NewsBite

Parramatta Council candidates for the 2024 NSW local government elections

Scores of hopefuls are vying to win a spot on the major Sydney council of Parramatta when voters hit the polls on September 14. Find out who your candidates are before casting your vote.

‘Complete incompetence’: Liberal Party ‘incapable’ of making a difficult decision

The countdown to elect the new Parramatta Council is under way.

Unlike a dozen other councils across NSW, Parramatta Liberal candidates escaped the monumental administrative blunder when party headquarters failed to field party hopefuls.

That means five individuals will stand as candidates for the Liberals in the local government elections.

The result is likely to signal the return of the party in each of the wards – Dundas, Epping, North Rocks, Parramatta and Rosehill.

This year independent Kellie Darley aims to bolster the independent vote with the creation of the Community Champions team which includes former Parramatta Council staffer and mayoral chief-of-staff Justin Mulder aiming to represent the North Rocks ward.

A key battle will be in the Dundas ward where only one candidate not representing a major party is likely to be elected, signalling the showdown between Our Local Community’s Michelle Garrard and Cr Darley.

A successful campaign by the Liberals could see the return of Martin Zaiter and Steven Issa who had a brief stint as the Lord Mayor in 2021.

Labor mainstay Pierre Esber and independent Lorraine Wearne will farewell the chamber after a combined 55 years service to the council.

The Libertarian Party and Greens will also field candidates up against Labor, trying to secure a spot on the 15-councillor chamber.

We asked candidates if they supported high density housing in their area, what they identified as a major issue in their ward and how they intended to tackle the issue as a councillor.

We also asked them what the major issue in the Parramatta local government area is and how they intended to address it as a councillor.

DUNDAS

This ward comprises Dundas, Telopea, Oatlands and Ermington.

Anthony Ellard, Labor

I am a local. I live in North Parramatta with my wife and two young daughters. I have spent 20 years working in the tech sector.

I believe council’s role is to support liveable and sustainable communities by delivering great infrastructure.

On council, I will be a strong advocate to ensure that the facilities our community needs are delivered and accessible to locals. This includes better parks, sporting facilities, transport connections, shops and childcare centres.

I see an opportunity for the next council to focus on modernising the way its services are provided. Many services the council provides have been done the same way for generations. Using innovation and technology, the council can become more efficient and provide better services for locals.

As a councillor, I will focus on jobs and small business. I will advocate for more apprenticeships and traineeships, working with the NSW Government to ensure that the City of Parramatta gets its fair share of funding.

I will also focus on being a transparent and representative councillor for the Dundas Ward.

Michelle Garrard

As former Deputy Lord Mayor, I lead the Our Local Community (OLC) team with a commitment to honest, genuine and independent representation across four wards.

In the Dundas ward, the team includes Wayne Butcher, a small-business owner, and Kevin Wu, a local accountant, both of whom are deeply invested in the community.

I am a strong advocate for appropriate development within the Parramatta CBD.

However, I firmly oppose high-density developments in residential neighbourhoods, particularly where infrastructure is lacking.

My opposition to the full Rosehill Racecourse developments stems from concerns about no identified infrastructure, such as schools, road accessibility, and open spaces, to support

increased density.

Beyond the usual focus on roads and footpaths, I am passionate about enhancing sporting

amenities to ensure they are fit for purpose and inclusive of women in sports.

I also aim to upgrade parks to cater to all age groups, having already begun

incorporating features like basketball courts and gym equipment in park upgrades.

Additionally, I plan to introduce outdoor study hubs, with a trial set to begin in

the Dundas ward based on feedback from local youth.

I have emphasised the importance of heritage preservation in Parramatta. I have initiated the first heritage review since 2009 to identify and protect buildings, and local and state heritage items, that are most valued by the community, ensuring that conservation areas are preserved. Moreover, I envision greater activation of the Parramatta riverfront and supports the establishment of an art gallery to display local and international art.

Anthony Ellard.
Anthony Ellard.
Michelle Garrard.
Michelle Garrard.

