Do you want to know where your candidates for the Bankstown Canterbury Council election 9 September stand on the important local issues?
We received responses from Linda Eisler (Greens); the Labor ticket (Clare Raffan, Imogen Wareing, Floris Lam) and Philip Madirazza (Liberal). The OLC ticket (Jennifer Azzi, Michael Kotsopolous, Caterina McLean) did not respond to our questions.
Note, the Hurlstone Park Association is not aligned with any political party or politicians. We have sought and collated these responses for the Hurlstone Park community’s information. The HPA does not endorse any candidate.
These are the questions and their responses in alphabetical order of Greens, Labor and Liberal:
1. Do you support the proposed Heritage Plan for Hurlstone Park?
Linda Eisler (Greens)
I most definitely support the heritage plan for Hurlstone Park. I do have a vested interest as I live in Hurlstone Park and the character of the area is one of the reasons I moved here.
When I got onto council in 2008 I agitated for a heritage plan for the whole of the Canterbury Council area but to no avail.
Clare Raffan, Imogen Wareing, Floris Lam (Labor)
Yes we support the heritage plan for Hurlstone Park. Hurlstone Park is unique in character due to its historical and aesthetics significance. Therefore the Canterbury ward Labor team believe it should be preserved. We support proposed heritage plan as a means to protect Hurlstone Park and hold to account the NSW Department of Planning & Environment. We’ll want to work with the community and consult organisations such as the Hurlstone Park Association (HPA) in any future development in Hurlstone Park.
Philip Madirazza (Lib)
I believe in heritage protection plans for suburbs or individual properties that have a significant cultural or period relevance.
2. Do you support strengthened heritage protection for Hurlstone Park, Ashbury, Canterbury and Belmore?
Linda Eisler (Greens)
I want to see it for the whole of the Council area. Many beautiful and historic buildings have been lost throughout the area. We need to maintain our history as well as build new buildings. The success of a protection plan is through consultation with residents and sensible and creative planning. It can’t be done from a desk and it needs experts in the fields of architecture; planning and; heritage talking to the community. Unfortunately for developers and those who like a quick fix that takes time. But as far as I’m concerned that’s the only way to get a satisfactory outcome.
What has been developed in Canterbury, and what is proposed in the State Government Precinct plans shows what you get when you don’t do that. Unsustainable, overdeveloped, ugly, not what the community wants and not able to provide for a healthy and happy community into the future.
Clare Raffan, Imogen Wareing, Floris Lam (Labor)
Yes, we believe that these protections are needed to protect the character of Canterbury, Belmore, Ashbury and Hurlstone Park. These areas are significant to the development of Australia’s identity after Federation and the inter-war years. These houses need protection with the over-development of the Sydenham to Bankstown metro.
Philip Madirazza (Lib)
[no response]
3. Will you advocate for social and affordable housing targets in large developments?
Linda Eisler (Greens)
If I didn’t I doubt I’d be able to remain a member of The Greens.
This has been an important issue for us at Local, State and Federal areas. I believe the SEPP 69 is a developer’s dream. They get to overdevelop and only put 10% of housing aside for just 10 years. It hasn’t brought down the cost of housing either. There needs to be affordable housing for all and long term placements for those who are in real need and never able to buy a home.
Clare Raffan, Imogen Wareing, Floris Lam (Labor)
Yes, we believe housing should be affordable and suitable for all families. The Canterbury Labor team if elected will fight to sure that any large development will have a social housing component as well as work with State and Federal government to increase the supply and quality of social housing in the area.
Philip Madirazza (Lib)
Affordable housing will be on every one’s mind over the years to come given the growth that Sydney and Australia is experiencing. Affordable housing targets must be met, we must be competitive and affordable not only in Canterbury Bankstown but as a whole. I accept that there is strain on families and the rising costs of living.
4. What are your views on the State Government’s Southwest Metro Strategy?
Linda Eisler (Greens)
I am opposed to it. Why is it proposed at all? Why rip up a perfectly serviceable heavy rail line, cause us years of inconvenience, and replace it with another line? The answer I believe is not to improve rail services, but rather to privatise public transport, minimise unionised labor, and give the Metro builder huge property development opportunities. Experts have recently cast doubts on the claims that there will be huge increases in capacity.
Clare Raffan, Imogen Wareing, Floris Lam (Labor)
The State Government’s Southwest Metro Strategy is fundamentally flawed. There has been no additional money allocated for schools and hospitals and we don’t believe that a privatised metro is adequate replacement for state owned heavy rail. We feel that this strategy was pushed by the government during a period where we had no elected councillors. We are also concerned about budget blow out with the project and that there will be significant delays in the construction of the line.
Philip Madirazza (Lib)
The Canterbury-Bankstown has taken its fare share of Sydney’s development burden. I will ensure that any development in our area is taken with community backing and the assurance that we alone do not do all the heavy lifting.
