2024 council elections: Candidates for Hills Shire Council profiled
Several council candidates have revealed their priorities after putting their hats in the ring for Hills Shire Council ahead of the upcoming election. Meet the people vying to represent you.
Hills Shire
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The 2024 local election is right around the corner, with less than one month before voters descend on polling booths across the state to choose who will be their next councillors and mayor.
In the Hills Shire, a number of currently sitting councillors have put their hats in the ring for re-election, among a number of newcomers and other community figures.
This masthead has contacted each candidate running for the council and asked to provide a short introduction as well as how they will represent the people of the Hills.
Most wards have a group of candidates from each party, with one lead candidate per group.
Not all candidates from each group responded to questions from this publication, but any additional further responses will be updated below.
Mayor
The Greens
Mila Kasby is the Greens candidate running for the mayor of the Hills Shire. She is also running for re-election as the lead Greens councillor candidate for the North Ward, which would be her second term as councillor, after she was the first Greens candidate elected to power.
Dr Kasby, a vet, small business owner and mother, said it had “been a privilege to stand up for affordable housing, protection of nature and a Council with more integrity” during her first term on the council.
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward, and how do you intend to tackle this as a councillor?
North Ward is vast and the issues vary dramatically between the rural north and the suburban south. River communities suffer repeatedly from damaging floods while new areas like Box Hill are still waiting for infrastructure, and traffic congestion is the worst I’ve ever seen.
We need councillors who will stand up for action on climate, affordable housing and properly resourced communities with more metro parking, shuttles, connecting footpaths and cycleways. We can’t expect different results if we keep electing the same people.
What have you found is a major issue in the Hills Shire LGA (not just your ward) and how do you intend to address this as a councillor?
I’m deeply concerned the community’s voice is not being heard. The majority voted to remove public forums, reject e- petitions and refuse to live stream council meetings. I fought hard against these changes and will seek to reverse them next term, but if the community wants a more transparent council, they need to vote for it.
Do you support high-density housing in the Hills?
If you’re worried about the housing crisis, you aren’t alone. We need well-planned affordable housing that benefits people while preserving the natural beauty and way of life we have in the Hills. High-density housing belongs around transport hubs like Rouse Hill Metro while rural villages and leafy low density suburbs in north ward must be protected.
Labor
Immanual Selveraj is the Labor candidate running for mayor of the Hills Shire.
Mr Selveraj said he had identified a number of issues within the Hills Shire LGA, such as balanced faith based and traditional family values in leadership, struggling small businesses, road safety and a lack of infrastructure to accommodate population growth.
He said he intends to tackle these by leading with progressive values, supporting small businesses with digital workshops and compliance assistance, build an additional performing arts centre and a leisure centre and support more multicultural festivals.
Mr Selvaraj also stated he would advocate for sufficient infrastructure, ensure better road safety with more roundabouts, pavements and crossings, build exercise areas for adults in parks and encourage reading among schoolchildren by stopping library fines.
Why should residents vote for you as mayor?
I have worked in senior executive positions for over 25 years and have the skills and capability to sit on council and govern policies and manage the finances of the council in an effective manner. I am a long-term resident of Baulkham Hills and understand the issues faced by Hills residents.
Do you support high density housing in the Hills?
I believe the state government has had a policy of building high density housing around transport corridors for a long time. In line with that several apartments have already been built around the Castle Hill Metro by the previous state government.
From a council perspective as we continue responsible development to cater for population growth, we will ensure that sufficient infrastructure like schools, hospitals, roads, sporting fields and parks are also in place.
Liberal
Michelle Byrne is the Liberal mayoral candidate for the Hills. Dr Byrne has previously had three stints as Hills Shire mayor and two as deputy mayor, before she announced in November 2021 she would not be contesting the next election as an independent.
What have you identified as a major issue across the Hills LGA, and how do you intend to tackle this?
Over development and the lack of supporting infrastructure are two of the major issues in the Hills LGA. The Minn’s State Government plan to double the housing targets coupled with the20,700 dwellings planned for the TOD (Transported orientated development) Precinct between Bella Vista and Kellyville Metro Stations is disastrous for the Hills. There are no plans or funding to provide the necessary infrastructure to support such levels of development.
If elected, I would take the fight up to the State Government to ensure we only have responsible levels of development that can be supported by infrastructure and creates a quality lifestyle for those who choose to call these developments home. I would also lobby the State and Federal Governments for our share of infrastructure funding to support our growing population particularly in our new release areas.
