will likely have increased 72% – from $143 million to $246 million.

At the same time as hiking rates, Council has lost focus on delivering core services – roads, rates, rubbish, recreation – footpaths, parks and sports fields. In July, Teals and Greens on Council approved spending over half a million dollars in two years on delivering an Indigenous Voice to Council. The Voice would then cost about $200,000 per annum. I believe we must listen to our indigenous community, however we do not need a Voice to Council – we already have a legislated Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council and a Council funded Aboriginal Heritage Office who each provide exceptional advice. Council needs to get back to delivering core services. I will advocate against fiscally wasteful projects into the future like the $13 million Council spent on brand new bins for each household or the up to $1.7 million memorial to COVID.

It has been well reported that the State Government is pushing to drastically increase density in Pittwater. At the same time as this, they have cancelled the Mona Vale Road West widening, ditched Beaches Link Tunnel and not proposed to provide any additional infrastructure. These decisions by the Government seem entirely political, especially noting they continue to announce new infrastructure projects in Western Sydney, like $2 billion to extend the Parramatta light rail. Labor’s infrastructure cuts will harm our way of life.

Under the former Liberal State Government, we face none of these pressures.

I will advocate for policies which ensure that any new development is matched by necessary infrastructure.

Domestic violence is a major concern in the Northern Beaches electorate. What will you do to advocate for community members facing this issue?

Domestic violence is a stain on our society which must be eliminated. Primarily, the policy settings to combat DV rests with State and Federal Government and we see important initiatives such as the ‘Core and Cluster’ and ‘Staying Home, Leaving Violence’ programs which do make a difference.

At a Council level, I will advocate for Council to:

Make unused buildings or land available for services to provide low cost housing, crisis or transitional housing for victim survivors, or facilities to provide other wrap around services.
Cut red tape so that providers of services and accommodation can break through bureaucratic blockages so they can establish their services without delay and cost.

The last Federal election showed that Independent candidates are a strong force on the

North Shore and Northern Beaches. If you are an independent candidate, how will you work with the major parties if elected? And if you are from a political party, how will you work with independents if elected?

I am the only Member of the Liberal Party standing for election. I will appear on the ballot as an independent. At the 2021 Northern Beaches Council election, over 52,000 voted for Liberal Party candidates. This is more than any other grouping.

It is vital to ensure that this Council has the capacity to represent those in our community who want to vote Liberal.

First and foremost, I will always seek to represent the majority will of our community. This will require collaborative effort with all Councillors, and I will work with all of them to ensure we deliver what our community needs.

What are the main issues you see as important for this election, and how will you advocate for them?

I have mentioned the importance of keeping rates low, prioritising sports fields and parks, and funding footpaths and roads. As well as these, I will:

Support small business

I’ll work to cut red tape – stopping Council attempts to shut down small businesses like 2kf Espresso in Mona Vale or The Joey in Palm Beach.

Stand against inappropriate development

State Government is doubling housing density in Pittwater, letting developers nearly triple apartment building height limits from 10 metres to 27 metres. Council must stand against this.

Fight for the infrastructure we need

Council must deliver footpaths, fix our local roads and potholes, fight for Mona Vale Road West to be widened and floodproof the Wakehurst Parkway.

Off-leash dog trials

Let’s finally start community supported trials of off-leash dog space on small sections of South Mona Vale Beach and North Palm Beach.

What do you see as the biggest issues facing the people of the Northern Beaches

electorate in the

a) short term

b) medium term

Regarding our the short term and medium term issues facing our community, I believe we must:

Support small business
Keep rates low to ease cost of living pressures
Stand against inappropriate development
Fight for the infrastructure we need like: widening Mona Vale Road West and floodproofing the Wakehurst Parkway, prioritising sports fields and parks, and fully funding needed footpaths and local road repairs
Commence off-leash dog trials

c) long term

Council faces an issue of fiscal sustainability. Rates rises are immense and yet Council still don’t seem to deliver the outcomes we need or the services and infrastructure required. I’ll use my small business experience to ensure Council is lean, efficient and delivering.
Overdevelopment. Over the next 20 years, developers will take full advantage of Labor’s development plans. Without the Government planning any new infrastructure, the Northern Beaches will become a concrete jungle, our roads will be congested and hospitals and schools overcrowded. Our way of life will be destroyed. Infrastructure must be prioritised.
Environmental resilience. With increasing extreme weather events, Council must have policies to ensure our coastal and low-lying communities are protected.

