On 14 September, every eligible resident and business owner must vote in the local government elections. This is our second feature on the North Shore councils.
Candidate answers have been edited for space and clarity.
WILLOUGHBY COUNCIL
Willoughby is a fast-growing area slated for 3,400 extra homes by 2030, with the vibrant Chatswood CBD at its heart – as well as two new Metro stations
MAYORAL CANDIDATES
Anna Greco, Jade Hsueh and Hao Luo are also running for mayor, but no information was received before print.
Roy McCullagh | Independent (Sailors Bay Ward)
I am very community focused and have achieved a lot in my first term as councillor. It is important that I continue where I have left off to complete projects in Northbridge, Castlecrag and Willoughby. I feel that for too long, and on too many issues, our residents are not being heard. I will revive Willoughby with a plan to keep the focus of council on issues impacting residents. Many of our residents are hurting financially and as the only councillor who opposed any rate increases, I listened to our residents. I believe in providing a voice for every community group and ensuring their voice is heard. My successful projects include removing time of day access restrictions at Northbridge Oval which most significantly impacted female footballers.
Tanya Taylor | Independent (Sailors Bay Ward)
Community matters remain my inspiration and drive to make Willoughby fun,
inclusive and sustainable. I have a reputation as someone who is community-focused, innovative and organised. I am running for a second term as mayor because I am committed to continuing to create a renewed, diverse, connected, sustainable and thriving area. My focus is on revitalising spaces and building a stronger community on safe, active and sustainable environments, and bringing the voice of the community to council. In the next term, I will focus on council’s future stability through astute financial management; and Increase maintenance of our streets and open spaces. I am supporting Robert Samuel and Michael Chen for council.
COUNCIL CANDIDATES: MIDDLE HARBOUR WARD
Sarkis Mouradian | Independent
In my first term, I have strived to strike a pragmatic approach that balances
our community’s needs with economic realities. I want to continue to serve the
community with integrity and dedication so that it continues to thrive and
prosper. Over the past three years I have shown a deep commitment to the community, consistently delivering on promises and actively listening to residents’ needs and finding practical solutions. Key for me is protecting heritage and natural environment, and sustainable development to the highest standards and enhancing open space and sporting facilities.
Angelo Rozos | Independent
I feel a deep sense of pride and passion for our area. I was born and raised in Willoughby, and am raising my family there. I have been on council for 12 years and served as deputy mayor. If elected, I will advocate for improved maintenance, quicker DA timeframes, better communication and consultation from council and engagement with residents on important decisions; and better traffic planning to accommodate population growth. My track record includes 12 years of investment in Willoughby Park, saved the bulky goods collection and increased parking in Chatswood for residents.
MIDDLE HARBOUR WARD
Robert Samuel | Independent
I head a genuinely independent community-led team: Stephanie Spencer, Olivia Zhijing Huang and Diane Brown. As a lifetime local, elected in 2021 with Mayor Tanya Taylor, my focus is on community matters – ensuring the community’s voice is listened to. There is more to do: revitalising shared spaces; building a stronger community; delivering a safe and active environment; and creating a sustainable future. Increased density is coming and working from home is here. This requires us to rethink and reimagine our public spaces and work hard to fund or find funding for infrastructure and services we need to ensure Willoughby remains a great place to work, live and play. Changing expectations also means council needs to be more effective and prompt when contacted. I would like to address investment in shared places with fit-for-purpose facilities, surfaces and drainage, accessible for everyone; also that bush, foreshore and urban canopy are valued and protected, with better flood mitigation for local creeks.
NAREMBURN WARD
Michael Chen | Independent
I am running to help build a community that is supportive, enterprising and inclusive. Having lived in Willoughby for almost a decade, and owning three local cafes, I deeply understand our local issues and am committed to addressing them through proactive engagement and practical solutions. As a business owner and community advocate, I have learned the importance of listening, delivering value and driving positive outcomes. I am passionate about making a tangible difference in our community and ensuring every resident feels heard and supported. If elected, I plan to revitalise community spaces, support local businesses and enhance safety and accessibility. My priorities include improving council amenities like the Artarmon Oval Pavilion and Elizabeth Street Community Centre; and promoting sustainability initiatives to achieve net zero emissions. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected community.
