JAMES RICKETSON
Party affiliated with:
No-one. I am totally Independent
Do you have any conflicts of interest and if so – what and where? (eg: are you or any standing with you associated with; a) Construction/Developments/ Housing Industry/Building Industry – b) providing Adult Services in the area – c) providing catering in the area – d) part or a member of a group that lobbies Council on its agenda)
No conflicts of interest
What qualifications do you have that will enhance your role as a councillor (eg; do you have a degree in Town Planning, a degree in Law etc.)
Arts Honours degree, Film School Graduate, 50 years of experience as a communicator - skills I will apply communicating effectively with fellow councillors, with Council and with residents of Pittwater Ward
What local volunteer groups/associations are you a member of and for how long and doing what? (eg Surf Lifesaving, a Bushcare group, an RFS, a local swim group)
No local volunteer groups/associations
What unique areas of focus are you interested in that will enhance what you may do on Council?
Encouraging Council to communicate effectively with constituents; encouraging Council to consult with constituents; doing all I can to render the works of Council transparent.
If you are a member of a Group – will you bloc vote on matters before Council?
I am a one-man band, answerable only to the people of Pittwater whom I represent, should I be elected.
What is your ‘platform’ in regards to the ward you are standing for?
To represent the wishes of the people of Pittwater. I take seriously the word 'representative'.
What have you done in the past that supports this?
I have tried, for all of my life, to communicate as best I can with those I work with, to consult always before making decision, to be transparent in my dealings with people, and always prepared to be held accountable for my actions. This approach to life has not always been to the liking of others who are not committed to the precepts of transparency and accountability who, in one instance, decided to see me jailed in a Cambodian prison for speaking truth to power.
Your sign off words (whatever you’d like in your section as final paragraphs/sentences)
If elected to Council I will deal respectfully with other Councillors and the Council itself, advocating as best I can the wishes, hopes and dreams of the people of Pittwater. I will be honest and open in my dealings with everyone I come into contact with. I will never resort to spin. If I do not know the answer to a question, or if I am not well informed about an issue, I will admit to this and do whatever homework I need to do to get up to speed.
MIRANDA KORZY
Party affiliated with:
The Greens
Do you have any conflicts of interest and if so – what and where? (eg: are you or any standing with you associated with; a) Construction/Developments/ Housing Industry/Building Industry – b) providing Adult Services in the area – c) providing catering in the area – d) part or a member of a group that lobbies Council on its agenda)
I’m a founding member of Protect Pittwater, which we set up in 2017 to lobby the NSW government to demerge Pittwater Council. Although some believe this creates a conflict of interest, I will be a strong advocate on the Northern Beaches Council for those in Pittwater.
What qualifications do you have that will enhance your role as a councillor (eg; do you have a degree in Town Planning, a degree in Law etc.)
I have a BA (Hons) from the Australian National University and an MA in Journalism from City, University of London. My arts degree gave me a broad understanding of social issues and politics. After graduating, I carried out research in the Demography Department at the ANU so I understand how population modelling works and is used - as well as qualitative research into social issues.
As a journalist with the Australian Associated Press for many years, I covered everything from police to prime ministers. I see myself as a listener and communicator - investigating and voicing issues of concern to locals. I also have the skills to research solutions to problems that can be presented to residents and proposed at council.
What local volunteer groups/associations are you a member of and for how long and doing what? (eg Surf Lifesaving, a Bushcare group, an RFS, a local swim group)
Various school P&C groups from 2001 - 2016. Friend of Barrenjoey High School and Vice President of BHS P&C for many years.
Writing funding submissions, including a major one for Gonski Review; organising fundraisers; various initiatives including for wide-brimmed school hats at Avalon PS and to prevent kids’ exposure to asbestos in the playground; OOSH committee rep.
Protect Pittwater 2017 - present. Founding member, secretary for three years and media officer.
Save Mona Vale Hospital - Media officer. Helped kick off latest campaign in 2018, by organising public meeting that reactivated the committee.
