The Minns Labor government is introducing significant changes to planning laws to increase building density across the state.  Our way of life is at risk from environmental recklessness and overdevelopment. The peninsula does not have the road or public transport infrastructure to support growth and we can’t risk losing the look and feel of our area through shortsighted policy. I will use my influence to push back on inappropriate development in Pittwater. It’s more important than ever to have a strong voice for Pittwater. 

I will work to: 

• Protect our urban centers from state-led planning changes to increase building height and density that ignore community views and go against best practice planning principles.
• Prevent reckless housing developments in bushfire prone areas, particularly the Lizard Rock development.
• Work with Northern Beaches Council and the NSW Government to ensure strong local planning and zoning controls, developed with the community, in our soon-to-be-updated Local Environmental Plan.
• Support local community to engage with the NSW Minister for Local Government to give the case for a council demerger fair consideration.

We can’t develop recklessly, but we do need more options for downsizing and more affordable housing on the Northern Beaches, especially for essential workers. Increasingly, teachers, bus drivers, childcare workers and cleaners can’t afford to rent on the Northern Beaches, let alone buy. This impacts all of us.   

I’ll work to: 

• Plan strategically for more diverse housing in the right places, including for downsizers and affordable housing for essential workers, consistent with the Northern Beaches Council’s Local Housing Strategy, which concentrates growth in Brookvale and Frenchs Forest. 
• Ensure new developments are high quality and well designed, comply with the planning scheme and listen to community.