2024 council elections: Lead candidates for Lane Cove, Mosman, North Sydney Councils profiled
Dozens of election candidates from across Sydney’s north have named their top priorities for the upcoming local government election. See the list of candidates and issues that will determine the election.
North Shore
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North Shore voters have a packed field of candidates to choose from for next month’s local government elections.
A mix of familiar faces and first-time candidates have put their hands up for the upcoming poll in the Lane Cove, Mosman and North Sydney Council areas.
Many of the candidates have named action on overdevelopment, sustainability and the environment among their key priorities.
There has already been plenty of drama in the lead-up to polling day including the NSW Liberal Party nomination bungle that has resulted in no Liberal candidates running in the Lane Cove council area and just one party candidate running in North Sydney.
The result is expected to reshape the political dynamic in the impacted council areas over the next four-year council term.
Here we profile the candidates hoping to secure your vote on September 14. Candidates were asked to provide a short bio and explain why they’ve decided to run and their top priorities if elected.
LANE COVE
KATHY BRYLA (IND, CENTRAL WARD)
As one of the Lane Cove councillors since 2021, I’ve proudly represented the community voice. Together, I want to continue to preserve and enhance what makes Lane Cove a special place to live. I am committed to serving the community for another four year term in Lane Cove Council’s central ward and my team for a group ticket in the upcoming election includes Trent Gardiner and Tanya Phillips.
The key policies I am running on for another term in council are
– Accountable council that listens – Community voice at council meetings, improved community surveys and consultation process, greater rigour around project reporting and tracking of councils actions against the Lane Cove Strategic Plan.
– A healthy planet – More solar on apartments, businesses and council owned facilities, address our growing stormwater demand, an urban solar farm in Lane Cove, get FOGO happening.
– Protecting what we love – Strengthen bushland and urban tree preservation, safer, less busy backstreets in central ward, review the boat trailer parking situation, manage our open green spaces and sports fields better for all to use, maintain and improve our built assets, investigate further the heating of the Lane Cove 50m pool longer in winter, update and implement more of our bike plan.
If re-elected I will continue to issue monthly newsletters to the community and respond to residents inquiries through my council email address.
BRIDGET KENNEDY (IND, CENTRAL WARD)
I’m an independent Lane Cove Councillor, first elected in 2021, and I’m seeking re-election because I’m passionate about serving our community. Having lived and worked in Lane Cove for over 20 years, I’ve dedicated myself to local initiatives like co-founding The Sydney Library of Things, which oversees the new Lane Cove Toy Library, and volunteering at the Repair Cafe Sydney North. I was also named Lane Cove Citizen of the Year in 2018. I focus on creative and practical solutions to community challenges and my policies reflect the needs of residents. There’s concern about public transport, rat runs, inappropriate development, and fair access to public spaces. I’m committed to addressing these issues.
My priorities include:
– Ensuring fair access to public facilities, such as more residential access to the Aquatic Centre and discounted fees for residents.
– Protection of our bushland and waterways from the impacts of development
– Enhancing council transparency and communication.
– Supporting active, sustainable transport options, including a community shuttle bus and better cycling infrastructure.
– Taking climate action by championing initiatives that rapidly reduce local carbon emissions and maintaining our tree canopy.
– Encouraging a circular economy through projects that reduce waste and promote reuse.
CALEB TAYLOR (IND, CENTRAL WARD)
Now more than ever, Lane Cove needs strong community leadership and a forward thinking council. Currently, council is divided and ineffective – leading to significant challenges for residents over the past three years. I want to bring fresh ideas, transparency on decision making and a community focus on improving services, and that’s why I’m running as a truly independent candidate for council.
A qualified chef and dad, I hold various leadership roles in our community, such as Lane Cove Public School as P&C president, the Lane Cove Fun Run, Repair Cafe, Lane Cove Festival Committee and Stringybark Creek Residents Association. My commitment to community service was recognised in the NSW Parliament when I received the Lane Cove Volunteer of the Year Award for 2022 from the Member for Lane Cove.