5. Do you think the Southwest Metro should stop at Sydenham or extend beyond Sydenham?
Linda Eisler (Greens)
For all of the reasons above, I believe that if it proceeds beyond Sydenham it should proceed south towards Sans Souci and Miranda where a new train line is needed. This new line would also have the advantage of precluding the building of a toll way from the Royal National Park to St Peters. All that the existing Bankstown heavy rail line needs is an improvement in the signaling system.
Clare Raffan, Imogen Wareing, Floris Lam (Labor)
We believe that there are other areas of Sydney that need priority when building new public transport infrastructure. This includes rail to Badgerys Creek airport or light rail to Sydney Olympic park from Parramatta. This will be a massive spending project where there is already heavy rail and that the are other areas that need to be serviced by rail or a metro. We will work with other councils such as Bayside and Inner-west council to see if there are better options to the Southwest metro than what is being purposed.
Philip Madirazza (Lib)
I believe that prior to growth we must be ready. We must ensure that the right infrastructure is in place to receipt this growth. I want a city that is safe, clean, easy to live and work in and as well as affordable.
6. What are your views on the DPE’s Sydenham to Bankstown Urban Renewal Corridor strategy?
Linda Eisler (Greens)
It is not an ‘urban renewal’ strategy, but merely a planning framework to allow increased dwelling densities.
The methodologies used to develop the Strategy are so deeply flawed that the project must be comprehensively re-worked in favour of planning for housing growth that will enhance livability of this corridor, rather than merely increase development opportunities.
I believe the Canterbury Council area has already met the State Government’s residential increase targets and gone beyond. What has been built and is proposed for the future will only produce the slums of tomorrow, in my opinion.
No thought or care has been given to schools, hospitals, green space, community facilities, old age homes, parking at stations, transport issues, and the list goes on.
I believe there will be perpetual shadows over the city. Already, in Charles St, a cold wind tunnel that offers little inducement to develop a sense of community. The Strategy would make our suburbs uninviting and under resourced in what a community needs to live happily and healthily.
Clare Raffan, Imogen Wareing, Floris Lam (Labor)
This strategy has left South-West Sydney to deal with the growing pains of an expanding population. We are expected to shoulder 35 000 new dwellings just along the Sydenham to Bankstown, this is not including the priority precincts at Bardwell Park and Riverwood. This strategy was developed in Macquarie street by planners with no connection to the community without input from local decision making bodies or community groups.This strategy has left South-West Sydney to deal with the growing pains of an expanding population. We are expected to shoulder 35 000 new dwellings just along the Sydenham to Bankstown, this is not including the priority precincts at Bardwell Park and Riverwood. This strategy was developed in Macquarie street by planners with no connection to the community without input from local decision making bodies or community groups. If elected we will pressure the NSW State government to reconsider and redraw their plans for Sydenham to Bankstown Urban Renewal Corridor strategy.
Philip Madirazza (Lib)
On face value and given the broad outcomes that the DPE is looking to achieve it looks very positive. The detail in relation to planning and execution will be the deciding factor if we as a community should support the project.
7. Do you think there should be a cap on apartment approvals?
Linda Eisler (Greens)
I think there should be a decent LEP and DCP that plans for what is needed in the whole of the city. Plans that provide for low rise, medium rise, high-rise. Plans that have parks, schools and community facilities. There needs to be excellent planning and not planning for what suits the needs of government or developers. They don’t live here.
In that sense I believe there should be a cap on apartment approvals.
Clare Raffan, Imogen Wareing, Floris Lam (Labor)
We believe that any apartment approvals should be in line with community expectation and to ensure that there is no diminish in essential services for your community or degradation to community services and environment. We oppose over-development but do believe that sustainable development is needed. We will not put an arbitrary cap on apartment approvals.
Philip Madirazza (Lib)
[no response]
8. Do you have any associations with the former Canterbury Council?
Linda Eisler (Greens)
Yes, I was a councillor from 2008 till 2015. However, I never participated in any corrupt behavior. I alerted ICAC to issues I had concerns with in late 2014. I have continued to assist them in their investigations. I have always represented residents, the local businesses and community groups in a fair, transparent and correct manner.
Clare Raffan, Imogen Wareing, Floris Lam (Labor)
The Canterbury Ward Labor Team is a fresh team of Labor members. While we have former councillors helping on our campaign such as Kayee Griffen and Esta Paschalidis-Chilas we have distanced ourselves from a number of former Labor councillors.
9. Why do you want to be a councillor on Canterbury-Bankstown Council?
Linda Eisler (Greens)
My reputation amongst residents, the local chambers of commerce, environment groups, associations like HP Assoc is that I am there to defend and promote their issues. That’s the reason I want to be a Local Government Councillor. For me, that’s the job description.
The Council meetings in my first term were ok. I didn’t like everything that got up, but there was a very different feel to things than in the period after 2012.