Pittwater Natural Heritage Association 2018 - present. Member
Avalon Preservation Association 2018 - present. Member
Stop Adani - Member and campaigner
Stop PEP-11 Save Our Coasts member and campaigner
Canopy Keepers 2020 - present. Founding member, media and other publicity.
What unique areas of focus are you interested in that will enhance what you may do on Council?
See above.
If you are a member of a Group – will you bloc vote on matters before Council?
I will not bloc vote on council and will consider each issue on its merits. Every local Greens group is autonomous and it’s Greens’ policy that we should consult with the community when making decisions - in line with our emphasis on grassroots democracy. I’ll organise regular meetings with local residents, as well as draw on local experts and research for advice.
What is your ‘platform’ in regards to the ward you are standing for?
Protect our trees and ocean - Climate change will have a major impact on Pittwater, and I will push the council to take stock of the situation, advise residents of the options and plan for sea level rise. Many of us are also concerned that our tree canopy and the wildlife for which it provides homes are falling victim to development, while our bush reserves and dunes are carpeted with hundreds of square metres of weeds. I want to protect Ingleside Escarpment - Pittwater’s green backdrop - and the forest around Wakehurst Parkway, and will advocate for more bush regenerators. I will also push for a significant tree register and notifications to neighbours of tree removals.
Preserve Pittwater’s low-rise villages - I will fight to keep our beautiful low-key, low-rise villages and for sustainable development. Greens on council will be critical to representing the interests of the community in devising a watertight Local Environment Plan during the next council term - one that cannot be overturned by planning panels or the Land and Environment Court. I will also investigate heritage orders for areas of special historic, cultural, aesthetic or natural value. However, where there is new development, I will advocate for 30 per cent affordable housing for our single mums, young people who’ve grown up in the area, those with disabilities and essential workers. Meanwhile, we’ve waited long enough for the council to fix uneven footpaths and potholes in roads - and repairing them will be one of my priorities.
Clean up council
I support a Pittwater Council demerger but we need to get the best out of our current council. We need a council that listens to and is accountable to the community. We need to introduce respectful meeting practices, particularly ensuring women are not bullied or targeted with abuse. I also want to ensure as little as possible of council meetings are conducted in closed session and sensitive issues that impact our environment or community are openly discussed with residents. And to ensure councillors rather than staff make significant decisions, meetings should be increased to twice per month.
Cut back on waste
I’d like to introduce more recycling with home FOGO (Food organics and garden organics) bins that will help residents - for example in flats - who can’t compost at home. Another measure would be to introduce “Green sheds” on the Northern Beaches, to recycle everything from furniture to craft items. I’ll oppose any moves to increase synthetic turf playing fields because of the plastic waste they create. And finally, I’ll advocate for a return to regular suburb-wide bulky goods collections.
Community and business support during Covid recovery
I support an extension of the waiver on outdoor dining charges to cafes and restaurants to the end of the current financial year. In the recovery from Covid, I also believe that building community facilities will be important. So I’ll work towards a public all-weather swimming pool for Pittwater, an ice rink on the Northern Beaches and to hasten development of mountain bike tracks in appropriate places.
What have you done in the past that supports this?
I’ve regularly attended council meetings for more than four years now and have prepared a large number of submissions (for example, on the recent Local Environment Plan discussion paper, Local Strategic Planning Statement, Local Housing Strategy, Avalon Place Plan and on proposed development at Ingleside.) I’ve also written many stories and have been quoted in media (local and Sydney-wide) on a variety of local issues, including inappropriate development, sea level rise and bullying on council.
Your sign off words (whatever you’d like in your section as final paragraphs/sentences)
I’m standing for council because I care about our local community and, at a time when they are under increasing threat from climate change and development, want to protect Pittwater’s beaches, bushland and low-key villages. I would be honoured if you entrusted me with your vote at the council elections.
