Frequently Asked Questions

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Early in my term, I believed I could achieve better outcomes by working quietly and collaboratively with fellow councillors and administration. I advocated for savings and rate freezes, but consensus prevailed and rate rises went ahead. Recognising that approach wasn’t delivering results for ratepayers, it became clear that a stronger public stance was needed. For the past two years, I consistently opposed rate increases and spoke out against long-term financial plans that locked in higher costs for households and small businesses.

I challenged spending proposals that weren’t essential, argued for rate freezes, and focused on driving efficiencies instead of raising charges. My voting record reflects that shift: robustly and rigorously opposing strategies that added to financial pressures.

My position is clear: Council must live within its means, focus on its core responsibilities, and deliver better value for the rates you pay.

I led the opposition to the Western Foreshore commercial development and consistently voted against the City’s support for it. My position rested on three principles:

Public open space matters
The Western Foreshore is an A-class reserve. Once open space is lost to commercial use, it rarely returns. This should remain a place for families and visitors - a space to enjoy freely for generations.

Fairness and free enterprise
I support private investment on private land, not government ventures competing with local businesses or undermining plans to revitalise the city centre. I also questioned the economic modelling behind the proposal.

Community voice and long-term view
I agreed with the concerns of residents and local traders, and I made sure those voices were heard. My stance reflected what I believe is best for Mandurah’s future: fairness, transparency, and protecting a treasured public asset.

During my first term, I’ve worked hard to balance community priorities, fiscal responsibility, and preserving what makes Mandurah special. Here are some achievements I’m proud to highlight:

Blue Bay Northern Car Park
One achievement I’m proud of was working closely with the community to improve the northern car park at Blue Bay after the City’s redesigns threatened to drastically reduce bays and remove ocean-view parking. Generations of locals and visitors have parked here to enjoy sunsets, storms, or a quiet moment by the water, and more than 1,000 residents signed a petition to protect that experience. I supported this grassroots effort by advocating strongly in briefings, meeting with the CEO and Mayor, and collaborating with colleagues to negotiate a better outcome. Together, we secured a final design that added bays back and kept the aspect for vehicle viewing, preserving a much-loved community spot at little additional cost. 

Permanent Sand Bypassing for our Coast

Since being elected, I’ve been a strong advocate for getting a permanent sand bypass solution properly investigated. Using my engineering and project management background, I consistently pushed for this study through Council questions, meetings with staff, and by listening to and representing community groups - including environmental advocates, beach users, and the local surfing community.

The study confirmed what we believed: a permanent bypass is technically sound, environmentally responsible, and financially smart. It could save ratepayers millions of dollars over coming years by reducing the need for costly, disruptive digging, screening, and pumping. It would also improve beach amenity and more closely mirror the natural sand movement that existed before the Dawesville Cut was built.

This outcome is an example of how persistence, technical knowledge, and genuine consultation can deliver a win for ratepayers, the environment, and our city’s future.

And while it was contentious, I’m proud of my consistent opposition to the Western Foreshore commercial development. There was strong pressure inside and outside the chamber, but I believed - and still believe - that an A-class reserve should remain a public open space. I stood up for local businesses concerned about unfair competition, and I fought for future generations who deserve to enjoy the foreshore without losing what makes it special.

These examples show how I’ve tried to balance listening, technical thinking, and independence - always with the community front of mind.

Alongside my broader advocacy, I’ve always made time to listen to residents and families. I’ve genuinely listened to their concerns, ensured they were heard, and advocated on their behalf to get things done. Much of this work happens day-to-day - helping with local safety issues, planning questions, or navigating council processes. My focus has always been on delivering practical outcomes and making sure people feel respected, supported, and connected to their council.