My priorities include creating better and more utilised spaces and services for families; advocating for improved public transport; better pedestrian and road safety; extending Library hours with 24-hour collection lockers; a Lane Cove parking app to notify residents about outstanding payments; and public town hall meetings on traffic, roads and transport. I am committed to bringing effective leadership and positive change to Lane Cove, ensuring we have a council that works tirelessly for its residents.
KEN QUAIL (LAB, CENTRAL WARD)
I have lived in Lane Cove for 30 years. With my partner Liz, we raised our two children, now adults, in Lane Cove. Along this journey I have been engaged with childcare (as chair), schools, sporting teams (as a cricket and soccer coach), guides and cubs (as a leader). A passionate cyclist, I completed the Hunt1000 gravel event from Melbourne to Canberra last November. I work in North Ryde where I manage a laboratory and research facility servicing the Australian grain industry.
Lane Cove has been an amazing place to live. We are blessed with our proximity to the best of Sydney including bushland, harbour and river frontage. We have had an effective local government that has delivered highly regarded infrastructure and services while managing the need for more housing. I want to see a bright future for Lane Cove and contribute positively to our community through good governance. My priorities include: recreation facilities for performing arts and the Lucretia baths; delivering the Lane Cove bike path program; introducing a night food market to bring community together; creating the opportunity for strata titled solar; and a social resource centre to support youth, the elderly and those impacted by domestic violence.
MERRI SOUTHWOOD (IND, EAST WARD)
My first term as an independent councillor for East Ward Lane Cove Council is ending. I have more to achieve, if re-elected. I will work towards a collaborative relationship with my fellow councillors. I want our community members to have confidence in council decision making processes and will encourage them to observe this decision making in progress by bringing the public forum back to Council meetings. I look forward to completion of the Sport and Recreation Facility and will work towards making it accessible through safe shared user pathways and improved bus services. And I will advocate for an operational model for the facility that offers equitable and affordable access for the ratepayers who funded it. Our LGA has fine assets and we need to maintain them, so this cost does not become a financial burden on future generations. I also hope council will use some of its assets to provide key workers with affordable housing. Our bushland and waterways must be protected from the impacts of development. And so must impacted residents. And, finally, as a dog owner, I will work to preserve our scarce grassed open spaces for the enjoyment of all stakeholders.
NICK RIGGS (GREENS, EAST WARD)
My name is Nick Riggs and I am the lead candidate for the Greens in Lane Cove East ward. I am a mental health worker supporting society’s most vulnerable people. My work has reinforced the value that a caring, supportive and equitable community brings to all our lives, and I have always passionately advocated for people, the environment and my community. I moved to Greenwich in 2023, with my wife, son and dog, attracted by the stunning natural environment, amazing community and the lifestyle afforded by this vibrant pocket of Sydney, and soon began contributing to local resident groups. I became aware that despite the knowledge, passion and enthusiasm of residents, councillors were not listening to our concerns. If elected, I will fight for: Accountability and transparency by restoring community consultation at every council meeting. Lowering cost of living pressures by insourcing council services, including childcare and sport and leisure facilities. Our unique natural environment and ensure that our council is 100 per cent carbon-neutral by the end of this term. Sensible, accessible, and environmentally-friendly housing – with appropriate local infrastructure, green spaces, and transport. The 30 per cent of Lane Cove residents who are renters. Together, we can build a fair and transparent council which supports all residents to build a stronger community – because Lane Cove deserves.
DAVID ROENFELDT (LAB, EAST WARD)
I have lived in Lane Cove since 2012 and am qualified in aerospace engineering with experience in retail warehousing, environmental test engineering and I’m currently employed in transport logistics. I have often in the past been a representative of my peers, hence a natural progression to representing others. I believe in fairness, justice and equality, fundamental principles of the Labor Party. I joined the party in 2011 and served as Lane Cove Labor branch president from 2017-2021 and currently serving as branch secretary. I was elected to council in 2021 and have served the last 12 months as deputy mayor. This term of Council has been more difficult than it should have been so it is critically important to have a team of councillors that respect staff to ensure good governance, accountability and stability. I want to ensure that existing and future capital works programs continue to deliver the infrastructure required to meet the needs of future and existing residents, including more open space, bushland, recreation and sporting facilities. I also want to protect the character of the Lane Cove village and heritage of the Greenwich peninsula in the face of wide sweeping reforms to address the housing crisis.