In addition to the above, congestion of the road network in the Hills is a major issue. We need to make improvements to our local road network but also advocate to the State Government for upgrades to the State arterial roads to take more traffic off our local roads.
Ensuring the Council keeps its rates and charges as low as possible is also another key issue particularly with the high cost of living.
Do you support high density housing in the Hills?
High density housing should be confined to around the metro stations where the amenities and infrastructure are in place and to ensure the rest of our suburbs including our rural areas are protected. However, it should not be open slather with as much density as possible pushed in, rather it should be responsible well thought out levels of development that can be supported with infrastructure including schools, libraries, open space, playing fields,footpaths etc.
Central Ward – Kellyville, Castle Hill, Beaumont Hills, North Kellyville, Glenhaven, Rouse Hill
The Greens
Danielle Packer is the lead Greens candidate for Central Ward and works with communities to plant trees and care for bushland and wildlife habitat with Greater Sydney Landcare.
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward, and how do you intend to tackle this as a councillor?
I am gravely concerned about the development proposal in Fred Caterson Reserve. This reserve is a nature haven enjoyed by many local residents and it’s home to rare plants and vulnerable animals (like the powerful owl, gliders and platypus). We are so fortunate to live in one of Sydney’s most beautiful areas and it will be tragic to see so many protected trees cleared from this urban forest. With increasing density in Castle Hill it is more important than ever for people to have parks and natural spaces they can spend time in. I would stand up to protect the character of this reserve.
What have you found is a major issue in the Hills Shire LGA (not just your ward) and how do you intend to address this as a councillor?
With the need for more housing and development, it can be challenging to preserve natural green spaces and tree canopy. It is important to get the balance right and create well planned, affordable, great places to live in a way that will help reduce living costs into the future (good insulation, energy efficient, sustainably designed) and protects communities from the more intense weather events that we can expect in the future.
Do you support high-density housing in your ward?
Combating urban sprawl means we need to have high density housing; however, this should only be done in the right locations around Metro Stations and big centres, minimising the impact to our natural environment while bringing more life and vibrancy to our town centres. An example of how to do this is by bringing more jobs to The Hills Shire, so that people can live and work closer together.
Samuel Hughes is the second Greens candidate under the party’s lead candidate for Central Ward, Danielle Packer. He is also running alongside Sayed Hosseneininpour.
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward, and how do you intend to tackle this as a councillor?
Areas in my ward could have been better designed to serve the people who live there. Homes should be high quality, sustainable, energy efficient and affordable and integrated with lush green natural surroundings. Neighbourhoods should be walkable and include great communal spaces with public art. We should be building homes that are resilient to climate change, with street trees that would really reduce heat effects in built up areas.
What have you found is a major issue in the Hills LGA (not just your ward) and how do you intend to address this as a councillor?
Young people need affordable housing and jobs in the Hills Shire. We should be focusing on employment opportunities so people can work close to home. I’d like to see greater activation of our town centres around the Metros to support entertainment and the arts, improving quality of life but not adding to traffic congestion.
Do you support high-density housing in your ward?
Affordable homes are desperately needed, it’s difficult for young people to live in the Hills close to family and friends. I support high density development only where it makes sense to do so – around transport hubs where owning a car is not a necessity and where there are plenty of services and community facilities. It’s important to preserve the livability and leafy character of the Hills.
Seyed Hosseneinipour is the third Greens candidate for Central Ward, under lead candidate Danielle Packer. He is also running alongside Samuel Hughes.
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward, and how do you intend to tackle this as a councillor?
People in our central ward community are struggling with their mental health for so many reasons, including cost of living pressures. It is so important that we build strong community connections, protect our natural environment (a walk in nature is a form of therapy) and have a council that is prepared to ease financial burdens where it is possible. The cost of venue hire, childcare fees and housing is all going up and I’d like to see council adopt affordable housing targets.
What have you found is a major issue in the Hills LGA (not just your ward) and how do you intend to address this as a councillor?
I feel we are at a crossroads with many future challenges – but there are incredible opportunities if the right people are elected to council. Council can address the big issues on a local level. We need to plan for the effects of climate change, we need affordable housing and better support for families with childcare. Our multicultural neighbourhoods should be leafy and green for the physical and mental health of our community.
Do you support high-density housing in your ward?
We need affordable housing but the high density developments should be well-designed, energy efficient and in the right locations where they are well serviced by public transport, healthcare and schools. The low-density suburbs should be protected from this.