Georgie Roussac | Independent
Since being elected in 2021, I’ve made over 350 separate representations on behalf of residents and businesses and have introduced many proposals that have led to improvements across our LGA. I’m committed to being a strong independent voice for our community. We need community views to be more thoroughly built into project concepts, designs and delivery – including in the revitalisation of our local centres. I am determined to create more opportunities for the community to come together to play, enjoy music and public art. We need to improve how we protect bushland and urban tree canopy, with more focus on waste and recycling.
Nic Wright | Independent
I have been on council since 2012 and am deputy mayor. As a lifelong resident of Naremburn, I am passionate about our local community. I believe in commonsense approaches to delivering local government services that focus on roads, rates and rubbish, keeping rates low and delivering essential infrastructure for residents. Council needs to listen to residents more and focus on sticking to the basics: fixing potholes, improving street maintenance and rubbish collection, and continuing to advocate to the State Government for appropriate development controls and improved infrastructure. My track record is unparalleled.
SAILORS BAY WARD
Hugh Eriksson | Independent
I am running for re-election to ensure that council continues to focus on its core business which is local service delivery for our residents. I am concerned that local government has started to move into areas outside of our concern, such as activism for social issues more related to state and federal politics. I have been on Willoughby Council since 2012, having been elected three straight times as an independent, and have been deputy mayor. I am a member of the Liberal Party. My main campaign platform is focusing on local services such as footpath maintenance, local roads, playground upgrades and financial responsibility. If elected I would like to see a return to core services for our local residents and less time spent debating on activists issues telling people how to live their own lives. I want our residents to be supported by council making their lives easier.
MOSMAN COUNCIL
MAYORAL CANDIDATES
Mayoral candidates Roy Bendall and Ann Marie Kimber appeared in the September issue.
Simon Menzies | Independent
The foundation of my mayoral candidacy is my local knowledge gained from 20 years of council experience. I am running so Mosman has an independent mayor with the experience to get things done. The main issues for residents are uncertainty around high rise (apartment blocks) and over development from the State Government’s proposed housing reforms. Also traffic congestion and a lack of street parking and that our beaches and waterways are litter free. If elected, I will campaign for brand new change facilities at Middle Head Oval and Rawson Oval; upgrading to LED flood lighting at Middle Head Oval and Balmoral Oval; allow dogs back on ferries; rooftop solar on unit blocks is as common as it is on houses; and that tree vandals are prosecuted and harsh penalties applied.
COUNCIL CANDIDATE
Harley Van Der Pluijm | Serving Mosman
Mayor Carolyn Corrigan asked me to run for council to be a voice for youth in our community. Serving Mosman has a long-standing reputation for being supportive of youth and I believe I have the ability and intelligence to make a positive impact. Over the past three years I have volunteered as a life saver at North Steyne and I work as a local debating coach. If elected, I will do my best to respond to the unique challenges and concerns of young people, with a focus on improving social and emotional wellbeing. Mosman residents want to see sustainable transport solutions that will ease the traffic congestion in our area and an ongoing focus on protecting and preserving our natural environment. I will be a positive role model to encourage people to get involved in civic engagement and volunteering and ensure youth input is a key priority in the future plans for the Mosman Library upgrade.
NORTH SYDNEY COUNCIL
North Sydney Council is one of the satellite CBDs, with a burgeoning business community just off the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is set for an influx of 6,000 residents in Crows Nest, with two new Metros. The controversial Western Harbour Tunnel and destruction of trees for such developments are major issues.
