I penned my thoughts on the current housing issues, which were published in the Sydney Morning Herald in June 2024. What I am hearing is that we need to develop a local solution at speed, that address housing diversity and access in Ku-ring-gai, with regard to tree canopy, infrastructure and heritage, and get a set at the negotiating table.
“Let me say up front: I am not opposed, per se, to the state government’s plan to increase density and to build homes around stations. Indeed, within most factions in this debate in Ku-ring-gai, there is agreement that the current housing situation is untenable and solutions are needed. Density near transport makes sense to most people, including me.
So the question is not whether it needs doing. It all revolves around what it means to do it “well”, when it will happen, and how to frame enabling – rather than disabling – processes. I came to Ku-ring-gai as a parent, not as a politician, but these are the processes of representation that have galvanised me to stand as a local independent in the council elections in September.”
The council survey and conversations with residents were insightful.
“A mere 25 per cent supported the proposed government housing policies as they stood. However, 63 per cent supported or were neutral to increased density near stations. When I spoke independently to residents across ages and backgrounds, over 70 per cent agreed that housing is a collective problem and that increasing density around train stations should progress with proper consideration for tree canopy, infrastructure and heritage.”
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