East Ward – Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills, North Rocks, Carlingford, West Pennant Hills,
The Greens
Suzannah McDonald is the lead candidate for East Ward from the Greens party, alongside Catherine Woolnough and Tian Wong See.
Ms McDonald said she is a mother and teacher who cares deeply for the future of the Hills shire.
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward and how do you intend to tackle this as a councillor?
Residents are understandably concerned about the Hills Shire being zoned to become one of Australia’s most densely populated areas. Council must manage this growth responsibly. Unlike other parties, the Greens reject corporate donations, ensuring independence from unscrupulous developers – a recurring issue in The Hills Shire’s past. We need to rebuild the community’s trust to deliver sustainable infrastructure close to Metro hubs, with safe, connected footpaths and cycle lanes, to ease traffic congestion.
What have you found is a major issue in the Hills Shire LGA (not just your ward) and how do you intend to address this as a councillor?
The Hills Shire community values its family-friendly atmosphere and unique natural beauty. I don’t think it’s fair that a private rugby union club can take precious public green space to develop their elite facility in Fred Caterson Reserve. Community land should be there for everyone to use and residents feel they didn’t have their say. The development requires clearing of hundreds of trees and threatens irreversible damage to endangered flora and fauna. Greens voices must be on council to ensure the preservation of our precious green spaces for generations to come.
Do you support high density housing in your ward?
While dense, affordable, transit-oriented communities are crucial for addressing our growing population’s needs, affordability, and climate crises, only careful planning in specifically zoned locations will benefit the environment and the health of East Ward residents.
Catherine Woolnough is the second Greens candidate for East Ward, under lead candidate Suzannah McDonald. She is also running alongside a third Greens candidate, Tian Wong See.
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward and how do you intend to tackle this as a councillor?
Over-development in East Ward is a real concern, causing the loss of tree canopy, declining wildlife, and the destruction of critically endangered bushland. I would oppose further over-development and advocate for a council strategy to increase tree canopy levels (e.g., to 50%) and restore degraded bushland and parks with native plants.
What have you found is a major issue in the Hills LGA (not just your ward) and how do you intend to address this as a councillor?
Across the Hills Shire, unregulated development is also a major issue. For instance, over 3,000 trees were removed in West Pennant Hills for housing developments, causing lasting harm to the community – and I feel their pain. As a councillor, I would oppose any rezoning that threatens bushland or wildlife. Additionally, with many new apartments in Baulkham Hills sitting empty, I would push for government intervention or partnerships to make these homes liveable again, with some allocated as affordable housing for young people.
Do you support high-density housing in your ward?
I do not support high-density housing in East Ward and would instead focus on better regulation of ongoing developments.
Tian Yi Wong See is the third Greens candidate for East Ward, under lead candidate Suzannah McDonald. She is also running alongside the second Greens candidate for East Ward, Catherine Woolnough.
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward, and how do you intend to tackle this as a councillor?
East Ward has a representation vacuum. Whether it be age, ethnicity, identity or orientation, council does not adequately represent the diversity that will be found in any group of people, including in our ward. This is clear in decisions made that further marginalise young people, LGBTQIA+ people and multicultural communities.
What have you found is a major issue in the Hills LGA (not just your ward) and how do you intend to address this as a councillor?
The lack of transparency in consultation and communication with residents is so concerning. We don’t even live stream council meetings, where the decisions that affect us all are made, unlike pretty much every other council! There seems to be little regard for the environment, with unsustainable development bringing down vegetation all across the shire. Saving forests is climate action, and it’s great for human health in the short and long term. We need less denial and more action on climate in the council chambers.
Do you support high density housing in your ward?
East Ward has been screwed over by rushed and inconsiderate building of high density housing. Australia needs high density housing, but it must be community focused and affordable. What we got was a consultation process that did not favour the actual residents, and well … I know I wouldn’t be able to afford it!
Labor
Jane Grevtseva is the lead Labor candidate for East Ward, alongside running mates Andrew Punch and Senthil Sundararajan.
Ms Grevtseva did not respond to questions directly, and instead shared her candidate bio with this publication and directed reporters to her website for issue-based policies for the East Ward, which were created after community consultation.
Ms Grevtseva said these policies are subject to change.
“As your Labor candidates for East Ward, we are dedicated to addressing the issues that you’ve told us matter most to our community,” the website states.
“Our team is committed to protecting all that we love about our community and fostering a community where safety, infrastructure, nature, and the wellbeing of all residents are prioritised.