MICHAEL GENCHER
Party affiliated with:
Your Northern Beaches Independent Team
Do you have any conflicts of interest and if so – what and where? (Eg: are you or any standing with you associated with; a) Construction/Developments/ Housing Industry/Building Industry – b) providing Adult Services in the area – c) providing catering in the area – d) part or a member of a group that lobbies Council on its agenda)
No, I have no conflicts of interest.
What qualifications do you have that will enhance your role as a councillor (Eg; do you have a degree in Town Planning, a degree in Law etc.)
I am degree qualified in Marketing and Communications, and I have been a Public Relations professional for over 20 years. I would bring my skills and experience to build strong, effective communication with the aim of creating trust, engagement and an authentic relationship with the community. When effective, accurate and relevant information is freely provided by Council and Councillors to the Community - a relationship of trust and contentment is realised - as we recognise that our concerns, and our voices matter. Community engagement keeps us informed and aware of the issues, concerns, and decisions that affect our lives through this most critical level of Government.
What local volunteer groups/associations are you a member of and for how long and doing what? (Eg Surf Lifesaving, a Bush care group, an RFS, a local swim group)
I am a long service member, active volunteer and surf life saver at Mona Vale SLSC, where I hold the position of Vice President of Youth, and Nipper Chairman. I am the Program Manager of Neighbourhood Watch in Pittwater. I am the founder and creator of the Mentors Network, a business advisory and networking group. And I am one of the creators of the Guard for Life program which works with Police to introduce ‘at-risk’ youth to Surf Life Saving and community service. I am very involved in sport, and I am a foundation member of SJJA Narrabeen, I am also a member of Rotary of the Upper Northern Beaches.
What unique areas of focus are you interested in that will enhance what you may do on Council?
I am motivated by the importance and values of community, and the belief that safe, vibrant and inclusive neighbourhoods are the bedrock for a confident, cohesive and flourishing Community. I’m running as an advocate for the concerns of Families, and for the interests of Local Business. I am passionate about working closely with the community, and continuing to build a more liveable, vibrant, environmentally sustainable, and supportive community while striving to provide the best possible service and amenities, and to make sure the needs of the entire community are met.
If you are a member of a Group – will you bloc vote on matters before Council?
For me, being an independent candidate is about putting our community first – before any party, agenda or suite of policies. I am a member of Your Northern Beaches Independent Team, which I view as a coalition of Independents – No, emphatically, I will not participate in bloc voting.
What your ‘platform’ is in regards to the ward you are standing for?
The Pittwater Ward Councillors are the closest political representatives for our local community. It should come as no surprise that on issues such as support for families and business, the delivery of services, rates, protection of the environment, and from over development – Candidates and Councillors should pretty much all have similar ‘platforms and policies’, and say the same things that reflect, and agree with the varied views from our Community.
That being said – I will work for the Community to:
⦁ I want to help to Protect Pittwater from inappropriate and overdevelopment – this needs to be addressed by advocating through tighter planning controls, intense scrutiny, and community consultation with greater visibility and transparency, in the development and application of the forthcoming single Northern Beaches Council wide Local Environmental Plan & Development Control Plan.
⦁ To support an open, transparent and accountable Council that treats each other with respect, who have the interests of the community at the forefront of decision making, in dialogue, discussion and debate – with respect and inclusion of all Community Stakeholders, regardless of political, social and economic position or ideology.
⦁ Provide greater community safety and well-being through enhanced support services and activities for local youth and address community concerns of anti-social/criminal behaviour.
⦁ Support local business and community groups that have been adversely affected by the impact of COVID-19
⦁ Maintain a cost efficient and fiscally responsible council – I want a seat at the table to ensure that the direction and context for decision making in the allocation, management and use of councils financial resources are stable, affordable, deliverable, economical and answerable.
What have you done in the past that supports this?
As an active, and engaged member of our community - through the various activities, associations, organisations, interests, charities and clubs – I have proven myself to be an upstanding person, who has developed strong relationships, provided leadership & guidance, and demonstrated a positive, energetic approach to all my endeavours for the benefit and betterment of the local community.
RODERICK AMON
No reply.
ALEXANDER MCTAGGART
Party affiliated with:
None. Independent.
