I've spent nearly 20 years creating frameworks, policy, doing design, consulting and delivering public space design in Sydney, London and Dubai, and I understand the importance of good governance. As a councillor, I represent  nearly 40% of South Ward residents who voted for our independent ticket, and the principled, strategic and long-term view that they wish to see council take.

 

I know first-hand the importance of quality design and how it can enhance the local character of Hunters Hill where we all have chosen to live, having worked at the NSW Government Architect as well as a local who has just renovated.
I led the Design and Place SEPP work for NSW Government, a policy that would have put quality at the forefront of the planning system.  I will continue to robustly defend design quality throughout my term.

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I am qualified in architecture and law, and have worked for government, law and architecture firms and consultancies throughout my career.  I am also a strategic thinker and advise governments at multiple levels on policy and implementation.

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One of the many things I love about Hunters Hill is that it is part of the ‘Blue Highway’ of over 800,000 Sydneysiders that live near a ferry wharf.  Ferries are one of the few transport modes that are not only sustainable but also an absolute pleasure to catch - when they run.  I supported Jim in setting up a Movement and Transport Advisory Committee, and (through that committee) drafting a proposed ITS which stated the importance of the ferries (buses, walking and cycling), and why.   

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Of course this is not the only area where this kind of strategy is needed. We need to do the same around the housing growth we are being required to meet, so that we don’t end up with development in the wrong places.  The many fights residents have already put up over Pulpits Point and the Goat Paddock, among other places, speaks to the urgent need for this.  When I was in the NSW Government Architect, I lead the Design and Place State Environmental Planning Policy, including a new Urban Design Guide, and I know the difference we could make if we had better policies in place to encourage people not only to build in the right place, but to build beautifully, and sustainably, as well.  

 

We also need a better understanding of council owned land, and a spatial strategy for its use, before we sell off critical parcels and lose the ability for linked foreshore land.