ROCHELLE FLOOD (GREENS, WEST WARD)
Lane Cove is a beautiful place to live, and it’s been an honour to represent our community over the past three years as your councillor. I’m a community advocate with a background in environmental law. I’m running for re-election because I’m passionate about ensuring our council listens to residents and makes decisions that allow our community to thrive. During my term, I’ve been a strong advocate for climate action, delivering initiatives like solar panel and battery storage rebates to help residents switch to renewable energy. I’m proud to have introduced a trial of free period care products in local facilities, tackling period poverty and reducing stigma. I also pushed for council funds to be divested from banks that support the fossil fuel industry. If re-elected, I will: Deliver affordable council-run services, including more childcare centres and in-house managed sports facilities to increase affordability and accessibility. Ensure public green spaces remain open and welcoming to everyone, including our furry friends. Prioritise transparency and genuine community consultation in all council decisions – including reinstating the public forum at council meetings. Support council owned affordable housing. Advocate for sustainable transport options including well-connected cycleways and a community shuttle bus.
KATIE LITTLE (LAB, WEST WARD)
I’m patron of the Jeanne Little Alzheimer’s Research Fund with NeuRA, founded to put money into research for the leading cause of death for Australian women. I’ve spoken on 2GB about aged care and VAD, featured in Australian Story, and 60 Minutes’ Covid-19 special. I’ve always had strong ties to Lane Cove through family and work. My grandmother was a Greenwich resident, and when my neurodiverse children were young I was in the plaza every weekend making use of the open space, the library and Riverview toy library, not to mention the Cake Man’s vanilla slice – all indispensable! I’ve watched the development of Lane Cove with awe, such a unique and fabulous LGA so close to the city. From safe liveable traffic calming to preserving bushland – even making asbestos-free mulch! – Blackman skate park, the Canopy, and now the Sport & Recreation Centre – Lane Cove has got development right, creating facilities with long term vision guided by a steady hand in project management. As a single mum and foster carer, my passions are supporting families, youth, mental health and women’s issues. I’m excited to advocate for a convenience store in the Mowbray Road precinct, and prioritise the Lane Cove bike path program.
SCOTT BENNISON (IND, WEST WARD)
As your current mayor and a dedicated councillor for the past 16 years, I have consistently delivered progress and growth for our Lane Cove community. I’m proud to be the only councillor seeking re-election who stood firm against forced amalgamations, cancelling the contract for Bob Campbell Oval, and withdrawing the development application for the much-needed Sport & Recreation Centre. My time as a councillor I have delivered projects such as the Canopy, Blackman Park synthetic sports fields and skate park, plaza, and swimming pool upgrade. Our team strongly supports the Sport & Recreation Centre as a critical project for our community’s future, providing essential facilities for all ages. Our team in the west ward is unique — we are the only group of long-term residents and ratepayers, deeply invested in Lane Cove’s continued success. In this election, maintaining stability of governance, financial management and delivering vital infrastructure to our local government is crucial. We must complete the projects that will benefit our community for generations to come. Vote 1 Group A Scott Bennison and let’s keep Lane Cove moving forward together.