Do you have any conflicts of interest and if so – what and where? (eg: are you or any standing with you associated with; a) Construction/Developments/ Housing Industry/Building Industry – b) providing Adult Services in the area – c) providing catering in the area – d) part of/associated with, or a member of a group that lobbies Council on its agenda)
NO, however I have children who have renovated houses, in some case adding granny flats, I am the cheap labour, dig the trenches deliver the materials ,paint the walls. None of these buildings could be identified as inappropriate, however there was an unidentified social media post that classified me as a “developer”.
What qualifications do you have that will enhance your role as a councillor (eg; do you have a degree in Town Planning, a degree in Law etc.)
My qualifications are last century.
An associate Diploma in Education at ITATE UTS. As well as a horticultural certificate and Post Certificate in Landscape Design.
What local volunteer groups/associations are you a member of and for how long and doing what? (eg Surf Lifesaving, a Bushcare group, an RFS Brigade, a local swim group)
I no longer belong to local associations as it causes a possible conflict when they have dealings with council.
I do belong to the two service clubs, the Avalon Bowling club and Careel Bay Tennis.
What unique areas of focus are you interested in that will enhance what you may do on Council?
Council has 57 different service delivery functions. A councillor needs to be across all areas of council.
If you are a member of a Group – will you bloc vote on matters before Council?
Previously on council I voted on merit NOT on politics.
What is your ‘platform’ in regards to the ward you are standing for?
We live in a special place .. That Natural Environment and Lifestyle is worth protecting.
What have you done in the past that supports this?
Living in Pittwater Ward all my life, raising children and grand children who all live locally I understand how council has an influence on the way we live from mundane day to day things such as rubbish removal to important planning and environmental issues. My approach to council matters is how will that enhance our natural environment and life style.
Your sign off words (whatever you’d like in your section as final paragraphs/sentences)
Vote GROUP D for Our environment and Lifestyle.
RUTH ELAINE ROBINS
No reply.
ETHAN KHYE HRNJAK
Party affiliated with:
The Greens.
Do you have any conflicts of interest and if so – what and where? (eg: are you or any standing with you associated with; a) Construction/Developments/ Housing Industry/Building Industry – b) providing Adult Services in the area – c) providing catering in the area – d) part of or associated with or a member of a group that lobbies Council on its agenda)
No, I have no special interests or conflicts of interest.
What qualifications do you have that will enhance your role as a councillor (eg; do you have a degree in Town Planning, a degree in Law etc.)
I have received an unconditional early offer from Macquarie University to study for a Bachelor of Environment - and will have completed my HSC exams next week. I am supported by our fantastic local group, which consists of some of the most highly-educated individuals I’ve ever met. If elected in December, I would have the guidance and assistance of our group with regard to decision making and policy.
What local volunteer groups/associations are you a member of and for how long and doing what? (eg Surf Lifesaving, a Bushcare group, an RFS, a local swim group)
I’ve previously volunteered for the Northern Beaches Library Service, the Rural Fire Service and have recently spent time fiercely supporting groups such as Stop PEP-11 and School Strikes for Climate. I will bring that energy with me onto council.
What unique areas of focus are you interested in that will enhance what you may do on Council?
I am deeply passionate about environmental conservation and management and would focus on such matters if elected to council. This would begin with developing a robust and strict Local Environmental Plan that protects our beautiful bushland and beaches, while prioritising the climate in council decision making and policy.
If you are a member of a Group – will you bloc vote on matters before Council?
The Greens decide our policies at the local government level through community input and feedback. The NSW and Australian Greens don’t dictate local policy, and this is reflected in our platform for each Northern Beaches Council ward.
I firmly believe that true democracy can only be achieved if the people who are represented have a seat at the table. If elected, I will vote not with some kind of party line in mind, but rather with the community and their interests. I believe that community engagement is the future of democracy in Australia, and that future begins at a local level.
What is your ‘platform’ in regards to the ward you are standing for?
I’m standing to give a voice to young people, and our platform for Narrabeen reflects this.