Tanya Raffoul, Liberals

I’m a family orientated and community-focused local, born and raised in the heart of western Sydney and passionate about fostering positive change and creating better outcomes for my community.

Should I be entrusted with the opportunity to serve on council, I’ll leverage my extensive experience in law, public policy development and communications to deliver enhanced services and infrastructure for our region.

My professional journey includes holding executive roles in the private and public sectors, as well as serving on the boards of several local sporting organisations. I approach decision-making with a balanced, responsible and consultative mindset.

It is evident that the escalating cost of living and the scarcity of affordable housing are critical issues impacting our community.

It is the council’s responsibility to ensure that rate increases are avoided during this cost-of living crisis, as families are already facing significant challenges. Residents deserve and expect meaningful support, including small business grants, household rebates, and initiatives that stimulate the local economy and generate employment opportunities.

While addressing housing availability is essential, it should not come at the cost of compromising the character and integrity of our communities and suburbs.

Expanding housing options must be accompanied by the necessary infrastructure.

Above all, I want to bring back the “service” in public service.

Kellie Darley, Community Champions

Since being elected as your independent councillor in 2021, I’ve raised the standard

of representation in our city by being proactive, informative, transparent and responsive to community feedback, resulting in hundreds of improvements.

I have 30 years leadership experience in community development and public health and three university degrees.

I am a local mum, run ParraParents and have a proven track record of walking the talk and working hard for our community.

I’m honoured to have Liz Wheeler, respected disability advocate, and Tania Suapopo, passionate business owner, running with me.

I’ve fought against excessive development, including at Wentworth Point and Melrose Park, and am a strong advocate for density done well – community-centred development, with essential infrastructure.

Sadly, many councillors have been hiding in plain sight for too long, with residents often not being aware of the decisions they’ve made, which impact our lives.

The Parramatta Eels sponsorship is a perfect example of the disregard for community input, transparency and evidence-based decision making that currently exists.

I’m proud to lead the Community Champions team of highly qualified locals who put residents first – not self-interest, profits or state/ federal party politics – and who will make sure community is at the heart of council.

Kellie Darley. Picture: Alexander Mayes Photography
Kellie Darley. Picture: Alexander Mayes Photography
Tanya Raffoul.
Tanya Raffoul.

EPPING

This ward takes Dundas Valley, and parts of Epping, Beecroft, Cheltenham and Eastwood.

Sreeni Pillamarri, Liberals

There is no better way to achieve personal success than to uplift others and help them succeed.

That’s why I have been an active community representative for over two decades, a Justice of the Peace and have served on Hornsby Council, ensuring they are heard where it matters.

I am a proud Australian with Indian heritage. I am a family man, married with two young adult children which gives me an insight into the new and emerging challenges the next generation faces and a small-business owner of a family-owned enterprise software company.

I grew up in Carlingford and as a father and local businessman.

A strategic thinker adept at problem-solving. I advocate for economic growth, support for families, the preservation of heritage, and small business. I believe in governance and doing what’s right at the top, and I hold true to that value. I road map short- and long-term strategy, ensure the execution of plans is accurate, and champion accountability.

I am well-connected and know the people and issues in my area, and I believe in shaping real ideas and solutions to problems, in being the change.

While my dedication to my community and business is unwavering, I enjoy my downtime. I’m a sports lover and play cricket for a local club. I’m also a huge supporter of the Parramatta Eels.

Sophie Edington, the Greens

I am running alongside Astrid O’Neill and Adam Braun.

A large and growing percentage of younger Epping residents live in units and high-rise. We have a generation of children growing up without a garden. I will advocate for better parks and access to green spaces, such as safe crossings. I will advocate for gardens to be included in high-rise development.

Any high-density housing needs to be appropriately located with sufficient infrastructure. Developer contributions to infrastructure have been significantly lacking, leaving council to fund the deficit. Regard needs to be had to heritage and environment, as well as how “affordable” they are.

Development should serve community needs not corporate profit.