Name: Philip Walker
Affiliation: Independent

Awaiting responses

Name: Rowie Dillon
Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Tell us about your connection to the electorate and name three places in the electorate that you love.

I was born and raised in Newport and Bayview and I’ve come back to my home community seven years ago and I’m the President of the Newport Chamber of Commerce and and intend to look after all our Communities of Pittwater Ward by being your Community voice. It’ important that I listen and act.

Why are you running as a candidate in this election and why should locals vote for you?

I am running because I believe that I can make a difference. I’ve been a business owner and leader for 21 years and in the past three years I’ve worked with Council, State and Federal Governments to create change in the village of Newport and beyond. I believe in grass root changes that are required to enable small business success and I advocate for our small businesses to succeed and thrive.

Our Northern Beaches Living members have told us that rising costs for households is a key election concern for them. How will you advocate on their behalf for policies on this issue?

This is more of a State and Federal Government issue and will be tabled.

There are areas where high density housing is applicable with transport hubs but there are also areas where high density housing isn’t appreciated or applicable.

Domestic violence is a major concern in the Northern Beaches electorate. What will you do to advocate for community members facing this issue?

I advocate for the support of individuals that are going through domestic violence.

I can work with anyone, it doesn’t matter what their political stripes are. As long as we have in common that we want what’s best for our community.

What are the main issues you see as important for this election, and how will you advocate for them?

Protecting our environment and being responsible in the management of our services.

What do you see as the biggest issues facing the people of the Northern Beaches electorate in the
a) short term – State planning changes
b) medium term – Environmental damage
c) long term – Affordability

Name: Judy Charnaud
Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Tell us about your connection to the electorate and name three places in the electorate that you love.

I was born and bred on the Northern Beaches – lived in Dee Why as a youngster until my twenties. I have just written my Father’s life story wherein he describes the “rustic cottage” he bought in Dee Why for £950 using his Army discharge allowance. That cottage remained in the family from 1944 until 2008. I have left the area a few times – four years teaching in Wagga Wagga, several years travelling and working overseas and many months a year on a volunteer project in Timor Leste but I always return to this wonderful part of Sydney. My involvement with this electorate has therefore been much and varied – schooling for both myself and my children, various sporting clubs, teaching at Cromer High School, working with OzGREEN on environmental education programs in both schools and business, Rotary, Boomerang Bags, involvement with the Sophie Scamps campaign and now secretary of a large Town House complex.

There are many places here which I love, Long Reef, Narrabeen Lagoon and its catchment and the view from West head to name just a few.

Why are you running as a candidate in this election and why should locals vote for you?

We are very lucky to live where we do – the Northern Beaches is a wonderful part of Sydney, friendly people, social cohesion, active business community, high quality schooling, beautiful environment – parks, beaches, coastal walks and so on. We want to keep it this way and bring about improvements wherever possible so everyone who lives here can enjoy the lifestyle. I strongly believe that Your Northern beaches Independent Team is the best group to bring this about – a team of independents who vote the way their community wants and is not restrained along party lines but has the common aim of enhancing our lifestyle. We love the Northern Beaches – let’s do what is the best for this community.

Our Northern Beaches Living members have told us that rising costs for households is a key election concern for them. How will you advocate on their behalf for policies on this issue?

Rising costs for households are more the concern of State and Federal politics as this includes such increased prices in food, fuel, electricity insurance and such like. The major local costs are due to rates, if rates are reduced then services have to be reduced to balance this. I am not on council at the moment so am not on top of all the financial details, therefore I can not give a stronger answer except be prepared to examine the budget in great detail when I am on council and act accordingly.