Climate change would have to be amongst the most challenging issues for young people and we can see that playing out on Narrabeen Beach. We don’t want to lose the beach but sea level rise coupled with coastal erosion and housing built on the dunes are putting it at risk. The new vertical seawall will only increase that erosion in the long term. I will champion a more sustainable solution for the beach - by building either a revetment or investigating the need for retreat. However, the council must be open with residents about consultations with experts and what its plans for the beach are.
Our environment is also at risk with proposals for lessening flooding on Wakehurst Parkway. This shows the shortcomings of moving our closest emergency department from Mona Vale. We must find a way to improve access to Northern Beaches Hospital without destroying the forest, and similarly I will not support building 980 new residences at Ingleside on bushfire prone land where evacuation routes are so limited.
I’m also deeply passionate about affordable housing and if elected to council, I will put forward a 30 per cent affordable housing target for new developments, doubling the council’s current target of 10 to 15 per cent. The salary threshold to access affordable housing is just below 100K, which means that nurses, teachers, public servants and pensioners all rely on affordable housing to keep a roof over their heads. By increasing the target, we are making space on the Northern Beaches for those who selflessly serve their communities, because the council has itself stated that its current target is not enough to “meet current or future demand for affordable housing on the Northern Beaches”. As an experienced debater and public speaker, I will give young people a voice on the council because we deserve to have a say in decisions that will affect us in the future.
What have you done in the past that supports this?
In the past, I’ve fought for young people through School Strikes for Climate and Stop PEP-11 and will continue to do so on council.
Your sign off words (whatever you’d like in your section as final paragraphs/sentences)
This December, we have the chance to create real, meaningful change in our local community. The Greens will fight for the preservation of our pristine environment, the sense of community we have on the Beaches and the diversity of people from all walks of life. This December, vote Green, and let’s create this change together.
PAULA GOODMAN
Party affiliated with:
Labor.
Do you have any conflicts of interest and if so – what and where? (eg: are you or any standing with you associated with; a) Construction/Developments/ Housing Industry/Building Industry – b) providing Adult Services in the area – c) providing catering in the area – d) part or a member of a group that lobbies Council on its agenda)
As per Labor and Council regulations I do not have any connection with a construction/development /Building Industry or any other services that would be a conflict.
What qualifications do you have that will enhance your role as a councillor? (eg; do you have a degree in Town Planning, a degree in Law etc.)
I’ve had a diverse and exciting career in the Television Industry both on screen and as a Producer. I was fortunate enough to work on some of Australia’s favourite shows from “Mission Impossible” to Blankety Blanks with Darryl Sommers and the brilliant Roy & HG. It’s been a really rewarding journey and I’ve had the pleasure of working with some of our top entertainment and sports Celebrities including the late great Bert Newton. My career gave me a very specific skill set so I’m grateful to be able to hopefully bring that to my candidacy.
Since my semi-retirement I have been able to dedicate myself to areas of my community that I am passionate about. Whilst in Qld I worked on the Labor State Campaign for the seat of Barron River and for Sharryn Howes for the Federal seat of Leichardt, where I assisted in developing Animal Welfare Motions for Labour’s State Policy Platform, about animal protection that are now in the policy under Chapter 8 Caring and Secure Communities (8.310).
What local volunteer groups/associations are you a member of and for how long and doing what? (eg Surf Lifesaving, a Bushcare group, an RFS, a local swim group)
I’m a rescue volunteer for our Native Wildlife, I see the damage that is done with the encroachment of our traffic and pollution on our wildlife areas. I’m also extremely honoured to be an influencer for the Woman’s Resilience Centre a proposal for our Northern Beaches. Inspired by the wonderful work of Simone Allan. It will create a Safe Haven for woman and children escaping Domestic Violence. Not just a stop gap but a complete holistic approach to recovery with counselling services, education options, good health and wellbeing, and so much more and the beauty of this is the stay is over a 12-month period.
What unique areas of focus are you interested in that will enhance what you may do on Council?