MOSMAN
MAYORAL CANDIDATES:
SIMON MENZIES (IND)
I am Simon Menzies, lead candidate of a group and candidate for Mosman Mayor. Libby Moline is candidate for Mosman councillor. Experience matters! When voting Simon for mayor and Libby for councillor, you know what you are getting – proven leadership. Simon has just celebrated his 20th anniversary as an independent Mosman councillor and Libby; 16 years. Electing an inexperienced candidate directly to the mayor’s office carries significant risks. The role demands a deep understanding of council operations and community dynamics – knowledge that only comes with time and involvement. That is why our extensive council experience makes us the safe, reliable choice to lead Mosman’s future. We will protect Mosman’s character by standing firm against overdevelopment, preserving our village atmosphere. Committed to enhancing our community, we plan infrastructure upgrades, including new change facilities for females at Middle Head and Rawson Ovals. Environmental stewardship is a high priority, with plans to introduce a food organic garden organic collection service. We’ll actively support our shopkeepers and Chamber of Commerce, ensuring Mosman’s shopping precinct remains vibrant. Allowing dogs back on ferries is a pet project – excuse the pun. With Simon and Libby, you’re choosing experienced candidates who combine council know- how with fresh ideas. We’re ready to listen and advocate on your behalf, the benefit only us independents have.
ANN MARIE KIMBER (SERVING MOSMAN)
I am running for both Mosman Council and as a mayoral candidate, bringing a wealth of leadership experience from commercial, volunteering and sporting environments. With an MBA and extensive experience in both public and private sector business, I am known for my calm demeanour under pressure, my ability to learn quickly and to work effectively in teams. My journey into local government began through a successful advocacy for the installation of an all-purpose basketball court at Balmoral Oval, which brought me into close collaboration with Mayor Carolyn Corrigan. Over the past year, I have been mentored by Carolyn, who values her genuine commitment and capability to continue delivering values based and ethical leadership for the Mosman community. My campaign focuses on maintaining the environmental beauty and sustainability of Mosman and ensuring that the community has a voice in the state government’s housing reforms. I also aims to enhance recreational facilities, promote community sharing through a ‘Library of Things,’ and will advocate for better connectivity and public transport infrastructure to address Mosman’s traffic congestion
JOHN WAKEFIELD (LAB)
Mosman is a great place to live. I lead a team with the expertise and energy to ensure we continue to thrive whatever challenges the future brings. Open government, efficient council service delivery and strategic direction are vital. I am a former councillor and mayor of Waverley, an urban economist, and avid bush walker. I attended Mosman High and North Sydney Boys and now have three children in local Mosman schools. My colleague Alyson Wills cares for the preservation of our public spaces and parklands. Warren Yates is a former Mosman councillor, engineering professor, and bike rider. His not-for-profit company has secured $26 million of investment in solar on commercial property. Pedestrian and road safety are his main concerns. We bring new leadership and a fresh approach. Our priorities include: Increasing investment in footpaths, pedestrian crossings, bicycle infrastructure and lighting, to make Mosman safer for you and our children. Addressing skills shortages at Council through an expanded apprenticeship program. Accessing state and federal government grants ensuring minimal cost to ratepayers. Setting a clear pathway to net zero emissions through practical local initiatives, benchmarked and audited. Stopping Woolworths getting bigger by reviewing retail zonings
ROY BENDALL (IND)
I am Roy Bendall, running as an independent for mayor of Mosman, leading the “Making Mosman Even Better” dream team with former councillor Jacqui Willoughby, Alessandro Marturano, Miranda Barclay, and super senior tennis great Kim Blackburne. I love the Mosman community deeply, and I believe that by lifting service levels and focusing on residents’ needs and our environment, we can make it even better. I’m committed to leveraging everything we love about Mosman and taking it to the next level I have served on Mosman Council for 12 years, a board member of Taronga Zoo and am a current Sydney North Planning Panel member and chairman of Northern Metro RFS Bush Fire Management Committee. We live in the best community in Australia however we can make Mosman even better by addressing the following issues: Service levels, traffic, excessive development, footpaths, pet friendly services, vibrancy for our night time economy and assistance for our rental residents while protecting and fostering our natural environment. I want to make Mosman even better. As a seasoned councillor it is time to expand the benefits of this community to all residents by the introduction of a 24 hour council concierge service, a rental advisory service, a vibrant night time economy and a more pet friendly attitude toward our furry friends. We need to expand our environmental efforts by encouraging more sea grasses so we have turtles in more than one bay. It can all be done so let’s strive together to make Mosman even better,
