Dear Residents,

I would like to inform you that I decided to join the Liberal Party (as of May 2010) in a move aimed at fighting the State Labor Government’s interference in overriding of Local Government authority. Since my election on council as independent councillor (2004 and 2008) I was frustrated by State Labor planning legislation that ignores the fair application of development regulations designed to protect our community standards. The issues with inappropriate high density social housing developments in low density suburbs approved without council consent, boarding house legislation that ignores local residents, use of Labor’s 3A legislation to build massive over-developments such as unit towers at West Ryde and the rehab centre at Putney that overrode council regulations. I like to fight all this in effective ways and try to return decision making powers to our residents as much as I can.

This decision was made after lengthy consultation with my friends and family. My commitment to serve my local community effectively was the only reason behind this move. I still believe that local government should be kept free from political interference from major parties, in particular when it comes to issues affecting our local communities.

The local government landscape has changed forever because it has been so politicised by State Labor through excessive interference in local planning matters and ignoring the concerns of our residents. The only effective way to combat this is by me joining the team, who’s Party will return authority to local government and will listen to the voice of the community.

I look forward to continue to work with all councillors, community organisations and residents in the best interest of the community.