Meet the Candidates – Lane Cove Electorate NSW Election 23 March 2019

ITC followers asked ITC to put together a list of candidates and what they stood for.  We wrote to each candidate and asked them the same questions.  They are listed below in the order that we received their response to our questions. Their responses have not been edited (so for once any typos and mistakes are not ITC’s fat fingers).  At the bottom of this article is a link to our article on where to vote on 23 March 2019 and pre polling and online options.  Note pictures supplied by Candidates.

Pierre Masse – The Greens

Why Did You Decide to Run in this Election?

I would like to represent my community in parliament, not represent vested interests, and in the case of Sydney’s north, this means returning planning powers to councils. I would ensure that protecting our natural environment is front and centre of all my decision-making process, and seriously tackle climate change. The Greens have a fully costed plan to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2030.  I also want public schools to be the best they can be so parents don’t have to choose between their local underfunded, overcrowded, public school and private schools. I want to stop the mad building of outrageously expensive toll roads and, and instead invest in public transport which could cost less than one toll road and achieve so much more for transport.

The NSW Greens have a suite of well-developed policies available for all to see here https://greens.org.au/nsw/policies

When a Green member gets elected to parliament, they are bound by these policies. With The Greens you know what you get. Beware the ’independent’ candidates.

What do you think are the five biggest issues in the Lane Cove Electorate?

  • Planning – The LNP government was elected 8 years ago on a promise of returning planning to the people. It has done the complete opposite, via the laughable (and abused) concept of ‘state significant development’. Our built heritage is being destroyed.The Greens will have a Royal Commission into planning in NSW.
  • Environment – We need to protect our remaining green spaces and tree canopies. Animals, insects, and we depend on them for our survival. Trees also clean the air and extract carbon from it. The ‘heat island effect’ is intensified by loss of tree canopy so we must increase our tree cover.
  • Climate change – Climate change deniers have now lost all credibility. NSW plans to mine enough coal to overtake the Adani coal mine in Qld. The fish kill in the Darling River is a symptom of climate in crisis. The residents of Tuvalu, Kiribati, and other Pacific islands know climate change is real.
  • Services – The LNP has outsourced a lot of its functions; it is surprising it finds enough work for itself. The Opal Tower near disaster is a prime example of a failure of Government. Citizens expect Governments put in place regulations to prevent situations like this, not wash its hands of it.
  • Governance and political donations – The corrupting influence of corporate political donations must be stopped. It is outrageous that the LNP Government tries to outlaw donations by third parties whilst lining it pockets with corporate donations from everyone (except property developers in NSW, thanks to The Greens). No-one believes corporate donors want nothing in return!

How will you fix the public transport issue?

By stopping the building of outrageously expensive toll roads and, invest in public transport which would cost less than one toll road, and achieve more for transport. Lane Cove needs more buses and bus routes. The Greens will slash Opal fares to $1 for all public transport in metropolitan Sydney.

How will you provide more infrastructure to Lane Cove? 

The Greens will ensure the Federal Government delivers at least the same amount of funding to public schools as it does to private and independent schools as per the Fair Funding model (a needs based one). More roads are problematic because of the built-up nature of our suburbs, the vital need to retain our remaining green spaces, and more roads are really not required if public transport is superior.  I believe Lane Cove residents are well served by the services provided by the Council (libraries, galleries, festivals, public spaces, swimming pools (when we regain our Olympic sized swimming pool).

These services must be supplemented by supporting additional funding for pre-school and occasional care services to enable them to provide an affordable fee structure for families, as per Greens policy, and the provision of affordable and plentiful after school care.

What is your favourite place to visit in Lane  Cove?

Lane Cove Plaza is my favourite. It is a rare (in Australia) example of a true European style public square where people just hang out. For coffee, shopping, with their children on the play area next to the Lloyd Rees bandstand, without cars getting in the way. You also see democracy in action on the plaza; before elections you can meet candidates, chat, and generally get engaged in the political process.

Describe Lane Cove in three words

Community, environment, creativity.

Snag or Cake Stall on Election Day – which one do you buy first?

It has to be cake for me. As a pastry chef, and pastry, confectionery, and bread making teacher in TAFE, I always go for the cake first (it’s just professional curiosity!)

Richard Quinn – Independent

Why Did You Decide to Run in this Election?

I was approached by representatives of some local community groups to stand. There is a perception that there is not enough advocacy on local issues and that our community no longer has a strong local advocate in parliament, but rather a government advocate in our community. We need a local member who is totally focused on representing the electorate and not distracted by or preoccupied with party and factional politics or ministerial responsibilities.

What do you think are the five biggest issues in the Lane Cove Electorate ?

