Property developer interests see Mayor and former federal minister ousted over his stance to protect Hornsby shire’s environment.
I have always advocated for appropriate development that respects the built and natural environment of the Shire of Hornsby and is in keeping with its amenity.
That has been seen as unacceptable by property developer interests, supported by some senior party members, in the Hornsby Local Government Liberal Party preselection.
In recent months it became clear to me that I could choose to either allow developers free reign over the shire I have fought to protect, or to stand by my principles and face certain replacement as the Liberal Party candidate.
I chose to stand for preselection as an example that politicians should not bow to vested interests, and instead should fight even unwinnable battles on behalf of those they are supposed to represent.
My time in politics and my upbringing have taught me that the community should always come first.
From a very young age, my late father Max instilled in me a great love of the Bushland Shire and its unique importance, as Sydney’s lungs, with its location between three great national parks: Lane Cove to the South, Kuring-Gai to the East and Berowra to the West. As a 16 year-old I identified the planning laws that prevented the industrial development of the area west of Thornleigh now known as Westleigh.
A considered approach to the way Hornsby manages the balance between urban growth, its rural areas and its natural environment was the reason I re-entered politics and stood for Mayor seven years ago. It was about giving back to my community not about any self-interest or ego. My commitment has been my ongoing public service to the diverse voices of the people of Hornsby Shire and in what I believe are their shared concerns about sustainability, heritage and growth to achieve positive outcomes for the whole community.
It has been my privilege to serve the people of Hornsby, who are given their voice on election day on 14th September. I thank them for their support in this unfinished journey, as well as the dedicated Hornsby Council staff who have managed significant budgetary constraints in a way that continues to deliver important initiatives like Hornsby and hopefully Westleigh Parks.