I am concerned that the new seven-star energy ratings requirement on new builds excludes buildings of two-to-five storeys.

Urban heat is a serious and escalating issue across Parramatta LGA. Heat is a silent killer, but greenery is our best defence. Parramatta is 19th out of 30 Greater Sydney LGAs for tree cover while being one of the worst affected by urban heat. I will push to increase our tree canopy. Council has agreed to 30 per cent tree canopy by 2050, but we need 40 per cent.

Sreeni Pillamarri.
Sreeni Pillamarri.
Sophie Edington.
Sophie Edington.

Cameron MacLean, Labor

I was elected at the 2021 elections on the ticket of Donna Davis MP. It’s an honour to now be the lead candidate for Labor in Epping ward alongside Roushan Mahmud of Carlingford in second position and John Hendry of Epping in third. We are all locals.

I’ve lived in Epping all my life and have an affinity with the community. I’m not in local government simply to occupy space; I genuinely wish to improve residents’ everyday lives and give them a sense of pride about where they live.

I support a diversity in housing and that includes high density where appropriate. It must be supported by public amenity.

Many residents in Epping and Carlingford feel their suburbs have been forgotten. The Epping town centre masterplan that I spearheaded will begin this process of renewal.

We need to improve the way the council as an organisation and councillors engage with the whole community. Council itself needs to imbue a customer service culture across all areas. Councillors themselves need to be accessible and accountable to their residents so the community has confidence in us as an elected body.

Natalie Ng, Community Champions

Community Champions are highly qualified independents, focused on the City of Parramatta. We’re dedicated to what’s best for locals, not driven or beholden to what’s happening with state and federal politics.

With my running mates, Penny Perry and Kori Turnbull, I’m a longstanding member of the Epping community.

I’m raising my family here, I volunteer for a number of local community groups and I have a proven track record of achieving outcomes for our area, including the upgrade to Epping West Public School. I’m honoured to be nominated for the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards 2024.

Not many people want 40-storey buildings in their neighbourhood, but current state planning laws allow for it. High density around transport hubs does make sense if residents also have somewhere to shop, eat and play within walking distance.

The lack of community-centred development is the biggest issue in Epping and I will make sure we have community infrastructure that keeps pace with our rapidly-growing population.

Across our LGA, I believe integrity and transparency is vital – residents deserve to know how and why their money is being spent. I’m experienced in consulting with stakeholders, making evidence-based decisions and keeping the community informed of decisions that affect them.

Cameron MacLean.
Cameron MacLean.
Natalie Ng.
Natalie Ng.

Xiao (Charles) Chen, Lorraine Wearne Independents

I am an Epping local who deeply values the vibrancy of the local neighbourhood.

My extensive involvement in various state and local volunteering and charity activities is a testament to his unwavering commitment.

Starting as a volunteer for the NSW Rural Fire Service, responding to emergencies, I have subsequently organised and conducted fire safety and first aid training sessions, benefiting a diverse and extensive audience over the years.

I am a passionate advocate for animal welfare, actively contributing to and participating in numerous RSPCA events and fundraising activities.

I initiated the not-for-profit organisation G’Day Neighbour to effectively mobilise resources, assist those in need and promote community development.

Charles Chen.
Charles Chen.

I am proud to stand as the lead candidate for Lorraine Wearne’s Independent Team, along with running mates Matthew King and Min Yan (Carman) Chen.

My team and I support the building of units and apartments in areas of the LGA which are appropriate. This would include around train stations, shopping and commercial areas and where traffic flows are not adversely affected, and as long as there is a sufficient parking plan.

One of the issues I am passionate about is supporting new local businesses in the area.

Safety around school zones is an important issue for me as a father of three young children.

NORTH ROCKS

The ward takes in North Parramatta, Carlingford, Winston Hills and parts of North Rocks and Baulkham Hills.

Dr Hayley French, Labor

I am an artist, mother and lover of suburbia. I grew up in the North Rocks ward and have stayed local my whole life.

