Mid-term Update
I’m two years into my first term and have been working hard with fellow Councillors to achieve some great outcomes for Goodwood Ward and the City of Unley. It’s been a steep learning curve but I’ve gained a better understanding of the workings of Council and what can be achieved for local residents. I’ve also been active on several committees including the CEO Performance Review Panel and the Strategic Property Committee which has allowed me to make more meaningful contributions to the workings of our local government.
I’ve got a few runs on the board at the halfway mark but there is much more to be done. I am committed to doing what I can to:
• Address rental stock availability and affordability,
• Increase public green space,
• Enhance cycling and pedestrian infrastructure,
• Support local businesses,
• Explore innovative waste management options, and
• Enhance biodiversity, native habitat and tree canopy.
These last few months have been particularly eventful with my former co-Councillor, and friend, Georgie Hart resigning from Council to pursue change through grassroots advocacy initiatives. I want to wish Georgie all the very best for the future, I know she will continue to be a strong advocate for our City, people, and the environment. A supplementary election will be announced in the coming months and we can expect my new co-Councillor to be sworn in early in 2025 – I look forward to working with the successful candidate to achieve the best outcomes for you, my fellow residents of Goodwood Ward, and for the City of Unley more broadly.
This mid-term update includes a snapshot of just some of what has been achieved over the last two years.
Thanks for reading, wishing you all very happy and safe holidays!
What I’ve been up to:
🏞️ Ensuring adequate green space and infrastructure to compensate for urban infill
Supported the acquisition of private property to expand existing public green space
Improvements to MTB and Wayville bike path to support cyclist and pedestrian safety
Enhancements to the Parsons/Joslin Streets bend to calm traffic, improve amenity and create refuge for pedestrians and cyclists
Successfully lobbied to have a public reserve included in the development on the old Le Cornu site
🌳 Increasing our tree canopy
More than 1,100 trees planted across the City of Unley since November 2022
🛍️ Innovative ways to support the local small business community and ratepayers
Service level improvements for Goodwood Road
Promoted local small business through my newsletter
Smallest rate increase in 2024 of any metropolitan council in South Australia
🌏 Local action on climate change
Community Renewables Program
🔓 Accessible public spaces for all of our community
Footpath audit and improvements in response
Living street redevelopment of Rogers Street, Goodwood
Presented a petition with over 2,000 signatures to State Parliament to protect the Southern Park Lands, moved a Motion with unanimous support calling for the Park Lands to be protected for the benefit of our residents and the environment
🏡 Protecting the beautiful character and heritage of our neighbourhoods
Increased the greening verge incentive budget allowing more residents to plant out their verges
🔊 Amplifying local voices
Put forward a successful Motion to sell the property occupied by the Goodwood Community Childcare Centre to the Centre at a reasonable price to ensure longevity of this cherished local organisation