I’m hoping my life experience and compassion will bring a voice to areas of concern on our NB.
I’m supporting our natural environment so we and future generations will be able to enjoy what we have here. We must do all we can to maintain it in its natural state.
I’m committed to work in consultation with Council to bring the experts on board to rehabilitate degraded areas, improve our beaches and Lagoon, and to insure we provide wildlife corridors. Experts are needed and we have spoken with many to find workable solutions to these immediate problems.
I vehemently oppose the Northern Beaches Tunnel; this goes against everything that makes our NB beautiful. I have yet to find any local who thinks this is a good idea. It will impact significantly on our standard of living here and destroy any vision we have of keeping our beaches pristine, and our way of life intact, and of course there’s the loss of homes and the toll adding to the financial burden and traffic congestion.
If you are a member of a Group – will you bloc vote on matters before Council?
What is your ‘platform’ in regards to the ward you are standing for?
Two Priorities:
The environment must be of main concern, Australia’s climate policy ranks last among 63 other nations, this is a tragedy of epic proportions and I’m hoping that the NB residents and council will pull together to do our bit to make an urgent change.
There has been a detrimental cost to the community with the merging of our councils. I would absolutely support the demerging with consultation of the community, it has caused immense financial distress and left the community feeling disenfranchised. I will support a referendum.
What have you done in the past that supports this?
See above.
Your sign off words (whatever you’d like in your section as final paragraphs/sentences)
My campaign focuses on keeping Narrabeen for the people who live there, the natural environment and stopping over-development. To seek and implement reasonable solutions that enhance our beautiful home without adversely impacting our natural spaces and native species.
In finishing I’d just like to note that I have lived here since 1996 and apart from a small stint in FNQ (not by choice). I will never leave. I’m not an academic or a political science graduate but I have a life experience that I think will be valuable and I hope to use it in service to our community. The NB is a magnificent place to call home and we must protect it.
BIANCA CRVELIN
Party affiliated with:
Liberal Party
Conflicts of interest
None.
What qualifications do you have that will enhance your role as a councillor?
I am a CPA. Being a CPA I believe I bring with me sound financial knowledge of the way business should be run. Council should operate as best practice, and should be a star performer when compared to other councils. I bring with me my years of corporate experience, my family orientation and love of our community. This gives me a great tool kit to use in helping council deliver in key projects all the while ensuring that community consultation takes place.
What local volunteer groups/associations are you a member of and for how long and doing what?
I have recently become a member of The Dee Why Warringah Rotary group and am very much looking forward to helping out in this way. I have also helped out at my son’s schools as often as possible.
What unique areas of focus are you interested in that will enhance what you may do on Council?
The biggest issues facing our electorate is the going concern of how business will recover post COVID-19. Council needs to support businesses through this recovery. Many people have incurred great losses during this time. It has tested us all.
More locally we need to remedy the Wakehurst parkway flood management, and the entrance of Narrabeen Lagoon.
I believe it is Council’s responsibility to work with the community to understand their pain points and work cohesively as a group to address them.
If you are a member of a Group – will you bloc vote on matters before Council?
I will vote on each issue at its own merit.
What is your ‘platform’ in regards to the ward you are standing for?
My main driver for running for council is to be an advocate for the community and ensure we are represented with a voice that is heard. I want to be part of making the Northern Beaches the best place to live, and leave a legacy for all our children to enjoy.
What have you done in the past that supports this?
Being a part of council is my chance to support the community and be the voice that so many people think I am. I have always wanted to be able to do something good, and I believe I will now have the chance to do this.
Your sign off words (whatever you’d like in your section as final paragraphs/sentences)
I have lived in the beaches all my life, I grew up in Belrose/Forestville, once married lived in Belrose and Frenchs Forest, and we now live in Cromer. I feel so blessed to be living in the Northern Beaches. I’m grateful that my parents stumbled on this area once they got married. I could not imagine raising my family anywhere else. The community on the beaches is wonderful, the people are so kind, and caring for one another. I have frequented many of the parks in the area (with my boys) and there is always someone willing to have a chat and exchange stories. My door will always be open, I will always be a phone call, email or social media message away. If I am elected to council I will be an advocate for my ward and ensure we are represented with a voice that is heard.