This is an issue which needs appropriate research and discussion as there are several solutions to the housing problem. Some success has been gained by encouraging single home owners, usually older people who do not want to downsize, to rent out a room or two on a permanent basis to essential workers, Air B&B premises, of which there are a large number on the Northern Beaches, which are empty most of the year should be taxed through higher rates to encourage owners to put them on the permanent rental market, encourage the building of Granny Flats for rental on large blocks of land. Medium-High density housing can be built where appropriate as has been done for example in Dee Why which is a key transport hub. High density housing should be confined to main roads where transport is available. Any high density plan must be looked at from an environmental angle as well to ensure our environment remains sustainable in terms of carbon footprint, emissions, tree canopy, amenity and habitat.

I firmly believe that local government should be run by local people not controlled by large political parties. Independents tend to be focused on local issues, live in the electorate and are more aware of the issues facing their community, often these are concerns specific to the community and not elsewhere. As independents we can vote on issues the way our community wishes, we are not controlled along party lines, this means at times we might vote with major parties or not depending on the issue. We also look at all sides of the argument

Name: Ian White
Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Tell us about your connection to the electorate and name three places in the electorate that you love.

I have been a long term resident of the Northern Beaches. I served three terms as a councillor as an independent including one term as Deputy Mayor for Pittwater Council. After the amalgamation of the Northern Beaches Councils I joined the ‘Your Northern Beaches Independent Team’ and served one term as a councillor for the first ‘Northern Beaches Council’. I am a retired school teacher who is still working as a relief teacher on the Northern Beaches.

Why am I Running

I am passionate about making the Northern Beaches a better place. I love my community and want to make it better. I also have a great deal of experience having been a councillor on the Northern Beaches for three terms.

Three Places that I Love

My favourite place is my front deck, where I have an unobstructed 180 degree view of South Eastern Pittwater. I love being at home and watching the boats, and the storms as they roll across the bay. The view from Commodore Heights across Barrenjoey Headland and down into Broken Bay is another favourite place. I love the walk along the waterfront from Church Point to Mona Vale via the dog park (the dog makes me go that way) along the new walkway and past the little hidden sculptures on the waterfront. These places remind me of how privileged I am to live in such a beautiful place.

Why are you running as a candidate in this election and why should locals vote for you?

I have served the community as an elected councillor for 14+ years and have a track record as a passionate advocate for the preservation of our tree canopy. I was the rotational chair of the Northern Beaches Bush Fire Management committee for 11 years. Served a the Chair of the Built Environment Committee, Grants Committee, Environment Committee… Over 14 years I’ve served on lots of Committees, worked on countless budgets collaborated on the development implementation of many policies. I have experience and know how to get things done.

Our Northern Beaches Living members have told us that rising costs for households is a key election concern for them. How will you advocate on their behalf for policies on this issue?

Over the last 50 years council rates have been consistently been pegged at less than the CPI. This has meant that councils have been expected to provide a high level of services with an ever diminishing income. Cost shifting by the state government has made this even more problematic. I promise to maintain the Northern Beaches Council’s commitment to youth programs, public art and the environment. I do not support the abandonment of social and environmental programs to reduce rates.

Main Issues this election

I believe that the biggest issue for this election is how the council can maintain basic services to the community without diminishing the social, environmental and cultural needs of the residents.

What do you see as the biggest issues facing the people of the Northern Beaches electorate in the

Issues Short, Medium and Long term.

I have made some comments here particularly pertaining to housing and they are essentially relevant to Pittwater Ward. There are lots of things that I could have addressed in this topic but I have narrowed it to just this area.

Cost of Housing –

The cost of housing in the Northern Beaches is prohibitive. This leads to many young families not being able to live near their parents/grandparents. In the Pittwater Ward there has been a reduction in the number of families with children. The residential demographic is rapidly aging. Rental properties are extremely expensive and this makes it hard for key workers to be able to live locally and causes increased traffic problems as many lower paid workers have to commute to work on the Northern Beaches.

Housing Density –

Considerable pressure is put on Sydney councils to increase their population density. Northern Beaches Council has endeavoured to keep any increases in density to areas which have established infrastructure and good public transport links.

It is expected that the NSW government will be announcing a housing plan after the council election. This may involve some new ‘sepps’ (planning models that override council planning powers).

