June Update

Standing up for Integrity, Transparency and Community

Since being elected to Sutherland Shire Council as an Independent Councillor I’ve worked hard to meet with community and local interest groups, small business owners and families to better understand local issues and to advocate on your behalf.

As a genuine Shire Independent, my voting record speaks for itself. I’ve often been your strong single voice in the Council: speaking up for our community, putting people ahead of party politics and working with you to make a difference. I believe we need to rebuild trust by insisting on integrity and transparency in all that we do, and appointing an Ombudsmen to investigate complaints and concerns with fairness and independence.

As the Shire continues to grow, I’m passionate about maintaining and increasing our tree canopy; sensible, sustainable development and affordable housing; DCP and zoning agreements which benefit everyone, not just a privileged few; community engagement on local parks, sporting grounds, town centres and initiatives like the overland flood study; and regulating e-bikes to keep riders and pedestrians safe.

Read on to find out more about these issues, and to meet the first of the team of remarkable, genuine Shire Independents who will be running alongside me at the upcoming elections – more strong voices for you. If you’d like to support us then now is the time to get involved!

With Council Elections coming up on the 14th September, I’m also thrilled to announce the first of our community-minded local legends running as Shire Independent Candidates right alongside me. Meet the FIRST of YOUR local Shire Independent Candidates:

Born and raised in the  Shire, Allira is a proud mother of two who is deeply committed to enhancing our community for them and all residents. In 2022, Allira’s daughter Lennox was honoured with the NSW Woman of the Year ‘One to Watch’ Award for her charity initiative, Snacktember. Following in her footsteps, her son Jenson was named the Sutherland Shire Young Citizen of the Year in 2024 for his environmental cleanup efforts and advocacy for better public amenities. Allira is driven to stand up and address the issues that matter most to her family and our community.

Known as ‘Pip Rae’ from her time in media, Pip is skilled in communication, crisis response and change management. Pip is an international presenter on Gender Based Violence and Mental Health and was awarded the Hughes Woman of the Year 2024, by the Hon Jenny Ware MP. The mum of four, an avid traveller and creative collaborator, Pip advocates prioritising transparency and accountability in financial allocations of public funds to meet operational needs. She is drawn towards restoring and improving the local environment from its seaside to the sandbanks, beyond the bushland to the bay.

Mark is a long-term Shire resident who lives with his wife and two (now adult) children in D Ward. Mark has spent the past 31 years serving the people of NSW as a police officer before his retirement last October, and since then has kept busy as a part time NDIS support worker. Mark has a degree in Disaster and Emergency Management and would use his extensive knowledge and experience in this field to prepare for and prevent natural disasters like bushfires and flooding. As a Shire Independent candidate Mark will advocate for an independent ombudsmen, work to implement smart traffic solutions, improve public transport accessibility, to protect our natural heritage, ensuring responsible development that prioritises sustainability and affordability.

A lifelong Cronulla resident and founder of local business Mummymetime, Sutherland Shire Independent Councillor Leanne Farmer is a passionate advocate for the local community. Having lived here all of her life, Leanne has built strong relationships with local residents and has a unique understanding of the current concerns impacting the area. Leanne is a genuine independent voice for the community she loves, and is committed to focusing on long term plans to improve liveability in the beautiful beachside community we all call home.

After so many years of discussion and debate, I’m dismayed that we’re still not making any progress on affordable housing in the Sutherland Shire.

To improve long-term liveability, ensure that our much-needed local workers can afford to live locally, and contribute to the housing challenges in NSW we need to find a way for new developments to consider incorporating or contributing to affordable housing solutions.

As the NSW State Government states “Many people need affordable rental housing for lots of different reasons, including people who work full – or part-time in lower paying jobs. Affordable housing may also be useful for people who are going through a change in their lives which effects their financial situation – such as having a baby, getting a divorce or leaving home for the first time, as well as people receiving a government pension or benefit.”

As we review local zoning, development policies and applications I will continue to advocate for ways to make housing more accessible and affordable right across the Shire.

In the Sutherland Shire we continue to lose our tree canopy at an alarming rate, with recent Council decisions such as the approved removal of up to 76 fifty-year-old trees flagged for removal under the draft Oyster Bay masterplan, and last month’s Council Meeting decision to allow the removal of trees within 3m of an existing or proposed dwelling or swimming pool.

The constant feedback we get from the community is how much we value our trees within the Shire.

While there are Councillors who continue to exaggerate the risks associated with a healthy tree canopy and green web (see comments on the Council Meeting webcast at the 2hr 55minute mark here), I have confidence in Sutherland Shire Council’s team of professional Arborists. I firmly believe we can protect and increase our valuable trees for our community. They reduce urban heat, improve mental health and of course support our birds, possums and polinators.

I was the ONLY Councillor to vote against the Oyster Bay draft master plan and I will continue to advocate for a tree strategy and healthy, growing tree canopy that is not only safe, but benefits everyone in the Shire.

It’s never been more important (and simpler) to have your say as Sutherland Shire Council develops and shapes its strategies, policies and plans for the future. Have your say on:

• Outdoor Dining Policy and Schedules Review. Council is proposing a revision to the policy. This includes detailed standards for Council to issue approvals for outdoor dining on a public footway, and other similar places in the Public Domain. The Schedules provide guidance for businesses in the application process. Find out more and have your say here before 27th June.
• Draft Masterplan Marton Park, Kurnell. Marton Park includes sports fields suited to junior rugby league and cricket, numerous community buildings, playground, basketball court, fitness equipment and BBQ area. Have your say here on the proposed renewal of the playground and fitness equipment before 3rd July.

If you’d like to support us then now is the time to get involved! Simply share this email with family and friends, follow me on Facebook and Instagram and get in touch to see how you can help put our community ahead of party politics.