Six months into his term in office, North Shore Living sat down with Willoughby MP Tim James to talk family, community, and the local projects he’s passionate about.
Tim James has only been the Member for Willoughby since his victory in the February by-election brought about after his predecessor, former Premier Gladys Berejiklian, stepped down from her position.
But he hasn’t wasted any time in his new role, planning for two new schools, upgrades to the Royal North Shore Hospital and major road infrastructure.
In the lead-up to the by-election, it was revealed the MP is not currently living in the electorate, and Mr James confirms that.
He admits it’s not unreasonable for constituents to expect their elected official to reside in the electorate.
“We are currently living in Mosman, and for a host of reasons we’re moving,” Mr James explains.
“It’s important that any member of parliament is in touch with their community, and it’s got to help if you are living in that community.”
The MPs family has a special connection to Royal North Shore Hospital, and he believes upgrading it is an important public issue.
“I was born there, my dad was born there, my mother worked there for 20 years,” Mr James says.
“We’ve got to make sure it is meeting the needs of the community, (make) sure the hospital site can grow to meet future healthcare needs.”
Increasing the coverage of local schools is another vital topic on his agenda.
“I’ve promised two new schools for this community,” Mr James says.
“That’s a big commitment, and there are a number of existing school improvement projects underway.”
The new Member for Willoughby has previously said the location for one school would be in the Chatswood area, potentially at the dive site for the Metro rail project at the corner of Pacific Highway and Mowbray Road once it is returned to the government.
He is yet to identify a second site, but has flagged the St Leonards/Gore Hill area as a potential location to meet the demands of its growing population.
Another big by-election issue has been the Western Harbour Tunnel and the suspended plans for the Beaches Link section of the project, which the MP has received criticism from some locals and North Sydney Council for supporting.
“If it is to proceed, we only get one chance to get it right,” Mr James reasons.
“I’ve been saying for months now, there are legitimate concerns and areas where this community has strong views.
“The Beaches Link being paused, in my view, is a good thing and it creates an opportunity for us to get it right, if it is to proceed.”
The need for green and open space is another issue the community has raised, with the North Sydney area having some of the least amount of public open space per person in metropolitan Sydney.
“There are some exciting plans (regarding these community spaces),” Mr James says.
“For example, the Holtermann Street car park in Crows Nest will be moved underground and the ground level will be grass, with a playground and open space.”
The MP recently became a father for the third time, and three is seemingly the magic number.
“This is a busy job with long hours, so it can be tough on the family, but I get so much support from my partner.
“The busier you are, the more you appreciate that time with family and it means so much, but we’re done,” he says with a laugh.
So, when he’s not at work or at home with the family, what’s the Member for Willoughby getting up to?
“I’m someone who’s always been quite fit and healthy.
“I haven’t had much chance to go to the gym or pound the pavement with the new job and new baby, but I’ve got to change that soon.
“In terms of unwinding, it’s family, friends and exercise.”
By David Shilovsky