I am passionate about reducing carbon emissions and protecting our planet's future for the next generations. On a local level there are so many simple steps we can all do to achieve this goal.

It does not have to be too hard, and many of the steps for a healthy planet also make for a healthy community and even lead to cost savings!

This term in council, we have increased the push for sustainable initiatives with: education programs for converting homes to renewable energy; assistance with monetary grants for these conversions; the installation of EV chargers in selected street locations; circular economy/reuse events; and the continuation of soft plastic recycling in the local area.

We are currently applying for a federal grant to electrify the heating of the Lane Cove Aquatic Centre, which, if achieved, will substantially reduce our running costs and our carbon emissions for heating the pools.

We have experienced an increase in extreme weather, and the council's resilience education program aims to ease fear and confusion while preparing our residents.

I continue to prioritise sustainable development to meet our community's diverse needs. My vision for Lane Cove embraces innovation, tackles on going new challenges, and prepares our community for the future.

What next if re-elected...you have told me

• Solar on apartments and businesses: This term we have made great steps to help houses get into solar power. Next, I want to get more businesses and apartments in Lane Cove on board. We can make it simple to save money and save the planet by extending the grant funding, assist with expert advice and run education events.

• More solar and batteries for our community facilites: We still have some council owned community club buildings which are not running on solar and hence not saving the money, lets change this! .

• Address our growing stormwater needs: More rain is causing overflow and runoff which is damaging our bushland and waterways, and causing flooding. I will continue to advocate for council to be innovative, and strengthen our communities resilience by moving towards Urban Sensitive Stormwater Design strategies.It is all about capturing more water in the ground where it falls rather than putting it into concrete pipes and our roads.

• Urban Solar Farm in Lane Cove: I want to keep advocating to fill the entire Sport and Recreational Building with solar panels and install a community battery. This is not to operate the sports facility (that is already done) but to provide an urban solar farm in Lane Cove. This means council gets additional income and we help the local electricity grid in our transition to renewable energy.

• Get FOGO happening: Other councils have started why not us? I will continue to advocate for this to be adopted in Lane Cove sooner than the mandated state requirement. Did you know that food waste in our landfill rubbish bin is part of the carbon emissions problem!

My track record 2021-2024

• Sustainable Sport and Recreational Facility: Championed adding sustainable measures and solar panels, reducing running costs and carbon emissions and saving the Terpentine forest at Stevenson Street.

• Development Control Plan (DCP) Amendments: Actively reviewed and supported amendments, resulting in a progressive DCP with new sustainable design guidelines and accessibility standards.

• Car Boot Sale: I championed the Car Boot Sale in Council, promoting recycling and a circular economy. This event is now regularly run by Rotary.

• Renewable Energy Future: I supported council initiatives for a bulk-buy solar panel program, removing gas from council buildings, and pursuing a federal grant for electrifying the Lane Cove Aquatic Centre.

• Sustainability Design SEPP: Advocated for reinstating parts of the Design and Place SEPP, aiming to save green space and reduce fossil fuel reliance.

• Lane Cove Toy Library: Supported the establishment of the Lane Cove toy library which is now run by the sydney Library of Things and the dedicated help of volunteers in the comnunity.

• EV Street charger: Advocated for and worked on the Traffic Committee to get EV street charging schemes happening on the Lane Cove streets.