My Platform Summary
Campaign update, week 15
As Lord Mayor, I will give the role the focus deserved. I won’t be distracted by other ambitions. I’m independent and not using the role as a stepping stone to State or Federal Parliament. I am committed to Local Government and Perth's community.
I am committed to our City and focused on delivering for it every day. My success as a Councillor, putting policies to Council and getting them passed, is proof of that commitment.
Plan for Perth
Time and time again I hear about the need for a Plan for Perth. We don’t have one. But it’s essential to outline where, how and when future infrastructure and projects would be located and connected to evolve the city area into a cohesive whole.
A plan maps out where we are heading and provides confidence to the market and strategic vision to drive business investment. It may take a variety of forms but one thing is certain: the plan must be a collaborative document, made hand in hand with the State Government.
After all, the City’s budget of approximately $300 million is a fraction of the State’s budget. We rely on the State Government to deliver major infrastructure projects: School for East Perth, ECU City, the Aboriginal Cultural Centre and more.
As your Lord Mayor, I will continue to stand up for all of our City neighbourhoods
People need to want to live in the City. Great neighbourhoods and a sense of community is critical for this. Here’s what I’ll do:
Refresh key streets in every city neighbourhood:
Barrack Street, CBD; James Street, Northbridge; Adelaide Terrace, East Perth; Royal Street, Claisebrook; Hampden Road, Nedlands; Hay Street, West Perth.Create community spaces for all neighbourhoods
Fix parking and make residential permits free
Enhance safety measures
Work with the State Government to address homelessness
Genuine community engagement in setting priorities and budgets
Keep rates low
I will make Perth a world class “24-hour city”
What is a 24-hour city? It looks different for every neighbourhood. A true 24-hour city is inclusive of all people: it’s not just night clubs, bars, or specialist retail, it’s community spaces like libraries, green spaces and family friendly areas.
As your Lord Mayor, making Perth a world class 24-hour city will include:
Focus on activation and events that bring activity into the heart of our City neighbourhoods; supporting our local bricks and mortar businesses
Harnessing our nighttime economy potential
Opening our streets, malls and laneways up to small bars, restaurants and other attractions
Creating a safer, more vibrant and inclusive city where people come to live, play, work and study
As your Lord Mayor, safety will be a priority – across all City neighbourhoods
Safety is fundamental to the liveability of a city. The actual and perceived safety of residents, businesses and visitors should always be a priority. I will:
Work collaboratively with WA Police to improve safety for residents and business
“Safe City Patrols” patrols
Design for “Safe Spaces”, including laneway revitalisation
Enhanced street cleaning in the CBD and Northbridge
Bring more people to the City 24/7 for passive surveillance
We need to future proof our City – as Lord Mayor, I will make Perth a City for youth and tech
By the time ECU City Campus opens in 2026, we will have over 40,000 students in our City. The future is young!
As your Lord Mayor, I will implement the City of Perth’s first ever Youth Action Plan and actively engage with young people and the education sector.
I will also continue and expand on the City’s Tech Action Plan that I initiated at the November 2021 council meeting. Tech is a critical global industry. Let’s put Perth at the forefront of it.
Arts Mean Business
With retail vacancies across the City at 25%, and around 35% in the Hay Street Mall, we need to think creatively to activate our centre and redefine our City in a post COVID world.
I will work with council and the City to introduce the Arts Mean Business Plan:
Establish creative hubs in vacant spaces owned by the City of Perth
Creative refresh of Barrack Street to extend our Cultural Centre into a “Cultural Spine” connecting the Bell Tower to the WA Museum
Work collaboratively with the State Government to reinstate the Community Cultural Arts Facilities Fund, to build and refit cultural facilities
“Growing Culture” through multi-year sponsorship commitments, providing home grown arts and cultural events with the confidence to scale and grow
Importantly, I will run a transparent and accountable City
Voters expect it, and demand it.
I am determined to lead a Council and a City that is fully transparent, and run on behalf of all voters. A City that genuinely listens and acts.
That’s my commitment to the people and businesses of Perth.