Planning for our future
Clarence is entering a significant period of growth. According to the Draft 30 - Year Greater Hobart Plan, our population will be both larger and older by 2050. We can either plan for these changes or muck it up for generations to come.
We need to plan our growth strategically, rather than bit by bit. A holistic approach will ensure that our public infrastructure, community services and the environment will be able to meet future demand.
I do not support the extension of the urban growth boundary, nor do I support the private use of public land unless developers can clearly demonstrate that proposed developments will provide community benefit (this is more than just jobs!) and the majority of the community are in favour of the development.
As an elected member, I want to ensure that the City’s infrastructure meets the needs of our growing community. We need more dedicated bike lanes, footpaths (on both sides of a road), schools, parks, playgrounds and trails so residents can get around more easily and enjoy outdoor recreation within their local neighbourhood.
Increased community participation
The best decisions are those that are made with the community, for the community and the healthiest people are those who are connected to others.
Clarence City Council follows the best practice framework (IAP2) yet when it comes to community engagement there are few projects and initiatives that actually being led by the community. I want to see more residents engaged and involved in decision-making processes.
We also need more volunteers to help keep our community going! Volunteering Tasmania estimates that by 2029 there will be a shortfall of approximately 12,401 volunteers in Clarence alone! Being a part of one’s community doesn’t require a lot of time for those who are time-poor. It can be as simple as dropping groceries off to a neighbour or helping your a local community group.
As Deputy Mayor and Alderman, I will encourage and enable residents to engage in local democracy and to give back to their communities.
Council’s responsibility to adapt to changing weather patterns
Whether we like it or not, our weather patterns are changing. According to climate models, the eastern shore is expected to get windier and wetter - with more frequent and heavier falls. These changes will impact the City’s ageing infrastructure, such as stormwater, roads, parks and sports grounds.
These changes also impact our natural areas. For example, larger and more frequent storm surges are actively cutting away the extensive coastline that many residents enjoy visiting in Clarence.
As a public landowner, Council has a responsibility to mitigate and adapt to these changes.
For example, I don’t think it’s logical for Council to approve subdivisions in flood zones nor should Council spend rate-payer’s money on infrastructure that hasn't been engineered to withstand the heavier rainfall that comes in ever more frequent extreme weather events.
These are issues that affect everyone in our community and as an elected member, I will make decisions with the future of our climate in mind.
My other interests:
Pursuing Council amalgamations and collaborating with key stakeholders in order to achieve the best outcome for residents
Reinstating the Rosny Hill Golf Course until there is a clear and realistic plan to transition the area to public open space
Supporting community programs and grassroots initiatives
Ensuring the proposed Skylands development follows sustainable planning principles
Helping our community to be inclusive and welcoming to all
Improving the culture of Council