Since being elected to Port Phillip City Council in 2016, I've been proud to prove that politics can be done better.
I've worked hard to put kindness at the heart of decision making and reach out across the political spectrum to make progress on the important issues.
As Mayor during the pandemic, we showed that politics can be a force for good. Council helped to establish vaccination hubs, ensured vulnerable people had food and other essentials and supported local businesses to keep their doors open.
We have also made gains on important environmental challenges, combating climate change by transitioning to renewable energy and transforming the way we manage waste.
Other council highlights since 2016 include:
Council energy from 100% renewables
Longterm lease to Lady Forster Kinder & upgraded playground on the foreshore
Collaborating on flood mitigation for Elwood via Elsternwick Park North & setting up cross-council committee on Elster Creek
Ensured council remains in direct delivery of childcare
Disability access to the bay at two beaches
More funding & emphasis on sustainability & addressing climate change
Increased funding to local arts organisations & created arts strategy & upgrades to both Gasworks and Linden gallery
Fierce advocate for council remaining in childcare and succeeded in ensuring we did so
Social housing announced for Balaclava
Alma Park water capture and improvements including fitness equipment
Free resident access to Rippon Lea Estate gardens
Upgraded William St reserve
Pride Centre
South Melbourne Lifesaving Club & new sports facilities
Increased leaf cleaning
Helped deliver a pop-up housing project for women over 55
Balaclava tram stop upgrade
Palais refurbishment
Funding for St Kilda Pier
Alcohol ban on St Kilda Beach
Ideas & still to do…
Work with Melbourne Water & Bayside to deliver the flooding mitigation and water capture possibilities in Elsternwick Park North - a once in a lifetime opportunity
Work with the State to reform waste & recycling in the city especially around behaviour change & litter
Seek extra funding from the State to plant more trees on both council land and private property to cool our city and reduce emissions
Help our community through the pandemic with targeted support - money has been put aside to look at how help both ratepayers and tenants
Masterplan for the Elwood foreshore and seek funding for upgrades of local facilities including the Phoenix Centre
Ensure that we continue to fund the arts which are at the heart of our community
Seek more funding from the commonwealth and state for tagging clean up - advocate for a state wide focus especially in terms of job creation
More fenced dog parks
Make it easier and quicker and encourage people to have “street meets” - where local residents can close their street to hold a gathering and build community
Continue to ensure venues and arts organisations can use footpaths and open spaces in innovative ways to recover during the new “normal”
Increase affordable housing in our municipality
Continue to be a fierce advocate for council and community run early education
Continue to support the Eco-centre and the rebuild