I have a PhD in contemporary art, 10 years experience in the local arts and culture sector, with six years in the community and culture team at Parramatta Council.

Our Labor team for North Rocks includes myself, Heba Kassoua and Nick Nikolaidis.

We have a clear vision for a Parramatta where all residents feel a strong sense of belonging and are empowered to participate in the future of our city and its neighbourhoods.

There is a housing crisis across NSW and in the Parramatta local government area.

Our Labor team believes in providing more homes and housing choices for local key workers, young people, and families to live closer to their jobs and within the communities they choose.

There is significant growth occurring in the North Rocks ward, in particular in Carlingford.

We must ensure that future development is appropriate and advocate for significant contributions to community infrastructure, improvements to traffic and transport links, contributions to affordable housing and innovative sustainable approaches.

It is imperative that we support the implementation of the Parramatta climate adaptation action plan to reduce urban heat.

Georgina Valjak, Liberals

I am running with local Liberals Manning Jeffrey, a small-business owner, and Ian Gilbertson, a retired commercial accountant who spent six years on Parramatta’s Local Planning Panel.

I am a current councillor, Winston Hills resident of over 25 years, mum of four and a volunteer with a Bachelor of Business (WSU) and career in corporate/medical device industry.

The biggest issues I’m hearing from residents are traffic congestion, housing and the cost-of- living crisis.

As a result of residents’ frustration, I have advocated to fast track traffic light modelling at Pennant Hills/Moseley St Carlingford and Windemere Ave/Windsor Rd Northmead.

I have also requested the council explore with the state government improvements to them James Ruse Interchange and am seeking new local bus links connecting our suburbs to Metro/light rail as well as supporting a carpark strategy for our CBD.

Regarding our current housing crisis, we are meeting our targets. I support our local housing strategy of increasing housing supply around transport hubs. I also support appropriate and quality development that enables locals to downsize while maintaining the character of our suburban community.

I reject attempts to ban gas in new homes.

Our focus must remain on local matters and balancing our budget to deliver the community amenities that our residents and ratepayers expect whilst also supporting our businesses with a vibrant and thriving CBD.

Dr Hayley French. Picture: Danica Knezevic
Dr Hayley French. Picture: Danica Knezevic
Georgina Valjak.
Georgina Valjak.

Donna Wang, Our Local Community

The Our Local Community has a proven record of honest, genuine, and independent representation across four wards.

In the North Rocks ward, I lead a diverse and dedicated team, including Robyn Walkom and Otto Metzger, both of whom are committed to serving the local community.

I bring a unique perspective with my Chinese heritage, am committed to supporting appropriate development in the CBD, ensuring that it reaches its full potential.

However, I stand firmly against high-density developments in residential neighbourhoods.

As the current ward councillor, I have identified key issues that require ongoing

attention, particularly local traffic concerns.

I advocate for improving road safety through the review of pedestrian islands, no stopping signs, and speed limits on local streets.

Notably, I have already initiated improvements on North Rocks Rd and Loyalty Rd.

Apart from CBD parking issues, I am also focused on enhancing community amenities, particularly in Winston Hills and North Rocks, ensuring that proper funding is allocated for playgrounds and other upgrades.

Additionally, I emphasise the need for more community services, especially in supporting domestic violence victims, as the city continues to grow.

Looking ahead, I pledge to advocate for increased grant funding for non-profit organisations and to ensure that services for the ageing population are adequate to meet their needs.

Justin Mulder, Community Champions

Growing up in the Hills and raising a family with my wife in Northmead, I'm incredibly proud of our diverse community, its values and the special character of our leafy green suburbs of the North Rocks ward.

With 20 years' experience in senior government roles, helping our community and tackling complex policy problems, I will work in genuine partnership to share the benefits of growth with our suburbs, by advocating for greater investment in improved connectivity, parks and community infrastructure as well as tackle the challenges, including increased congestion on our roads.

I do not support high density housing in the North Rocks ward. Any consideration would require a major investment in public transport and community infrastructure to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past that have left our communities heavily impacted. I do, though, support a diversity of appropriately located housing.