NORTH SYDNEY
SARAH KOK (SUSTAINABLE AUSTRALIA, CAMMERAYGAL WARD)
As a Cremorne local, I’ll put our environment, heritage and community first by standing firm against overdevelopment. While sustainable development can benefit our society, systemic unfairness in the planning system often enables overdevelopment that ignores our community’s voice and negatively impacts our environment. My objectives include: Protect our environment: Advocate for new green spaces, higher canopy targets, quality pedestrian and cyclist pathways and clean, safe harbours. Champion sustainable practices like reuse, recycle and community sharing programs. Stop overdevelopment: Fight against unsustainable State Government upzoning and housing targets that significantly increase population density without commensurate increases to infrastructure or green spaces. Defend our local villages from inappropriate high-rise developments that breach local controls. Push for stronger affordable housing commitments from developers and government. It’s also time for a heritage review – the last one was nearly 20 years ago! Stop corruption: Demand transparent disclosure of how community concerns have been addressed in development assessments and planning decisions. Reform rules that unfairly favour developers. I bring strong capabilities in policy, strategy, analysis and stakeholder management. I’m ready to leverage these skills, along with my passion and hard work, to make a real difference to the quality of life for everyone in North Sydney.
PALLAVI SINHA (IND, CAMMERAYGAL WARD)
I’ve worked as a lawyer, notary public or lecturer for over 20 years and I’ve served on boards such as the NSW Council for Women’s Economic Opportunity. As a lawyer for AFR, Westpac 100 Women of Influence, Rotary Paul Harris Fellow, former People of Australia ambassador and former Lifeline counsellor, I want to extend my community service to serving as a councillor. I live locally with my husband, and run a small business providing education services and I’m actively involved with local precincts and community groups. I love spending time in green and open spaces. I’ll bring new ideas, energy and proactive representation to council. My top priorities are:
– Improving governance to open the North Sydney Olympic Pool and accountability and efficient management of projects e.g. sale of Luna Park
– Reducing cost of living pressures.
– Supporting residents (both owners and renters), communities and small businesses.
– Speeding up the development application review process.
– Pedestrian safety and traffic calming.
– Reserving green and open spaces and enhancing playground and sporting facilities.
– Act to reduce domestic violence.
– Lobby government to prioritise the interests of the North Sydney local government area eg: opposing an introduction of a two-way toll to the Harbour Bridge
MARYANN BEREGI (IND, CAMMERAYGAL WARD)
I grew up on the North Shore and have been an active member of the North Sydney community for the past 23 years. I am a current councillor, chair of Council’s Access & Inclusion Committee, chair of Council’s Open Space and Recreation Group and council’s delegate to the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee. I enjoy spending my free time with my family and walking our dogs or playing in Primrose Park and St Leonards Park. I am a dedicated, slightly reluctant runner and enjoy being part of the UnOfficial Run Club and the North Sydney Park Run when I can.
I am running to ensure that the important work undertaken in this shortened term is continued and that, after the previous decade of poor decision making, North Sydney Council is returned to being a future-focused, transparent and fiscally responsible organisation. My top priorities include:
– The urgent need for additional public infrastructure and open space
– Ensuring the State Government returns the 3 hectares of public parklands to the council
– Delivering more affordable housing in partnership with other levels of government
– Expanding green space; opening the North Sydney Olympic Pool; upgrading local roads and footpaths;
– Expanding active transport opportunities; delivering infrastructure and services which are accessible and inclusive; promoting community connection by providing places, spaces, events and programs that welcome everyone and reduce social isolation
– Strengthening council’s financial position and ensuring council employs a rigorous governance framework for all decision making.