  • Overdevelopment, particularly in Greenwich/St Leonards, Gladesville and areas of Lane Cove, and the resultant lack of public and green open space for an increased population, particularly adjacent to higher density development;
  • Reliability and frequency of public transport – some Lane Cove locals are now going back to travelling to work by car because public transport in peak times is either full or not reliable;
  • Management of increased traffic and parking resulting from higher density development;
  • Achievable and real action on climate change, including renewable energy incentives and other strategies;
  • Disillusionment with and lack of integrity in politics, as exemplified in some recent election material.

How will you fix the public transport issue?

We need more bus services that start and finish in Lane Cove in peak times. Too many buses are already full when they get to Lane Cove Interchange and other local pick-up points.

How will you provide more infrastructure to Lane Cove? 

Infrastructure is a huge issue as more development is approved. Currently, developers are only required to contribute to immediate infrastructure, such as parking and traffic management. There is no ‘levy’ for the additional capacity required in local schools, medical or transport facilities. Also, there needs to be a strategic approach to the provision of other significant hidden infrastructure, such as electricity, water and sewerage capacity. We need much greater strategic collaboration between local and state government to resolve these infrastructure issues and have plans in place before developments are approved.

What is your favourite place to visit in Lane Cove?

I have great memories of family time at Greenwich Baths when our kids were younger. They are now university students with part-time work at Lane Cove Aquatic Centre.

Describe Lane Cove in three words

Community / Peaceful / Aspirational

Snag or Cake Stall on Election Day – which one do you buy first?

Definitely the snag with onions and lashings of tomato sauce first, followed by a caramel slice or chocolate brownie.

Murray Fleming – Sustainable Australia

Why Did You Decide to Run in this Election?

I am always looking forward (I like to think of myself as a bit of a futurist) and therefor my key reasons for joining Sustainable Australia are my family, their future generations & to better honor those who came before us. Having lived in Sydney all my life and in the Lane Cove electorate for some 20 years I have witnessed first-hand the slow demise of the Australian Dream which is something I desperately want for my daughter and hopefully one day for her children. This slow demise has been under the watch of our two major party’s governance. It is said that Insanity is continuing to do the same thing expecting a different result as we do each and every year bringing into power the same two parties. In this thinking it wasn’t a stretch for me to realize I needed to start voting for minor parties and shortly after Dick Smith joined Sustainable Australia I did as well. Then after personally meeting our president William Burke, whom I admire greatly, I started thinking about one day getting more involved which has led me here.

What do you think are the five biggest issues in the Lane Cove Electorate?

  • Overdevelopment
  • Planning
  • Lack of resident council

Surely the people of Lane Cove who live in the area and pay rates should have a real say in where they live!? It is absurd that we own homes, pay rates, elect officials then have little to no say as to how our area is developed! I believe these are the three main issues because without a sustainable synergy of such our area will continue to lose the reasons as to why we all live here/ moved into the area. I believe these three key macro issues lead to all others – such as our huge public transport issue.

How will you fix the public transport issue?

I believe privatization of our buses to solve this is a risky move. I would investigate areas both here and more importantly abroad that are working well and work out a way to implement those practices here. The world is a large place with many countries doing a far better job at certain things that us and do not feel it impossible to leverage our good relations to learn from these other countries.

How will you provide more infrastructure to Lane Cove? 

As above I believe in a progressive approach to infrastructure where we take learnings from systems and practices that are working elsewhere and look to implement them here. I do not believe in quickly throwing a ton of money at something as that vote grabbing strategy usually fails long term. Whatever is implemented to resolve the issues must be sustainable and hopefully scalable too long term.

What is your favourite place to visit in Lane  Cove?

The Parramatta & Lane Cove River systems. They have almost been immune to the record population growth we have seen in recent years and are therefore still peaceful to visit.

Describe Lane Cove in three words

Home. Central. Idyllic.

Snag or Cake Stall on Election Day – which one do you buy first?

In owing, Country Meats Direct, a sustainably focused home delivery meat business which supports our hard working Australian farmers – I would have to say Snag!

Anthony Roberts – Liberal

Why Did You Decide to Run in this Election?

I am a proud local who has been a part of Lane Cove community since I was a young kid. I was educated here, spent my adult life here, and now my wife and I are raising our three beautiful boys here. I take pride in serving and delivering for our local community.  I am running as your representative as I hope to build on our recent significant achievements.

Our youth and teachers are enjoying the massive investment in local schools, such as 18 new permanent classrooms and a new library for Greenwich Public School, a new three-story building featuring 21 teaching spaces and a new library for Artarmon Public School as well as significant upgrades across our other local schools. Our local school’s maintenance backlog is zero for the first time ever! With the help of our young leaders, we have also secured funding to build the first inclusive play spaces in our electorate, meaning kids no matter their ability have a chance to enjoy themselves in our beautiful parks.