Community Champions is a highly qualified team of locals that puts residents first

and represents our community with professionalism and integrity.

We are focused on making sure the council does the basics really well and leading the transformation of our city.

My talented running mates are Florencia Milinkovic and Stephanie Keane.

Donna Wang.
Donna Wang.
Justin Mulde. Picture: Alexander Mayes Photography
Justin Mulde. Picture: Alexander Mayes Photography

PARRAMATTA

The ward consists of Parramatta, Northmead, Constitution Hill, Old Toongabbie and parts of Westmead, Wentworthville and Toongabbie, Pendle Hill and Seven Hills.

Henry Green, Our Local Community

Under the leadership of former Deputy Lord Mayor Michelle Garrard, the OLC team has consistently delivered honest, genuine, and independent representation across four wards.

I lead the team in Parramatta Ward, with Allan Sexton – president of the Dundas Lions – and Jason Garrard, an active member of local sporting clubs.

I am dedicated to supporting appropriate development within the Parramatta CBD, ensuring it reaches its full potential while opposing high-density developments in residential neighbourhoods.

During my tenure as a ward councillor, I have focused on key local issues such as footpaths, traffic management, and maintaining clean streets, especially around the Parramatta CBD.

If re-elected, I pledge to continue improving accessibility through footpath upgrades and to enhance neighbourhood safety by implementing a comprehensive street lighting audit, with a particular focus on ensuring parks are well-lit.

A significant concern in the local government area is the lack of parking in the CBD. I have been actively addressing this issue, noting that residents and businesses frequently express their frustration over inadequate parking.

I am committed to enhancing the CBD parking strategy, exploring ways to increase parking availability and ensuring that neighbourhood on-street parking is preserved.

As a local resident, I am committed to listening to the community. I believe that listening and consulting with residents are key to effective representation and will continue to prioritise this approach if re-elected.

Judy Greenwood, the Greens

I’m a North Parramatta resident, a lifelong grassroots activist and a community volunteer.

I’ve long been championing causes ranging from bush regeneration to cycling advocacy and community welfare.

I work as an environmental policymaker, leveraging my background as a research chemical engineer to inform policymaking. I’ve previously been a councillor at Randwick Council and I’m eager to bring transparency, perspective and a community focus to Parramatta.

I am running with current City of Parramatta Greens’ councillor Phil Bradley and Sydney University politics academic Stewart Jackson to offer voters a chance to support environmental sustainability, community services, peace and transparency of governance.

Parramatta needs sustainable housing that balances private and community needs with associated services, facilities and green areas that build social cohesion and sense of place.

I want to preserve and enhance our community’s natural spaces, improve active transport and transform our heritage to be of interest to national and international visitors.

I will support Bushcare and active transport projects, increase accessibility and promote protection of heritage.

We need high quality, affordable housing that delivers a sense of place and community. I will be seeking to support appropriate development that meets the community needs for both renters and homeowners.

Henry Green.
Henry Green.
Judy Greenwood.
Judy Greenwood.

Charlie Rios, Libertarian Party

I have been a resident of Parramatta Council and ward for two decades and am a first generation Australian to migrant parents, working in financial services and information technology.

I have volunteered in community radio since the mid 1990s in the Spanish community and have been secretary to three organisations and grandfather to two toddlers.

I am running for council to end the war on cars, end the woke in council and cut rates.

High density housing should be supported in appropriate areas, a reasonable person wouldn’t build a skyscraper amongst a neighbourhood full of two-storey dwellings.

The council’s roads are in disrepair, on-street parking is being removed, yet bike lanes are being planned and built that will choke traffic and prohibit residents parking in front of their homes.

Rubbish bin sizes are decreasing yet and rates continually going up.

Residents must benefit from the council cutting back the wasteful expenditures and deliver real cost-of-living relief.

As Libertarians, we hope to reduce the excessive woke in council. Property rights should belong to the owner, not councils’ regulations, so remove most.