“Through thoughtful planning and community involvement, we aim to create a harmonious and prosperous East Ward for all residents.”
The policies on Ms Grevtsava’s website include safety and traffic management, public infrastructure facilities, community wellbeing, preservation of nature, infrastructure and development and animal welfare.
Senthil Sundararajan is the third Labor candidate for East Ward, under lead candidate Jane Grevtseva. He is also running alongside Andrew Punch.
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward, and how do you intend to tackle this as a councillor?
I have noticed that some of the council roads including Dresden Ave, Milguy Ave and Martingale Ave in East Ward need pedestrian/ roads for residents and any people with physical challenges access the street safely.
What have you found is a major issue in the Hills LGA (not just your ward) and how do you intend to address this as a councillor?
Definitely a range of issues exists including traffic congestion around the school zone during peak hours. We need to look for an alternate solution to avoid traffic congestion. In my view, we can initially trial with a few free shuttle service (small passenger vans) for students to commute to school within every catchment area to reduce traffic around the school zone.
Do you support high-density housing in your ward?
Given the exploding population in the area, we need more multi dwelling houses. Again we need to keep the balance on potential traffic congestion for people to commute reasonably well by arranging “nominal fee” shuttle services to connect with major transport stops/nodes.
North Ward – Glenhaven, Dural, Middle Dural, Glenorie, Cattai, South Maroota, Sackville North, Maroota, Lower Portland, Leets Vale, Wisemans Ferry, Maralaya, Gables, Nelson, Box Hill, Rouse Hill, Annangrove, North Kellyville
The Greens
Vida Shamahat is the second Greens candidate under lead candidate for North Ward and Greens mayoral candidate Mila Kasby. She is also running alongside third Greens candidate Rebecca Oliveria.
Ms Shamat is a cancer researcher and a longtime resident of Glenhaven, as well as apart of the Australian Persian community.
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward, and how do you intend to tackle this as a councillor?
North Ward is often impacted by natural disasters (floods, heatwaves, bushfires and storms). I am passionate about our community’s well being and feel strongly that we need to address the future challenges that climate change will bring. Residents deserve better protection from severe weather events and council needs a net zero policy and climate adaptation plan to reduce impacts on residents and keep them safe.
What have you found is a major issue in the Hills LGA (not just your ward) and how do you intend to address this as a councillor?
Development across the Shire without enough protection for trees and green space. Housing in new areas does not have the services and infrastructure that are needed and traffic congestion is worsening. Areas that will see a great many more people moving in will need to be better planned to avoid reducing the quality of life for everyone.
Do you support high-density housing in your ward?
High-density development should be tightly restricted to transport hubs and major centres where we can create affordable homes in walkable neighbourhoods and close to public transport. Our roads can’t cope with more cars and traffic. The suburbs and rural areas should not have high density developments.
Rebecca Oliveria is the third Greens candidate under lead candidate for North Ward and Greens mayoral candidate Mila Kasby. She is also running alongside second Greens candidate, Vida Shamahat.
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward, and how do you intend to tackle this as a councillor?
The Hills is such a family friendly, multicultural and safe area but there isn’t a lot of affordable housing in North Ward and it’s difficult for families to afford to live here. I would support council adopting targets for affordable housing so that nurses and hospital staff, teachers and essential workers can live and work here.
What have you found is a major issue in the Hills LGA (not just your ward) and how do you intend to address this as a councillor?
Traffic across the shire is becoming worse. We need a holistic approach to addressing this. More walkable communities, connected networks of cycleways and footpaths, shuttles to the Metro, more Metro parking, more frequent bus services.
Do you support high-density housing in your ward?
Rouse Hill close to the Metro is a sensible place for high-density affordable housing but it must be supported by good services, transport, parks and sports fields for the community. I don’t support high density development anywhere else in North Ward – we need to preserve our area’s leafy character and avoid more cars on the road.
Liberal
Mitchell Blue is the lead Liberal candidate for North Ward, and is a current sitting councillor for the same ward.
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward and how do you intend to tackle this as a councillor?
Box Hill is a growing new release area, however infrastructure is not keeping up with growth. The Box Hill contributions plan is broken and requires the State Government to provide their fair share of gap funding to rectify this so that infrastructure can continue to be rolled out. I will advocate hard for this and hold the State Government to account, if elected for another term.
North Ward is predominantly rural, should I be reelected, I will continue to advocate for our rural residents, preserving the rural areas, and fostering economic growth - these areas cannot be forgotten. The Hawkesbury River has flooded six times in the last term. I will continue to advocate for flood mitigation and the building of community resilience. This also includes the continuation of restoration to our damaged infrastructure.