We’ve opened the new Royal North Shore Hospital and seen huge upgrades across our electorate- Boronia Park, Mindarie Park, Tantallon Oval, Kingsford Smith Oval at Longueville and Gladesville Reserve. Improved lighting, access and facilities are part of our vision to see people get outside and enjoy themselves.

In fact, my consistent lobbying has resulted in more than $60m of funding be reinvested back into our local community groups and councils over the past four years!

It’s been a great four years, but there is still much more to do. Fending off over development and ensuring our record investment in public transport continues. I am passionate and dedicated in my quest to improve the lives and well-being of my constituents.

What do you think are the five biggest issues in the Lane Cove Electorate?

  • Protecting the character and amenities of the Lane Cove Electorate by advocating for even more funding to improve infrastructure such as schools, roads, transport, health facilities, parks and open spaces.
  • Ensuring the continued prosperity and jobs of my constituents through good government, fiscal responsibility and by helping to promote and encourage local businesses.
  • Maintaining and improving the liveability of the electorate. It is essential to understand that over the last ten years, 87 per cent of all new dwellings completed (2,459 dwellings) were from Council zoning and the remaining 13 per cent were a result of Labor’s former Part 3A determinations (spot rezonings). No dwelling completions were through the current State Government initiated zoning, and I am firmly ensuring development does not outpace appropriate infrastructure. I will stand against overdevelopment of the area.
  • Climate change is a threat that requires all Australians to come together to help solve. Our Five Million Trees policy has a multitude of positive flow-on effects for our environment; transferring the tree canopy in Sydney from 12 to 40% will reduce temperatures and reflective heat in our City in turn significantly reducing the need for energy-intensive air conditioning. The native only tree plantings will provide increased local habitat for our native animals such as small birds and the reduced runoff will diminish the severity of flooding. This policy will deliver immediate positive results for my constituents and set up Lane Cove, and Sydney more widely, as a leader in preventing and mitigating potential effects of climate change.
  • Before and After School Care is an issue for local parents dealing with a rapidly growing electorate. This is why most recently I have secured additional funding to ensure all public schools in my electorate are required to provide before and after school care, from 7 am to 6 pm.

How will you fix the public transport issue?

I have consistently lobbied to improve public transport and roads in our rapidly growing electorate- which has resulted in 976 additional bus services in the Lane Cove area since 2011. However, there is still much to do, just this month we have added a further ten services in Lane Cove during peak hour to help reduce overcrowding. Also, constituents who catch the ferry can expect to see over 280 weekly services introduced which will allow ferries to be leaving every ten minutes during peak hour from wharves in the Lane Cove Electorate. This will help reduce the burden on other forms of transport.

How will you provide more infrastructure to Lane Cove? (Better roads, better schools etc)

The NSW Liberal-National Government is currently spending more on infrastructure than any state government at any time in Australian history. Our local school’s maintenance backlog is zero for the first time ever, and residents of Lane Cove will benefit from our $70 million Boating Now program which will improve their foreshore access and amenity. Over the past four years, I have secured millions to upgrade sporting facilities and parks such as Boronia Park, Mindarie Park, Tantallon Oval, Kingsford Smith Oval at Longueville and Gladesville Reserve. Just last week I announced a further $200,000 for a local inclusive playground allowing everyone, regardless of ability, a chance to play and enjoy our suburb. We have delivered tens of thousands of dollars to remediate and protect our historic buildings such as Carisbrook Historical House and St Marks Memorial Hall.

What is your favourite place to visit in Lane Cove?

I love spending time at Lane Cove National Park with the family. It’s a source of pride for me as I helped expand the park and advocate for more funding for bush care services for the park. I love the natural surroundings – the flora and fauna and the ambling Lane Cove River. It gives me a sense of tranquillity and connection to nature and allows my three boys to interact with nature. It is a real blessing to have such a facility right here in the heart of this global city.

Describe Lane Cove in three words

Caring, Community, Beautiful.

Snag or Cake Stall on Election Day – which one do you buy first?

Snag. Without question

 

Andrew Zbik – Australian Labor Party (NSW Branch)

Why Did You Decide to Run in this Election?

As a father and husband, I want to ensure we preserve a sense of community, access to public education and public healthcare, while protecting green space for our children. Our area offers close proximity to where I work in the city, while surrounded by the Lane Cove National Park and the river. For my wife, she specifically feels a familiar sense of community here that reminded her of growing up in a country town. Raising a family here means that for us and many others like us, ensuring that our children have access to the opportunities that I had growing up is worth fighting to preserve.

What do you think are the five biggest issues in the Lane Cove Electorate?