CAMMERAYGAL WARD
MaryAnn Beregi | The Real Independent
I have over 10 years’ experience as a councillor and bring skills in finance, education and management to the role. Whilst much has been achieved in this shortened term, there is a real risk that the policies, projects and initiatives introduced by this new council will be undone. It is hard not to feel that North Sydney is under attack on multiple fronts, especially as a result of State Government infrastructure projects. Our community needs strong, independent leadership from its council to hold the government to account and ensure that the impacts of these projects and the proposed increase in density is properly planned and results in commensurate community benefits. These include the return and increase of public open space, affordable housing, new public amenities such as libraries, schools, sporting, recreation and health facilities, and improved local facilities.
Sarah Kok | Sustainable Australia Party
I am committed to putting our environment, heritage and community first at all levels of government policy and decision- making. I’m determined to push back against overdevelopment that threatens our quality of life. With over 20 years of experience in the energy sector across Australia, New Zealand and Asia, I bring strong commercial, strategy and policy expertise. I’ve also played a key role in local campaigns on a range of planning and environmental issues, including reversing a 2021 zoning change that favoured developers. I believe that development done in the right way brings benefits. However, I am concerned that systemic unfairness in the planning system often results in our environment and community being overlooked and negatively impacted. This needs to change. I am passionate about promoting sustainable practices that protect our bushland, trees, wildlife and waterways.
Jessica Keen | Liberal Party
I was a North Sydney councillor from 2017 to 2021 and am now ready to return to local government to give our community a strong and responsible voice that will ensure North Sydney remains a great place to live. I love living here, and am passionate about improving local facilities and quality of life for residents. Our community, sporting and social facilities need an upgrade and improvement, which won’t happen without strong advocacy from representatives who know how to deliver. If elected, my goal is to deliver balanced development for our community, by advocating for sustainable building practices and ensuring that new developments complement the existing character of our community – and that the voices of our community are not ignored. I aim to improve parks, community centres, recreational facilities and advocate for domestic violence refuges. I volunteer at Mary’s House shelter and understand the needs of people who need support.
Pallavi Sinha | Team Jilly
I am a lawyer who runs a small business providing legal and education services and am a former Lifeline counsellor who is actively involved with local precincts and community groups. If elected, my priorities include: open the North Sydney Olympic pool and ensure that upcoming projects like the bike ramp are delivered on time and within budget; speed up the review of development applications; help with cost of living pressures by reducing unnecessary waste of ratepayers money (like legal expenses); support small business, residents and communities via regular consultation and ensure the sustainability of local villages; ensure pedestrian safety and traffic calming; preserve green and open spaces and improve playground and sporting facilities; take action to reduce the high rate of domestic violence; work with all levels of government to prioritise the interest of residents. I want to ensure that there’s fiscal accountability by council.
CAMMERAYGAL WARD
Shannon Welch | ALP
I was elected in 2021 and I care deeply about our community which is why I’m running for re-election. My experiences as an ICU nurse have shaped my approach to public health and safety in my time as a councillor. For example, after witnessing someone have a heart attack at Primrose Park, I introduced a motion for defibrillators to be installed in parks and playing fields, along with CPR training for the community. Soon, these will be rolled out to six parks that didn’t have them before. We’re very lucky to live in North Sydney; however, residents tell me they want council to deliver better community infrastructure and take action on climate change. If re-elected, I will advocate for everyone to get a fair go, with access to housing and community services; address the climate crises by reducing waste, promoting renewable energy, and enhancing biodiversity; and improve transparency in decision-making.
ST LEONARDS WARD
Michael Want : Sustainable Australia Party
I live in Crows Nest and care deeply about our local environment and quality of life. I have a strong community focus, having been involved with kids basketball and rugby in North Sydney and Lane Cove. My three adult children all attended school in North Sydney. I am a self-employed consultant in the project management and built environment space, in which I have worked for over 40 years. I also have a passion for sport and recreation, having played rugby for Queensland and also in France and the USA. We need to ensure council is as responsive to community needs as possible, whether it be in fixing local roads or addressing community concerns about overdevelopment. I hope to continue the strong work of current Sustainable Australia Party councillor William Bourke. An area of significant interest in business is economically sustainable development and environmental issues. I am passionate about climate change and ensuring this generation passes on a better planet to my children and grandchildren.