VINCENT DE LUCA
Party affiliated with:
Nil – Independent. Group E in Narrabeen Ward is the only group of candidates not a member of a political party.
Do you have any conflicts of interest and if so – what and where? (eg: are you or any standing with you associated with; a) Construction/Developments/ Housing Industry/Building Industry – b) providing Adult Services in the area – c) providing catering in the area – d) part or a member of a group that lobbies Council on its agenda) -
Nil.
What qualifications do you have that will enhance your role as a councillor (eg; do you have a degree in Town Planning, a degree in Law etc.)
Bachelor of Laws – administrative, constitutional, environmental and local government law.
Bachelor of Arts – politics and history.
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice.
What local volunteer groups/associations are you a member of and for how long and doing what? (eg Surf Lifesaving, a Bushcare group, an RFS, a local swim group)
Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2004 Queen’s Honours Birthday List for outstanding service to the community, sport, welfare and charitable organisations particularly.
Worked extensively in youth affairs, suicide, domestic violence, drug and alcohol prevention.
Former Patron Save Manly Dam Catchment Committee and Friends of Warringah Residents Association against over development.
Appointed a Delegate to the National Peoples’ Convention on Youth Suicide Prevention in 1997 at which, with community leaders from across the country a National strategy was introduced. He has been a Delegate to the National Conference on Suicide Prevention, served on the Executive Committee of the National Peoples’ Council on Drug Prevention - High on Hope, attended the National Cities Against Drugs Summit and co-founded GAPS youth suicide prevention and support Association, served as President of the Curl Curl Youth and Community Centre for nearly two decades, has been a strong advocate and supporter for Surf Life Saving and was formerly the President of the Friends of Warringah Residents’ Group against overdevelopment. Devoted to many charities, having fought cancer on two occasions, he has raised significant funds for cancer research and support services. He has supported the Australian Gynaecological Cancer Foundation and Cure the Future Foundation for Stem Cell Research and devoted himself to the White Ribbon Foundation for stopping violence against women and numerous refuges and safety houses.
What unique areas of focus are you interested in that will enhance what you may do on Council?
1. Protecting the environment and stopping over-development
I voted against the recent Housing Strategy, as I believe it forces overdevelopment, threatens our environment and the very reasons why we live here. I am concerned that Mayor Michael Regan declared a pecuniary conflict of interest and could not vote on it. This document dictates the future of our area and lifestyle. Our community doesn’t want Chatswood like development. Proposed development at Ingleside is a safety risk. We simply don’t have the infrastructure to cope with high and medium density development. I have a proven track record over the decades of stopping over development and inappropriate development. I will always put the interests of the community above developers.
2. Holding the bureaucracy accountable and keeping rates down and increasing services and infrastructure
Since the amalgamation, rates have gone up by $30 million. Amalgamation was promised to reduce rates, red tape and bureaucracy. Every year, I have voted against Mayor Regan and his Your Northern Beaches party’s rate rises as they simply cannot be justified. Particularly as people are struggling due to COVID-19 and associated financial pressures due to lost jobs and businesses. I will work to cut the huge bureaucracy and exorbitant salaries. I have campaigned for reform of the excessive salaries, with some bureaucrats paid more than State Premiers. 40% of Council’s entire budget, $138 million is spent on salaries and benefits. Our CEO is on over half a million dollars - $522,321 and is entitled to a vehicle. Millions of dollars of rate payers’ money is spent each year on several levels of management bureaucracy: Directors (which were doubled from three to six upon the CEO’s request) cost $2,248,008, Executive Managers cost $5,893,810, Managers cost $15,208,330 and Team Leaders cost $18,593,901. I am delighted that the NSW Government has finally taken up my and others’ requests for reform and considering introducing an independent panel to set salaries.
