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Policy Priorities

Studley is a great place to live and with a fresh approach to how council operates, we can make it even better. 

The key to improving our community is through genuine consultation, transparency, and responsible planning that reflects our community’s needs. This includes consulting meaningfully with residents on key projects, working closely with local traders, and ensuring that everyone has a say in the decisions that shape our neighbourhoods.

Over the past few months, I have door-knocked over 3,000 homes across Studley Ward and had countless conversations about what truly matters to you and your family. It is clear that you want a council that genuinely listens, engages, and acts on the priorities of the community.

Throughout my community consultation the singular issue that almost all of you have raised is the Kew Recreation Centre.

The Kew Recreation Centre development has become a symbol of poor governance and mismanagement that has left residents without a vital facility for over four years. 

Residents are rightly frustrated with the lack of transparency, ongoing delays, and the absence of accountability.

  • Urgently prioritise the completion of the Kew Recreation Centre
  • Ensure full and transparent disclosure of the plan for completion, communicated regularly to the community 
  • Conduct a parallel independent review to ensure this kind of failure is not repeated

Victoria has been a leader in climate action, but our council can and should do much more to support residents in reducing emissions and energy costs. You’ve asked for a stronger Climate Action Plan, and the council plays a vital role in providing information, education, and practical support to achieve this goal

  • Implement council initiatives to increase solar panel installations across the community
  • Support home electrification by providing information & incentives to help residents electrify their homes & make them more energy-efficient
  • Expand energy efficiency programs with education campaigns to make energy-saving measures accessible to everyone
  • Increase EV charging stations in key locations including shopping strips to support electric vehicle adoption 
  • Expand tree canopy, tree planting initiatives & green spaces in Boroondara to reduce urban heat

We are all frustrated with the lack of transparency, accountability and community consultation from our council. Boroondara Council needs a new culture of transparent and accountable leadership.

  • Reassess the $20m+ Kew Library demolition/rebuild, ensuring there is genuine community consultation, deferring any action until after Kew Recreation Centre is complete
  • Provide full transparency on council decisions and ensure planning documents are accessible to residents
  • Mandate genuine community engagement on all major council projects
  • Expand digital communication methods to ensure residents are informed about council decisions, projects and services in a timely and accessible manner

Boroondara Council needs sustainable long-term planning that is fiscally and environmentally responsible.

Previous short-sighted decisions that fail to protect our tree canopy or lock in expensive energy options lead to unnecessary council spending and increased ongoing costs. This impacts service delivery and ensures your council rates keep rising.

We must also find a balance that allows for new housing developments, such as the VicRoads site, while preserving the character of our local area. 

  • New housing that respects our heritage while ensuring essential workers including nurses and teachers, as well as future generations, can afford to live in our community
  • No new gas installations in council buildings, including Kew Recreation Centre
  • Amend local planning laws to safeguard existing trees and protect our tree canopy
  • Ensure spending is efficient and responsible to help keep rates manageable, freeing up resources for better community services.

The safety of our streets has also been a major concern that you have raised with me. Traffic congestion, dangerous driving behaviours and the condition of the pavements and roads are impacting many residential streets. 

Addressing these issues is not only about traffic management but also protecting the most vulnerable members of our community - children and seniors. 

  • Reduce “rat running” and speeding traffic on local roads such as Mary, Belford, Howard and Ridgeway
  • Pedestrian crossings on Earl & Asquith Streets to make it safer for parents and kids to walk to school 
  • Safety improvements at the Findon Crescent/Barkers Road intersection.
  • Work with State Govt to implement traffic measures & safety enhancements to address hooning along the Boulevard making it safer for all road users
  • Ensure timely maintenance of local roads and pavements

I believe in a council that puts community front and centre—where our local areas are vibrant, accessible, and reflective of the needs and values of residents. My vision for our community includes the following actions:

  • Revitalise local shopping precincts Kew Junction and Willsmere with community events and EV charging stations, boosting local businesses.
  • Support more parks, walkable neighbourhoods, and better community amenities to ensure our community continues to thrive.
  • Ensure community input is at the heart of council decisions, making Boroondara a place where transparency, accountability, and residents’ voices shape our future
  • Fully explore all options in consultation with the community, before opting for demolition & rebuild of council facilities to balance cost, environmental impact and need

I’m interested to hear directly from you about your policy priorities and how I can best represent you. Please fill out the contact form on my website and let me know what is important to you and your family.

The above policy priorities will be regularly updated throughout the campaign based on community feedback and expert advice.