Residents want real safety, not cameras that spy on their every movement, so remove them. Welcome to country, while they feel good, cost council $300-$750 each time, so remove the cost from residents.

Sameer Pandey, Labor

The former Lord Mayor, I have been serving as a councillor since 2017. I have championed initiatives to improve the quality of life for the community and create a better place for our future generations to come.

My absolute focus is on doing my very best for the community with professionalism every day. I have a masters in IT as well as in legal studies.

My career spans over 25 years during which I have gained experience in technology, business, law, education, health, entrepreneurship and local government among others.

I am the lead candidate on the ticket with Prabir Maitra and Nazira Sowaid.

I support quality development that is appropriate, is sustainable, protects our heritage, keeps the character of the area underpinned by adequate social, transport and cultural infrastructure.

With the current growth and projections, there are a number of key focus areas including, more affordable housing, more open spaces, supporting sports, activation of river foreshore, programs for businesses, improving parking, traffic and pedestrian safety and initiatives aimed at assisting with cost of living and improving quality of life for our residents will be among the top of my agenda.

We need for more open spaces, more affordable housing, preserving and promoting heritage, increased tree canopy, large indoor sports ground and recreation facilities, traffic congestions are among some of the issues that are common across the LGA.

Charlie Rios.
Charlie Rios.
Sameer Pandey.
Sameer Pandey.

Martin Zaiter, Liberals

Married with three children, I have a vested interest in ensuring our families live in a safe, inclusive and active community.

As a former Parramatta ward councillor and small business owner of a chartered accounting practice operating in the Parramatta CBD, I bring extensive experience and diverse capability.

I am committed to driving progress through leadership, improving local infrastructure, and enhancing the quality of life for all residents – without burdening ratepayers with unnecessary costs.

Martin Zaiter.
Martin Zaiter.

Housing availability and cost-of-living pressures are two key issues. We need to ensure we have sensible planning and development to build new homes with well-connected infrastructure and sufficient open spaces whilst maintaining the character of our suburbs amid the housing crisis.

As a chartered accountant who understands how to balance the books, I commit to ensure that we run an efficient council that delivers value for money, without unnecessary rate rises which only increase the cost-of-living pressures on our residents and businesses.

I will work with all levels of government to realise the full potential of Parramatta, fight to have our collective voice heard and ensure that we deliver transparent and effective governance.

ROSEHILL

The ward consists of Harris Park, Clyde, Rosehill, Camellia, Rydalmere, Melrose Park, Silverwater, Wentworth Point, Sydney Olympic Park and Newington, and parts of Mays Hill, Merrylands, Holroyd, Granville, Auburn. and Lidcombe.

Patricia Prociv, Labor

I support sustainable housing and density. That is density that comes with environmental features plus additional community infrastructure such as parks, community facilities etc.

Lack of community infrastructure, such as halls and meeting rooms is common across the Rosehill ward. Creating and reinstating these is ongoing. Also the lack of parks and sports facilities and public transport opportunities to major transport hubs is a problem.

Affordable and key worker housing is a major issue. Because of its geographical position as the capital of western Sydney, Parramatta needs to urgently address the multiple housing needs that positioning brings, including affordable and key worker housing.

Jayne Christian, Community Champions

Community Champions is a team of highly qualified independents, with shared values of putting residents and integrity first as well as making evidence-based decisions, rather than being driven by political agendas.

I have an enduring connection to Parramatta as a Baramadagal woman of the Dharug-speaking peoples, and have chaired First Nations committees within the council. I have tertiary qualifications in law, sociology and political science and am an experienced lawyer and accredited mediator.

I am excited to be running to genuinely represent our community with long-term Rosehill ward residents and community champions Margie Lim and Karlie Hindmarsh.

Our community deserves to have locals with the skills and experience to properly represent them with respect, enthusiasm and courage.

Current NSW Government planning laws allow for high density developments across much of the Rosehill ward. Community Champions advocate for sustainable development, ensuring appropriate community infrastructure and a community centred approach to housing development.

