Labor’s Plan FOR Randwick NORTH WARD

As a Labor Councillor for Randwick City Council, I am committed to implementing policies that align with progressive and sustainable Australian Labor Party values that address the specific needs of our diverse community.

My policy plan focus is on the following areas:

Affordable Housing

Building more housing of any type, market or non-market, improves affordability.
I support density done well and will vote for strategic planning schemes that co-locate dense housing types with transport networks and town centres. I will support planning policies that increase the diversity of housing types and tenures available in my community.

·       Increase affordable housing in Randwick.

·       Set ambitious targets for essential workers housing and work toward those over the next council term

·       Partner with community housing providers to develop new social housing projects

·       Implement inclusionary zoning policies for new developments

To provide affordable housing for essential workers, like nurses, teachers, emergency responders, bus drivers and social service providers we urgently need more homes in areas like Randwick City Council.

Randwick includes neighbourhoods that are close to transport infrastructure and services, as well as jobs for essential workers, especially in the health and education precinct around UNSW and the Prince of Wales Hospital.

Read my submission to the NSW Parliament’s Legislative Assembly Select Committee on Essential Worker Housing.

Environmental Sustainability and Climate Action

In line with Labor’s commitment to addressing climate change and protecting our environment on Randwick Council I will support:

Renewable Energy Transition:

·       Install solar panels on all suitable council buildings

·       Provide incentives for residents and businesses to adopt solar energy

·       Accelerate Randwick's transition to 100% renewable energy

Green Spaces and Biodiversity:

·       Increase tree canopy cover across Randwick by 25% by 2030

·       Establish new community gardens and protect existing green corridors

·       Implement native plant regeneration programs in local parks and reserves

Waste Management and Circular Economy:

·       Expand recycling programs, aiming for zero waste to landfill by 2035

·       Support local businesses in adopting circular economy principles,

·       Support reuse, (non-profit) sharing economy such as the establishment of a Library of Things and Tool Libraries.

Coastal Protection:

·       Develop a comprehensive coastal management plan to address erosion and sea-level rise

·       Protect and restore local beaches and coastal ecosystems.

·       Promote water quality by implementing stormwater pollution controls and adopting measures to reduce plastic waste.

Social Justice and Community Wellbeing

Reflecting the Labor Party's and my own personal and professional commitment to equality and social inclusion:

Community Services:

·       Expand support services for elderly residents and people with disabilities

·       Increase funding for youth programs and mental health initiatives

·       Establish a multicultural community center to celebrate Randwick's diversity

Public Health:

·       Develop more outdoor fitness facilities in local parks especially casual and recreational fitness

·       Implement a "Healthy Streets" program to encourage active lifestyles

·       Support local health promotion initiatives, particularly in disadvantaged areas

Transport and Accessibility:

·       Advocate and plan for improved public transport links, including light rail extensions and a future metro to Randwick

·       Advocate for increased funding for walking and cycling projects to expand the network of safe cycling paths across Randwick and beyond

·       Create safer streets that prioritise people not cars, particularly around schools and town centres by improving pedestrian, cycling and public transport infrastructure, focusing on accessibility for all

Local Economic Development and Jobs

Supporting the ALP's focus on secure, well-paid jobs and sustainable economic growth:

Local Business Support:

·       Establish a "Buy Local" campaign to support Randwick businesses

·       Provide grants and mentoring programs for small business start-ups

·       Streamline council processes for local businesses

Sustainable Industries:

·       Attract green technology companies to Randwick through targeted incentives

·       Support the development of a clean energy precinct in partnership with UNSW

·       Support sustainable procurement practices that prioritise environmentally friendly products and services.

·       Implement ethical investment policies, including divestment from fossil fuels, to align financial decisions with sustainability goals.

Employment and Skills:

·       Create a local jobs program, focusing on youth employment

·       Partner with TAFE NSW and UNSW to provide skills training aligned with local job opportunities

·       Ensure all Randwick council contracts prioritise fair work conditions

Education and Culture

Aligning with Labor’s commitment to quality education and cultural enrichment:

Schools and Early Education:

·       Advocate for increased funding for local public schools

·       Support the expansion of before and after school care services

·       Collaborate with schools on environmental education programs

Lifelong Learning:

·       Expand library services and digital literacy programs

·       Provide free Wi-Fi in public spaces to support digital inclusion

·       Support community education initiatives, particularly for seniors and migrants

Arts and Culture:

·       Enliven our nighttime economy by promoting footpath dining, extending trading hours for local businesses, and supporting cultural events that foster a vibrant and inclusive community atmosphere.

·      Increase funding for local artists and cultural events

·       Develop a new multi-purpose cultural center in Randwick

·       Implement a public art strategy to enliven public spaces

Transparent and Effective Governance

Embodying Labor's principles of democratic accountability and community engagement:

Community Consultation:

·       Implement participatory budgeting for a portion of council spending

·       Establish regular town hall meetings in different parts of the Council area

·       Improve digital platforms for community feedback and engagement

Accountability:

·       Publish detailed council performance metrics quarterly

·       Live-stream all council meetings and make recordings easily accessible

·       Establish an independent audit committee to oversee council operations

Collaboration:

·       Strengthen partnerships with neighbouring councils on shared challenges

·       Work closely with state and federal Labor representatives to advocate for Randwick's interests

·       Engage proactively with local unions to ensure fair working conditions across the Randwick City Council

My policy plan for Randwick City Council aligns with my own core progressive Labor values while addressing the specific needs and opportunities of our local area.

I will balance progressive ambition with practical, achievable goals, ensuring that Randwick remains a liveable, sustainable, and inclusive community for all residents.