I hope that the council’s recommendation to limit increases in housing density to areas immediately surrounding village centres and areas with good transport links is accepted by the state government and they don’t impose an inappropriate universal ‘planning sepp’.

What can Council do?

Purchase and maintain properties under its affordable housing policy. Promote the development of a wider range of property types in the local government area. Ensure that supplementary dwellings like ‘granny flats’ are included in housing targets.

There needs to be an opportunity for young people to move back into Pittwater. It would be sad to see Pittwater becoming ‘God’s waiting room’.

Thank you for reading this far! We certainly hope this has helped you make an informed decision.

Image: Curl Curl Public School

Council Election: Meet the Candidates for the Northern Beaches

Ah, election day. The whiff of sausages sizzling on the barbecue. The cake stalls brimming with sugary treats, cupcakes and, if you’re lucky, homemade vanilla slice. The pamphlets thrust upon you from hopeful candidates as you enter the school gate.

Curl Curl Ward

Name: Joeline Hackman Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Name: Nicholas Beaugeard Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Name: Nick McDonald Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Name: Kristyn Glanville Affiliation: The Greens

Name: Pamela Dawes Affiliation: The Greens

Name: Judy Lambert Affiliation: The Greens

Name: Roberto Suares Affiliation: The Greens

Name: Jasper Thatcher Affiliation: Labor

Frenchs Forest Ward

Name: Ethan Hrnjak Affiliation: The Greens

Name: Fathimath Ibrahim Affiliation: The Greens

Name: Sue Heins Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Name: Jody Williams Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Name: Penny Philpott Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Manly

Name: Candy Bingham Affiliation: Good For Manly

Name: Taylah Schrader Affiliation: Good For Manly

Name: Sarah Grattan Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Name: Rachael Martin Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Name: David Cowell Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Name: Bonnie Harvey Affiliation: The Greens

Name: Terry Le Roux Affiliation: The Greens

Narabeen Ward

Name: Sue Wright Affiliation: Labor

Name: Ryan O’Sullivan Affiliation: Labor

Name: Ruth Robins Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Name: Chris Jackson Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Name: Adam Hughes Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Pittwater Ward

Name: Miranda Korzy Affiliation: The Greens

Name: Evan Turner-Schiller Affiliation: The Greens

Name: Felicity Davis Affiliation: The Greens

Name: Mandeep (Sunny) Singh Affiliation: Independent

Name: Rowie Dillon Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Name: Judy Charnaud Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Name: Ian White Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Thank you for reading this far! We certainly hope this has helped you make an informed decision.

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About

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Name: Joeline Hackman
Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Name: Nicholas Beaugeard
Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Name: Nick McDonald
Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Name: Kristyn Glanville
Affiliation: The Greens

Name: Pamela Dawes
Affiliation: The Greens

Name: Judy Lambert
Affiliation: The Greens

Name: Roberto Suares
Affiliation: The Greens

Name: Jasper Thatcher
Affiliation: Labor

Name: Ethan Hrnjak
Affiliation: The Greens

Name: Fathimath Ibrahim
Affiliation: The Greens

Name: Sue Heins
Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Name: Jody Williams
Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Name: Penny Philpott
Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Name: Candy Bingham
Affiliation: Good For Manly

Name: Taylah Schrader
Affiliation: Good For Manly

Name: Sarah Grattan
Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Name: Rachael Martin
Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Name: David Cowell
Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Name: Bonnie Harvey
Affiliation: The Greens

Name: Terry Le Roux
Affiliation: The Greens

Name: Sue Wright
Affiliation: Labor

Name: Ryan O’Sullivan
Affiliation: Labor

Name: Ruth Robins
Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Name: Chris Jackson
Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Name: Adam Hughes
Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Name: Miranda Korzy
Affiliation: The Greens

Name: Evan Turner-Schiller
Affiliation: The Greens

Name: Felicity Davis
Affiliation: The Greens

Name: Mandeep (Sunny) Singh
Affiliation: Independent

Name: Rowie Dillon
Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Name: Judy Charnaud
Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Name: Ian White
Affiliation: Your Northern Beaches Independent Team