Michael Regan, Mayor of the Northern Beaches, will stand as an independent candidate for the state seat of Wakehurst at the upcoming election on 25 March.
Mayor Regan says there are many big challenges facing the Wakehurst community that require State Government input and he wants to be part of delivering the solutions. He will run under the banner of ‘Safe hands. Smart solutions’ as a nod to his years of experience in Government and his deep understanding of local and State issues.
“I want to make sure there is a strong voice at the table; someone who is not guided by party interests or political factions and who has the best interests of the Wakehurst community at heart. That’s what being an independent is all about – the only people you’re answerable to are the local community. Not donors, not party leaders; just your local community. That’s exactly how it should be.”
Michael points to a number of key policy areas where he claims smart solutions already exist but the State Government is holding the community back.
“We need affordable local housing options for everyone – from downsizers to first home buyers and, of course, our essential workers.”
“I’m going to work for smarter town planning that will give us the urban centres we deserve at Frenchs Forest and Brookvale backed by the right infrastructure.”
“We need to put in place sensible measures to lower our power bills and protect our homes and natural environment from overdevelopment and the impacts of climate.”
“I can deliver effective plans to fix our traffic bottlenecks and public transport – starting with the Officeworks intersection at Dee Why.”
“On all these issues, smart solutions do exist - the State Government continues to hold us back.”
“I have served our community for 14 years and I’m passionate about ensuring our voice is heard at a State level. I have the experience, the relationships and the local knowledge to get things done.”
Mayor Regan says the State Government decision to develop an area of Belrose known locally as “Lizard Rock” was a big part of his decision to stand.
“The Northern Beaches’ community is often taken for granted by both sides of politics. The massive over-development of the Lizard Rock area is just the latest example of that,” he claims.
“The community spoke passionately about wanting to keep that bushland pristine. Instead, the Liberals gave the green light to clearing over 45 footy fields of bushland and putting more than 400 homes in a bushfire zone. This was against their own planning processes and despite the fact the four local Liberal MPs opposed the decision. They – and our community – were ignored.”
“Meanwhile Labor wants the northern suburbs to take increased development. It’s a disgrace and proof that the two-party system does not serve our community”.
Michael will be focusing on 6 key areas:
- Fixing the Bottlenecks – addressing significant traffic congestion and public transport problems on the Northern Beaches;
- Housing Affordability – provide better housing options for all, from downsizers to first home buyers to housing for our essential workers;
- Lower Energy Bills – make rooftop solar power more affordable by offering $15,000 interest-free loans without a cap or postcode qualification;
- Climate Protection – Proper planning to protect our homes and community from inundation, flooding and bushfires;
- Vibrant Communities – Ensure the planning for Frenchs Forest and Brookvale deliver vibrant urban centres with appropriate infrastructure and fantastic public facilities;
- Health and Education – Fund and support our vital healthcare, NDIS, aged care and public education workers and support our mental health services.
The State election will be held on Saturday 25 March.
For more information about the election, including postal voting, pre poll voting & Michael Regan’s policies, visit MichaelRegan4MP.com