About me
I have been in the City of Busselton for a decade, and have seen growth, community changes, shifting needs and the results of planning and development that occurred during this time. As a councillor, I want to see sensible growth done with long term planning in mind- not a short-term quick fix.
I volunteer as a Justice of the Peace, signing documents for people who are going through life changes. Professionally I am a member of the Australian New Zealand Society of International Law, Law Society of WA, and a board member with the Busselton Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
I am incredibly passionate about the long-term security of Meelup Regional Park, working through conflicting ideas and expectations regarding residential development, and maintaining the lifestyle that comes with living in a coastal area.
Motivation
Having been elected in 2019 to the City of Busselton council, I still have a lot of work to do.
I was successful in allocating $10,000 to the planning of the upgrade to the ablution and changeroom block at Old Dunsborough and would like to see this project through.
Earlier this year, I asked for a traffic counter to be placed along Dunn Bay Road in Dunsborough between Dome/Coles and Seymour House to implement a pedestrian crosswalk.
Unfortunately, Main Roads have not seen this area as a place that requires a crosswalk, however I will continue to advocate for one.
A refuge island on Caves Road near the Dunsborough Lakes Golf Tavern will be implemented, something that I am incredibly passionate about for the safety of school children and other pedestrians and cyclists crossing this busy road.
Needs addressing
I feel the City is doing a great job regarding the works program, assessing, and approving in increasing amount of development applications, and has a solid handle on finances and community development.
There have been areas identified by the community that include basketball courts, extension of the footpath from Old Dunsborough to the Meelup walk trail, sealing of gravel roads and ensuring protection of natural spaces and resources.
Performing arts centre
Being on council for the last two years I have seen all the documents, research, ideas, applications, and agenda minutes regarding the Busselton performing arts and convention centre that have taken place.
The planning and development has gone on for more than a decade and having the $10.35 million federal funding means the project has merit- otherwise this funding would not have been forthcoming.
The City of Busselton is growing, there is a gap in services and opportunities for the arts, and the BPACC will be an asset to our community.
With any project there will be people who dissent and those who support - as a councillor my role is to undertake research, weigh up the pros and cons, read reports and base decisions on facts.
A performing arts centre has been identified as a need for our progressive community.
In my spare time
On a day off, I can be found walking the Meelup Regional Park trails, doing assignments for my law degree and hosting barbeques for family and friends.