3. Increased Policing and stopping sale of Mona Vale Police Station
Our community has experienced gang attacks on a Police Inspector at Warriewood and children bashed, threatened and robbed on a weekly basis, drug dealing, home and car break-ins, vandalism, stabbings and a vicious cowardly gang attack at Newport that received National condemnation. I have been the only strong voice on Council against any possible closure of Mona Vale Police Station and the need for greater Police presence. I initiated a Petition and a public campaign. My media interviews and lobbying resulted in the Police Commissioner initiating a special operation into gang and youth crime. My encouraging victims to come forward has led to arrests and convictions.
If you are a member of a Group – will you bloc vote on matters before Council? No, our group is the only group made up of candidates that are not members of a political party
What is your ‘platform’ in regards to the ward you are standing for?
See Above.
What have you done in the past that supports this?
Main policy interests:
Social issues – mental health and wellness, particularly youth, holding the bureaucracy accountable and cutting waste of ratepayers’ money to reallocate it to building of essential infrastructure, cutting exorbitant rates and fees and introducing services, protection of the environment and stopping overdevelopment. I have a proven track record of integrity, acting in the interests of residents and achieving results for residents and the community.
Your sign off words (whatever you’d like in your section as final paragraphs/sentences)
I have served our community for over 20 years. I love it, I love the people and genuinely wish to protect it.
Independent - Group E: Narrabeen Ward
Robert Giltinan OAM is standing with long term Independent, Vincent De Luca OAM to help prioritise environmental protection and stop inappropriate development.
Mental Health and wellness is a huge issue on the Northern Beaches as is the need to also provide services for senior citizens and people with a disability.
''Too much of rate-payer’s money is spent on the Mayor’s Your Northern Beaches Party’s pet projects; like the minimum $100k to $1.7m on a Covid Memorial which was rightly abandoned after pressure from Councillors Vincent De Luca and Rory Amon. Council needs to get back on track and focus on the issues that matter – spending rate payers’ money on matters that benefit them such as footpaths, road repairs, better playgrounds and park and increased community services.
What I bring:
As a small business owner, Bob knows first-hand the adverse effects of Covid and how it has devastated peoples’ businesses and employment. Bob served two terms on Warringah Council and one term as Deputy Mayor. He has extensive experience to manage Council’s funds and programmes so that they centre on fiscal responsibility and rate-payers money being spent responsible and in accordance with community expectations. A former professional tennis player who competed as Wimbledon and other international tournaments, awarded the Order of Australia for services to Tennis and the Northern Beaches community, he also brings a wealth of knowledge, over a 40 year period, of the needs of sporting and community organisations.
Tammy Cook BA (Business) - Independent Group E Narrabeen Ward
Tammy is standing with long term Independent, Vincent De Luca OAM to continue to promote mental health and wellness, facilities and services for youth, having served in a variety of positions with the Narrabeen Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches, Cromer Cricket Club, Dee Why Lions Club and Cromer Netball Club.
''It is essential that Council focusses proper attention on supporting local businesses, sporting and community organisations to get back on their feet after what they endured during Covid. Cutting red tape, proper funding support and innovation is essential by Council to facilitate re-activation in our community to ensure business and organisations serving our community succeed.
'' A fresh approach on Council is needed - it is time for a change. Northern Beaches Council has been governed by Michael Regan and his Your Northern Beaches Party for over four years and he and his Party governed Warringah Council from 2008 to 2016. Over this long-time rates and fees have gone up every year and rate-payers’ money wasted on ridiculous projects. Tammy has a degree majoring in business as well as extensive experience in the corporate world – changing culture so that rate-payers money is no longer wasted and spent on more capital works and services instead of salaries and unwanted projects the community does not want will be a major priority.
What I bring:
Qualifications in business, mother and extensive experience in the corporate world as well as over 20 years service to the community through an array of sporting and community organisations, particularly Narrabeen Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches, Cromer Cricket Club, Dee Why Lions Club and Cromer Netball Club. My qualifications and experience will help bring back Council to become focussed on the community and efficient management.