  • Overdevelopment. Residents are worried that our local infrastructure has not caught up with the increase in housing density. Residents have also lost faith in our planning system given developers can work the system to overrule decisions of Council.
  • Public Transport: Over the last three years our local public transport has struggled to keep up as our population has grown.
  • Environment. Climate change is real. It’s time for use to get real and act to transition to a clean energy economy and society.
  • School Capacity: All but one of our local schools are above 92% capacity. Many residents are concerned there will be almost no capacity in our local schools once all the new units currently under construction are completed.
  • Having a responsive local member: Many residents are wary that in a safe seat a local member can become complacent. To have local representatives who are responsive through out the whole term that they serve is sought after my many residents.

How will you fix the public transport issue?

Keeping Sydney Buses and Sydney Trains in public ownership means we can properly control and direct public transport that works in the public’s best interest, that is, not in the best interest of private companies that seek to make a profit.

I would seek to have an audit undertaken to ensure there are enough buses and public transport options to match the expected increase in population over the next 1-2 years.

Labor will also make public transport FREE for children under 16 years of age.

How will you provide more infrastructure to Lane Cove? (better roads, better schools etc)

With the support of local residents, having Lane Cove become a marginal seat will result in us getting a lot more attention for investment in infrastructure that what we have experienced up until now.

A government led by Michael Daley and Labor will allocate $412 million in its first term to encourage cycling and walking to make it easier for people to commute to work, school and to cycle for leisure

What is your favourite place to visit in Lane  Cove?

As a rower with the Macquarie University Rowing Club, I love rowing on the Lane Cove River early in the morning – surprisingly even earlier than my children would normally wake me up. Watching the sun rise over the water is magical. There are some sections of the Lane Cove River where you are completely surrounded by bush and cannot see any houses – it is amazing to have that right in the middle of suburbia.

Describe Lane Cove in three words

Friendly Passionate Convenient

Snag or Cake Stall on Election Day – which one do you buy first?

Cakes! I’ve got a sweet tooth!

Joanne Spiteri – Keep Sydney Open

Why Did You Decide to Run in this Election?

The government’s failure to really listen to the community, to take the advice of experts, to acknowledge the economic impact of reactive, slap-dash solutions, and to be open, transparent and accountable in decision-making processes. Rallies and petitions were not leading to any change. I said “Enough”. Politics in NSW is a closed-shop. Keep Sydney Open is for a more adaptive and responsive approach to politics, representing people all over NSW.

What do you think are the five biggest issues in the Lane Cove Electorate? 

  • The residential population has increased significantly without an appropriate increase in public transport. Many locals rely on buses to get to work, and I have experienced the frustrations of many residents with the queues at the Lane Cove Interchange and the 251 Freeway bus being full from the first stop.
  • Local tree canopy and public open space are not being prioritised. Many of the new apartment blocks have little or no shared green spaces of their own. Countless mature trees have been cut down when demolishing free standing houses.
  • Lack of parking. So many locals stop shopping local because of this and go to the suburbs with large shopping centres instead.
  • Empty shops. Many shops have had long periods between tenants. There is a shop on Longueville Road that has been mostly empty for the past decade.
  • Under developed bicycle infrastructure, leading to many residents relying on their cars for short trips. This could go some way in alleviating the traffic congestion issues in the Lane Cove electorate, with the added benefits of exercise and less pollution.

How will you fix the public transport issue?

By listening to what the residents want and taking the advice of experts. Keep Sydney Open is about being open and inclusive.

How will you provide more infrastructure to Lane Cove? (better roads, better schools etc)

Decongest our streets and roads by investing in bicycle infrastructure and better transport options. We will embed the community and experts into the decision- making processes.

What is your favourite place to visit in Lane Cove?

I’m a big supporter of eating locally. I can’t pick just one! Some of my favourite places are Encasa, Shorties, The Four Frogs Creperie, and The Longy.

Describe Lane Cove in three words

My favourite village.

Snag or Cake Stall on Election Day – which one do you buy first?

I’m buying a cake first. A lamington, cinnamon tea cake or chocolate butter cake.

Good Luck to all the candidates running in this election.  Here is the list of where you can vote in Lane Cove on election day and also where you can pre poll and how to vote online.


Do you have a local issue you would like help with? ITC is here to help just email us at [email protected]

  • Sign up for the weekly In the Cove Newsletter
  • Like us on Facebook
  • Follow us on Instagram @inthecove
  • Tweet us on Twitter @InTheCoveITC
  • Pin us on Pinterest inthecoveITC
  • Tell your friends about ITC (they will thank you!!). Remember to tell them that ITC is a website and they do not have to have access to any Social Media to enjoy ITC – we often speak to people who tell us they want to follow ITC but don’t have Facebook or Instagram account (you don’t need them)