What have you found is a major issue in the Hills LGA (not just your ward) and how do you intend to address this as a councillor?
Time and time again, the State Government imposes increased density without adequate infrastructure. The Kellyville and Bella Vista TOD precincts are a great example of this. An almost doubling of dwellings (between The Hills and Blacktown LGA’s either side of Old Windsor Rd) with an estimated 100,000 people has been proposed without any additional schools, parks, police stations, fire stations and road upgrades. The $520m to be split over 8 precincts across Sydney is insufficient. These precincts will be disastrous in their current form. I intend to continue to push back on the State Governments one size fits all approach.
Do you support high density housing in your ward?
I do not support high density housing in North Ward. North Ward is predominantly rural and is not serviced by infrastructure that would be required for high density. I am also a supporter of our rural areas and wish to preserve the character of them, these areas are what make the Hills so special. More urban parts of the ward such as Glenhaven, Rouse Hill and Box Hill would not be suitable for high density given their infrastructure and natural topography. Flooding and bushfire risk also restricts many uses.
West Ward – Kellyville, Norwest, Bella Vista, Winston Hills, Baulkham Hills
Liberal
Frank De Masi is the lead Liberal candidate running for West Ward, alongside running mates Rosemarie Boneham and Trent Richmond.
Mr De Masi is a current sitting councillor for West Ward, seeking reelection.
Mr De Masi mentioned several key issues for his ward in his response to questions from this publication, including an opposition to the State Government’s Transport Oriented Development Precinct plans, reducing waste collection costs, addressing road congestion, and minimising the impact of council rates.
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward and how do you intend to tackle this as a councillor?
We strongly oppose the NSW Labor Government’s Transport Oriented Development (TOD) Precinct proposal for Bella Vista and Kellyville. The plan to increase housing density by adding 20,000 new dwellings as a solution to the state’s housing crisis will significantly burden West Ward. This development comes without necessary infrastructure investments in local roads, state roads, sporting fields, schools, transport, and community facilities.
We aim to lessen the financial burden of waste collection, particularly the costs associated with the Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) initiative mandated by the State Government. We advocate for the construction of a Waste-to-Energy Plant to reduce landfill usage and decrease waste collection costs, providing a cleaner and more cost-effective solution.
What is a major issue in the Hills LGA (not just your ward) and how do you intend to address this as a councillor?
Road congestion remains a major issue, particularly at critical choke points in Norwest, Kellyville, and Baulkham Hills. We will lobby the State Government to divert through traffic away from our Shire to alleviate traffic congestion for West Ward residents.
We are committed to minimizing the impact on council rates by exploring alternative revenue sources rather than increasing council rates.
Do you support high density housing in your ward?
While the introduction of the Sydney Metro has always included plans for increased density around Metro Stations as a response to Australia’s housing crisis, we oppose the NSW Labor Government’s proposal to double this density in the TOD precincts of Bella Vista and Kellyville beyond what was originally planned and agreed upon in our council precinct plans.
We also strongly oppose the push by the NSW Labor Government and the Department of Planning to increase density away from Metro Stations, particularly in major community centers such as suburban shopping centers and transport hubs within the Shire.
Independent
Seema Raghav is an independent candidate running for West Ward. Ms Raghav is a mother and describes herself a technology leader in higher education, with a passion for the environment and the future of the Hills.
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward, and how do you intend to tackle this as a councillor?
The challenge affecting most residents has been inadequate parking and timely connectivity to the Metro stations. I plan to work with the state government related to creating frequent routes to Metro stations. This is especially important with the opening of the new Metro line, especially as the State Government plans to reduce the number of buses servicing our area.
What have you found is a major issue in the Hills LGA (not just your ward) and how do you intend to address this as a councillor?
The major issue our council faces is constant challenges to our green spaces. We are known as the “Garden” Shire, but the “Garden” bit is constantly under threat with all the development activity. I plan to preserve and if possible even expand our bushland and parks to benefit every resident’s wellbeing.
Do you support high-density housing in your ward?
No, I don’t support high-density housing where it is proposed in my ward or the Hills LGA as there is no infrastructure backing these changes. We need schools, green spaces, hospitals, roads to support the kind of targets that are set. I have no theoretical issue with vertical cities, but there needs to be adequate infrastructure to support them, and the Hills towns are already at capacity.
Got a story tip? Email elizabeth.neil@news.com.au
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