SHANNON WELCH (LAB, CAMMERAYGAL WARD)
I’m the leader of a dedicated team of Labor candidates, who believe in making North Sydney thrive. As a retired ICU nurse and now a Councillor, I have a unique perspective on public health, safety, and community wellbeing. In just 2.5 years, I’ve successfully pushed to make our public spaces safer. One of my proudest achievements is securing a plan to install new defibrillators in six local parks and run a CPR awareness campaign. I tried to resuscitate a person post cardiac arrest at Primrose Park and it’s only a matter of time before another happens. We need to be prepared. I’m also the chair of the Sustainable Transport Committee, a board member at the Crows Nest Centre and an executive member of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association. My goals for the next term are to:
– Advance social justice by promoting active lifestyles, supporting our cherished Stanton Library, and preserving our rich local heritage.
– Improve sustainability by reducing waste, promoting renewable energy, enhancing biodiversity and tackling climate change.
– Promote good governance through transparency in leadership, implementing robust governance frameworks, and preventing governance failures like we saw in the North Sydney Olympic Pool redevelopment.
ANGUS HOY (GREENS, CAMMERAYGAL WARD)
Growing up on the Northern Beaches, I was always on and in the water, either kayaking, ski paddling, rowing surfboats or just down at the beach. It’s these experiences that gave me a deep love for nature, and particularly our coastal and marine environments. This evolved into a dedication and desire to protect animals and the world we live in. At the same time, my understanding of social and economic justice was developing. I found myself studying journalism, hoping to learn to investigate and expose injustice and speak truth to power. I worked in the trade union movement for a number of years, which taught me about the power that organising together regardless of personal or political difference can have in building solidarity and community cohesion. From there, I began working as a policy adviser in state politics, which is where I am today.
I hope to bring those skills and political insights – of consultation and collaboration, as well as of policy work and analysis – to bear as a Greens councillor representing the people of North Sydney. I think local government can be about so much more than just roads, rates and rubbish, and I am looking forward to the possibility of working with the community to really build a local area we can all be proud of. I want to represent the people of North Sydney and believe I have the skills and motivation to make a difference for our local area, guided by community consultation, collaboration and compassion.
JESSICA KEEN (LIB, CAMMERAYGAL WARD)
I was a North Sydney councillor from 2017 to 2021, chairing and co-chairing a number of committees including Sport & Recreation. I have been on a local school council for nine years and currently hold the position as president. I sat on the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust from 2018-2021. I am a professional in the tourism industry with nearly 30 years of experience. I am now ready to return to local government to give our community a strong and responsible voice that will ensure North Sydney remains a great place to live. I am passionate about improving local facilities and quality of life for residents. Our community, sporting and social facilities need an upgrade and improvement – which won’t happen without strong advocacy from representatives who know how to deliver. Our residents deserve to benefit from any infrastructure and planning changes that are going to impact our area, including better traffic, upgraded sporting facilities and protecting green spaces. I want to ensure North Sydney Council is financially responsible, to keep rates low. If elected, my goal is to deliver balanced development for our community, by advocating for sustainable building practices and ensuring that new developments complement the existing character of our community – and that the voices of our community are not ignored by any level of government. I aim to improve parks, community centres, recreational facilities and advocate for domestic violence refuges.
PETER NOBLE (IND, CAMMERAYGAL WARD)
My name is Peter Noble and my wife and I have lived in Milsons Point for 15 years. I have been an active advocate in the local community and I believe that, with the help of the constituents and my team, we can substantially improve the lives of the people of North Sydney. I have significant experience in research principles, management and governance in my former roles with the UN establishing the principles of sustainable insurance and then as a director and chairman for two National Industry R & D corporations developing the technology for the future such as robotics and gene drives.
The Community 1st Team brings legal, architectural, business and administration skills to the table. The team has chosen six initiatives which, when implemented, will enhance the efficiency of council and deliver the plans for which the constituents have advocated. We will not ignore your wishes. Competent management, governance and advocacy along with the experience and skills of the members of the team will bring the North Sydney area back to a greener, more vibrant and prosperous community. A vote for our team, Community 1st is a vote for you.
