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There's a lot more I'm fighting for... |
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2026 is shaping up to be another busy year. In particular I'll be working to:
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Looking for a grant to fund your next community project or upgrade? |
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If you would like advice on applying for grants, please come along to my free grant writing workshop.
When: Tuesday January 20th at 6-7.30 pm Where: Venue tbc (it will be local and we'll send you details asap) |
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General advice on how to find available grants is on my website. The next round of Community Building Fund grants for 2026 open (and close) in February, so it's a good idea to get prepared now. $450,000 will be available - grants range from $10,000 to $100,000 for community infrastructure, equipment and vehicles - to not for profit Pittwater community organisations, including sports clubs. Basic details of these NSW Government grants are available here. |
Opposing Developer-led Planning Reforms |
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As your independent MP, I have always believed that planning should be led by communities — not developers. Pittwater is worth protecting and I know how strongly the Pittwater community feels about this, but we are under threat from recent planning reforms. Last month, the NSW Government, with the support of the Liberal Party in opposition, passed the biggest overhaul of planning laws in 50 years - designed to cut red tape for developers. I am one of only four Legislative Assembly members who voted against them - because they weaken local controls, reduce transparency, and prioritise developers over residents. View my speech here. We are already seeing the impact locally and residents are speaking up. From Indigo by Moran in Narrabeen, where I joined hundreds of protestors, to low- and mid-rise developments in Mona Vale, and to rezoning in Ingleside, the message is clear: Planning must happen with us, not to us. We all understand the need for more homes, but we already had plans in place to meet housing targets and these reforms will not solve the problems we have. Fighting these reforms is likely to be difficult, but we are stronger together. |
Expand Drone Coverage to Improve Beach Safety |
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It has been very humbling to work with Surfing NSW, the Psillakis family and Longy Boardriders to advocate for modernised shark mitigation. I am pleased that expanded services have now been announced by the NSW Government. These are a start, but we need to do everything we can to make our beaches safe.
Drones provide better data, surveillance and safety than shark nets. We will now have more coverage, but it will still be limited. I'm calling for more funding in the 2026 Budget to expand the Surf Lifesaving NSW and Surfing NSW Shark Mitigation Drone Programs, especially in metro areas like the Northern Beaches. Read more.
Please support my petition and leave your comments. |
New e-Bike regulations |
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I'm pushing the NSW Government to tackle e-bike safety with education, licensing, registration and insurance.
The NSW Government's recently announced change capping e-bikes at 250W - down from 500W - isn’t going to fix the problems we are currently facing. We already have 600,000 eBikes, many being ridden illegally, exceeding speed limits. Read more.
I'm pleased to see the NSW Liberals are now also calling for registration. I have given notice of an upcoming e-bike bill to improve safety measures and I'll work across party lines to ensure we get the balance right.
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It is a complex area that ultimately requires Federal reform and resources to stop the importation of illegal bikes and prescribe safer products.
We're seeing increasing numbers of adults and children involved in accidents. We've also seen deaths and children as young as 15 being charged with manslaughter - so this is not an issue we can ignore.
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Buying an e-Bike for Christmas? |
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If you're planning to buy an e-Bike this Christmas - make sure you buy one that's legal and safe and keep checking it hasn't been unlocked by lifting the back wheel and flooring the throttle - it shouldn't exceed 25km/hr. The best way to do that is to go to a reputable local supplier. For advice and information on e-Bike rules and regulations see:
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Independents help deliver a Christmas win for business - rises in iCare premiums averted and return of Business Connect |
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The resolution of the long-running workers’ compensation deadlock this week is a huge relief for local small businesses and community organisations, who were staring down steep iCare premium hikes next year. The final result includes agreements put forward by independents and supported by Business NSW, and further negotiations by the Coalition. It is a huge win for a collaborative approach to reforming policy. It means businesses can keep their doors open, community services can keep operating, and injured workers get better support than was originally proposed by the NSW Government. In August, I secured the Premier’s commitment that if Workers Compensation reforms passed, the NSW Government would reinstate a new and improved Business Connect program. I now look forward to local businesses being able to take advantage of this useful extra support. Read more. |
Youth Parliament applications open |
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Applications are now open for the Y NSW’s 2026 Youth Parliament leadership program, which is open to young people in Years 10–12. It is designed for any student interested in using their voice, not only those already in leadership or debating roles. The Y NSW prioritises a diverse cohort and provides tailored support for participants who may require additional assistance. Find out more. |
Pick up a free senior diary |
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Pick up your free Legal Aid NSW diary for seniors from my office - 1725 Pittwater Road, Mona Vale. It's full of useful information to help you understand your legal rights and where to go for help, as well as advice on recent scams, how to spot elder abuse and what to do after a disaster. |
Have a wonderful Christmas break |
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A huge thank you to all those working over the summer to keep us safe - nurses, doctors, emergency services and surf lifesavers. Thanks also to all my constituents who have trusted me and my team to assist them. In 2025, we met with hundreds of community groups, hosted several community forums - with more to come - and handled thousands of inquiries and requests for support. You are the people who ground me and keep me focused on what this community cares about. My office will be closed over the holiday period from Wednesday 24 December 2025 - however staff will be checking emails during this time - and we will reopen on Monday 12 January 2026. I wish you all a wonderful Christmas break and safe holidays. Warmly, |
