Outcomes Achieved
My past two terms on Council have been very productive and it has been a pleasure working with our community for practical solutions and improvements to our area. Here are some of the recent outcomes achieved:
Safety and Connectivity
- Improved pedestrian crossings/footpaths, including school crossings, in Box Hill and Box Hill South
- Supported active transport use via implementation of the Box Hill Integrated Transport Strategy and Easy Ride Routes
- Worked with the various stakeholders including VicPol to improve community safety, including responsible riding (e-bikes and e-scooters)
- Lighting upgrades to Box Hill Mall
- Secured funding for further safety provisions in central Box Hill (including CCTV)
Amenity / Facility Upgrades
- At Sparks Reserve, Whitehorse Reserve and Surrey Park
- Successfully secured funding for the redevelopment of Box Hill City Oval Precinct (underway)
- Implemented further off-lead dog areas
Accessibility and Community Engagement
- Fought to ensure that the Box Hill Town Hall Customer Service Centre remains open
- Improved Council’s community engagement process – expanding our reach to culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) and vulnerable communities
- Kept our community informed and engaged on large infrastructure projects, including the Suburban Rail Loop
Health and Wellbeing
- Advocated for and successfully secured funding for improved and accessible youth mental health services, including establishment of a headspace facility in Box Hill
- Supported community groups and programs that encourage social connection and cohesion, and the establishment of the Positive Ageing program in Whitehorse
Better Planning and More Open Space
- Pushed for better planning outcomes, protecting neighbourhood character and elevated Environmentally Sustainable Design provisions
- Pursued further green public open space, including securing funding for new open spaces in Box Hill and Box Hill South
Environmental Sustainability
- Successfully delivered on Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) service, diverting waste from landfill
- Pushed for tree/vegetation protection, planting opportunities and delivery of the updated Urban Forest Strategy
- Expanded resources to strengthen monitoring and enforcement on illegal waste disposal/dumping
- Further protection of Gardiner’s Creek and local waterways, through the Whitehorse Integrated Water Management Strategy, Masterplan advocacy, and supporting Council’s involvement in the Regional Collaboration
Supporting Local Businesses
- Led COVID-related support for local traders, including the Whitehorse Business Support Grants
- Streamlined Council permit processes to make it easier to do business in Whitehorse
- Worked with stakeholders and local businesses to encourage more inclusive signage
- Free weekend parking at Harrow St and Watt St multi-level car park