One of the key roles of local government is to advocate for services and infrastructure from other levels of government that are required to foster vibrant and liveable communities. A key example of this is the public transport infrastructure that is desperately required to spur progression of Fishermans Bend.

This Week in St Kilda (TWiSK) our local news source included an opinion I wrote reflecting on my time as a politically independent Councillor and Mayor for Maroondah. In 2010 when I was Mayor, I secured funding commitments for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station which in turn fostered the urban renewal required to transform Ringwood into a safe and accessible urban centre.

Councillors representing the party in government quickly mute Council agitation and those representing the opposition parties are always finding something to criticise.

We see this play out within Port Phillip where Fishermans Bend continues to languish.

My political independence was critical in advocating for the much needed investment required for Ringwood. Political parties realised that I was not going to be subdued by empty promises.

In 2010 when I was Mayor of Maroondah, I made it clear to State MPs and opposition hopefuls that Council and our community was expecting a commitment for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station and our support will be contingent on seeing this funding commitment.

Over the course of 2010, the ALP, Liberals and Greens all confirmed their commitment to Ringwood Station – no matter which side won, our community was going to win.

Fishermans Bend is currently languishing, long promised infrastructure investments such as tram extensions (which were targeted for a 2026 completion date) and Melbourne Metro 2 remain unfunded and undelivered. Only a politically independent Councillor will have the determination to advocate on behalf of our community.

Read more at: Don’t let councils become party political fiefdoms – TWiSK (gdaystkilda.com.au)