The Rosehill ward comprises multiple communities with specific and unique needs. Addressing climate change locally through increased tree canopy cover is key as is mitigating the issues of rapid population growth, such as traffic congestion and pollution. Evidence-based decision making is required to support our transforming city.

Patricia Prociv.
Patricia Prociv.
Jayne Christian. Picture: Joseph Mayers
Jayne Christian. Picture: Joseph Mayers

Steven Issa, Liberals

I’m a married father-of-three, a charity founder, local volunteer soccer coach and served as a Lord Mayor and councillor for two terms.

I bring experience in leadership, policy development and community engagement. I have a track record of delivery, and sound financial management of your rates money. I have a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities within our community, driving my dedication to serve as your councillor again.

Housing is a crucial component of urban planning, especially in rapidly growing areas like ours. I support well-planned housing that includes essential infrastructure, green spaces and amenities to accommodate the needs of our residents. It’s important to balance growth with the preservation of our community’s character.

After three years of an ineffective council, we have many challenges and opportunities. The Rosehill ward includes some of the highest densities in the country.

We need to ensure that they are planned well, with the right infrastructure, and open space. As an example, Hill Rd and James Ruse Drive will need a plan that will alleviate congestion while enhancing safety for all road users.

I am also keenly aware of the rising cost of living.

Paul Noack, independent

My running mates are former Australian Women’s European Handball coach Heba Aly and

Jaspreet Singh, a successful small business owner running a hospitality business in Harris Park.

One of the biggest issues our community faces is the housing crisis. At council, I successfully moved to set up a meeting with the NSW Government to discuss the housing needs and strategy for the Parramatta LGA including infrastructure and affordable housing.

I have been a strong advocate for the Parramatta light rail stage 2, and I moved to reinstate the PLR2 advisory committee. I was elected the council representative on that committee.

This committee has played a key role in the government’s commitment of $2bn. I have moved and campaigned for additional Metro stations at Camellia/Rosehill and Silverwater/Newington.

I was elected in 2021 as your Parramatta councillor and nominated and was endorsed to the critical role of chair of the Parramatta traffic committee.

During this term of Council I have successfully moved more motions than any Rosehill ward councillor. My motions have covered all suburbs and delivered significant facilities and upgrades for the community. I have constantly raised the question that the City of Parramatta is more than just the CBD, suburbs such as the ones in my ward need to be taken into consideration.

Steven Issa.
Steven Issa.
Paul Noack.
Paul Noack.

Lee Malkoun, Our Local Community

I am committed to continuing former councillor Dan Siverio’s work.

My team includes Kelly Mingling and we are dedicated to serving the community.

I support appropriate development in the Parramatta CBD, emphasising the need for infrastructure to match growth. The OLC team has opposed the full redevelopment of Rosehill Racecourse due to the lack of clear plans for amenities and infrastructure.

I also stand against high-density developments in areas of the ward that are not designated for such growth.

Wentworth Point has been neglected in terms of community amenities. If elected, I pledge to advocate strongly for residents to ensure they receive the amenities they deserve.

Lee Malkoun.
Lee Malkoun.

Recognising that Rosehill ward has the least amount of open space in the local government area, I and the OLC team will introduce a community infrastructure needs assessment and acquisition area strategy to address this issue.

I believe that as Parramatta continues to grow rapidly, a comprehensive plan to expand open spaces across the LGA is essential.

Beyond the usual concerns of roads and footpaths, there is a need to focus on sporting fields, transport, and traffic. I am committed to advocating for stage 2 of the light rail and strengthening transport links, with the council taking a more active role in meeting the city’s needs. Additionally, I support reviewing the condition of sporting fields and exploring options for synthetic surfaces.

Mark Guest of the Libertarian Party did not submit a profile.

Originally published as Parramatta Council candidates for the 2024 NSW local government elections

Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/news/nsw/parramatta-council-candidates-for-the-2024-nsw-local-government-elections/news-story/2ecb58f3929e42157adeb68cb8a57df4