ZOE BAKER (IND, ST LEONARDS WARD)
I am a North Sydney native, born at the Mater in Crows Nest and educated at North Sydney Demonstration School, Neutral Bay Public School and North Sydney Girls’ High. I serve as Mayor and a councillor representing St Leonards Ward and previously served as Deputy Mayor, Chair – Environment Reference Group, Sustainable Transport Reference Group and Waverton Peninsula Working Group. I am running to continue the work, after a decade of chaos, of returning council to a responsive, community-focused organisation committed to real public participation, sustainability, transparency, accountability and integrity.
My top priorities are: the critical need for open space; securing the return of more than 3 hectares of public parklands at Cammeray, Anzac and St Leonards Parks; mitigating the environmental and congestion impacts of the Western Harbour Tunnel and Warringah Freeway Upgrade on residents and local roads; addressing the impacts of increasing density and the provision of more affordable housing; ensuring North Sydney is a sustainable – environmental, social and economic – and inclusive place to live, work, study and visit; reduce levels of social isolation and support community connection; foster creativity and culture, protect heritage and the character of our streets and villages; strengthen council’s financial sustainability and governance frameworks and so much more.
JAMES SPENCELEY (IND, ST LEONARDS WARD)
I am an award-winning (2x Entrepreneur of the Year) businessperson and current councillor. I’ve lived in the area for 20 years across Crows Nest, North Sydney and Cremorne. As a councillor I have a transparent, truly independent voting record, I have no alliances or blocks and as a result can operate with fierce independence on each item that affects our community. My achievements in my first term include rescinding the Neutral Bay planning study that allowed for up to 12 story redevelopments around the town centre, protecting cottages around Cremorne Orpheum as well as approving sensible developments in the transport hub areas.
I believe in a balanced approach to development, respecting our area’s village feeling but assisting in creating affordable housing for our essential workers and opening our area to the younger generation and downsizers.
My mantra is ‘commonsense over politics’ and my goal is to create an efficient and easy to deal with council. North Sydney is among the bottom on DA response times and general service efficiency, these are areas where technology and business experience can add value. We need to be proud of our council and a vote or 2nd preference for me comes with a commitment I’ll do my absolute best for our residents.
GODFREY SANTER (LAB, ST LEONARDS WARD)
I have been a councillor on North Sydney Council since January 2022 and am currently deputy mayor. Prior to running for council I started up and ran a successful business in North Sydney, after a career as a diplomat with overseas postings in Asia, Europe and the Middle East, and then as deputy managing director of the Australian Tourist Commission.
I am running for council again because, given the short amount of time we have been given in the current council term due to Covid, I want to continue the progress we have made in introducing needed social and economic reform in the LGA.
My personal motivations in running for Council include increasing North Sydney’s uptake of renewable energy and the environment; promoting the establishment and maintenance of small business – especially a local tourism industry; and establishment of a better waste management system.
I have three main priority areas; economic welfare and social justice, sustainability. I believe in relationships with my fellow councillors based on negotiation towards an agreed outcome based on compromise, rather than conflict, a policy rather than personality based approach. I will continue to support transparency in leadership and council decision making and the strengthening of our precinct system of community participation and consultation.
MICHAEL WANT (SUSTAINABLE AUSTRALIA, ST LEONARDS WARD)
I live in Crows Nest and care deeply about our local environment and quality of life. I have a strong community focus, having been involved with kids basketball and rugby in North Sydney and Lane Cove. My three adult children all attended school in North Sydney. I have a degree in building science and am a self-employed consultant in the project management and built environment space, in which I have worked for over 40 years. I also have a passion for sport and recreation, having played rugby for Queensland and also in France and the USA.
We need to ensure council is as responsive to community needs as possible, whether it be in fixing local roads or addressing community concerns about overdevelopment. I would like to continue the strong work of current Sustainable Australia Party councillor William Bourke. Another area of significant interest in business is economically sustainable development and environmental issues. I am passionate about climate change and ensuring this generation passes on a better planet to my children and grandchildren.
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