However, even after 2012, I enjoyed all the committees I was on, over 10. Disability; Indigenous; Multicultural; Environment; Floodplain; Southern Sydney Region of Councils; GreenWay; Traffic to name a number of them. I was meeting community people and we were creating changes and activities that were helping make the Canterbury Council area a better, more livable place.
I was involved in a lot of community consultation like the Ewen Park community centre and energy renewable scoping plan that led to the recent alternative energy meeting in the HP RSL. The Interfaith talks were a concept of mine and are still happening to day. I was also involved with the creation of Canterbury’s Statement of Common Values. I helped design a community garden in Lakemba. Plus, it was through a meeting with residents over a development on Canterbury Rd, where MLC David Shoebridge attended, and afterwards we had a meeting with a local resident that the HP Association was initially discussed and began.
There were so many activities happening in Canterbury and I was involved in many like NAIDOC Week and Mental Health Week. I loved that part of my job. I also loved helping residents with individual issues. A roundabout near Dunstaffenge St got changed as one of the engineer’s in our community mentioned a problem with the design. The lip of the road at Duntroon St near Richardson and Wrench got lowered (and that, amazingly, required persistence). The little free library was another win I had.
So that’s why I’m standing again. I love my job.
Clare Raffan, Imogen Wareing, Floris Lam (Labor)
Clare, Imogen and Floris want to be councillors in order to represent our community and ensure that it is protected from the excesses of the NSW Liberal government overdevelopment. We are concerned that the proposed changes will affect the cohesiveness of our community by limiting green and recreational space.
We see that as the Labor ticket we are best position to work with state and federal government to ensure that the needs and interest of our community are met. We have witnessed that under the administration of the council facilities such as parks and sporting fields have become neglected. We believe that the Labor team can give the strongest voice for the residents of Canterbury ward.
Philip Madirazza (Lib)
I am running for council to bring transparency to decisions and ensure that all are properly informed.
10. To whom will your preferences flow?
Linda Eisler (Greens)
I have decided to preference Labor. The team is totally new. I know Clare and I believe I can work with her.
Clare Raffan, Imogen Wareing, Floris Lam (Labor)
We have agreed with the Greens to do a preference swap.
Philip Madirazza (Lib)
My personal view is that people should Vote 1 above the line and leave at that… as I believe my Liberal Team can deliver the best outcomes for this community.
11. Do you have business, investment or family interests in real estate, construction or
other related business that may benefit from information gained or decisions made
by council?
Linda Eisler (Greens)
No. I own my own home and that’s it. No one in my family is in building or real estate etc.
Clare Raffan, Imogen Wareing, Floris Lam (Labor)
No, we do not.
Philip Madirazza (Lib)
I have no relations, interest, investments or any other related business that would see me benefit from council decisions.
12. How will your role as a councillor benefit the community?
Linda Eisler (Greens)
All I can say further to what I have said is that I will continue to be a representative that is there for the community and not for myself.
I will to continue what I was doing from 2008 to 2015 with the same honesty and integrity.
Clare Raffan, Imogen Wareing, Floris Lam (Labor)
Clare is a strong advocate for keeping the local in local government. Clare supports local businesses and services where she can and believes that healthy communities benefit from local employment. She is committed to protecting the Labor Party’s interests and upholding the Labor Party’s collaborative approach to issues by consulting with stakeholders and residents if elected to council.
Imogen can bring a range of work and life skills to serve the community as a Councillor. She has experience as a High School teaching, Human Resources Manager and Consultant and currently Career and Job skills coach / trainer and Recruitment specialist. having worked at the top of organisations in developing strategic plans and structures Imogen can support people in working at their best.
Philip Madirazza (Lib)
Its time for a fresh, modern, safe and professional approach that will voice the concerns and needs of its constituents to all levels of government.
13. How will you keep connected to the needs and views of the people in the community you may represent?
Linda Eisler (Greens)
I’ll keep participating in groups like Cooks River Valley Association; Wolli Creek Preservation Society; Hurlstone Park Association; Hurlstone Park and Earlwood Chambers of Commerce; Facebook Communities; Council Working Groups like the ones mentioned.
I have always been good at responding to emails promptly and feeding information to the relevant directors about issues brought to me by the residents.
I’ve continued to do so on an informal basis since 2016 when Canterbury was put into Administration. I also attend a lot of community functions and forums.
Clare Raffan, Imogen Wareing, Floris Lam (Labor)
Having experience as a union organiser and in Human resources Clare and Imogen have experience in listening and voicing the concerns of people and organisations. They both know the importance of following up issues or complaints and how to actively engage with people. This has given the the skills and confidence that will be needed to represent such a large ward such as Canterbury.
Philip Madirazza (Lib)
However if elected, I would make it my business to make sure that the communication between the community and the department is constant. “Our residents deserve a voice”.
Canterbury Greens 