The 28 August 2018 meeting of Inner West Council saw us debate whether to adopt the revised development control plan (DCP) for the recently rezoned Victoria Road Precinct in Marrickville. Council's strategic planning and legal teams had recommended not to do this, as the contributions plan that compels developers to pay for infrastructure upgrades needs to be revised to match the new zoning. They advised that approving the DCP before this is done could leave Council facing costs of up to $50 million with limited ability to claim this from developers.

The Mayor, Darcy Byrne, moved that we adopt the DCP instead, which passed after all the Labor and Liberal councillors, plus Victor Macri, supported it. Here's the transcript of the speech I made during the debate on the night, explaining why I couldn't support this, and would be voting for what our officers had recommended instead.

I'm also supporting a rescission motion to overturn this decision at the next Council meeting on Tuesday 11 September. If you'd like to speak at this meeting, you'll need to register on Council's website by 2pm Tuesday. The meeting starts at 6:30pm at Ashfield Council Chambers. It's Item 18 on the agenda.

Here's my latest supporter newsletter, with updates about my successful motions for our community, the Council next meeting, IWOST, a demolition halted and more. Want to get these sent to your inbox? Sign up here.

One of the most common reasons residents contact me at Inner West Council is to raise concerns about a proposed development application or DA in their neighbourhood. And while I’m always happy to help, many people are surprised when I tell them that, thanks to recent changes made by the NSW Government, Councillors now have very little say over whether a DA is approved or not.

On New Year's Eve 2017, I took a look back at the year that was in the Inner West. Topics covered include the election campaign and the Labor/Liberal (Laboral?) mayoralty power-sharing deal, WestConnex, Sydney Metro, planning proposals, and the work I'm doing with you to make sure our Inner West remains the best place in Sydney to live, work and play.

ICYMI: Pauline launched her campaign with the following story in the local Inner West Courier. It's not on their website, so we've published it here alongside the original article.

A LEADING local activist wants to shake things up as an Independent councillor in the upcoming Inner West Council.

Pauline Lockie is Deputy Mayor of Inner West Council, and your progressive independent Councillor for the Damun/Stanmore ward. She's running for re-election in the local government election on 4 December 2021 – and she'd love your support.

How to vote for Pauline Lockie

Re-elect Pauline Lockie

Pauline has been a Councillor at Inner West Council since 2017, and was elected Deputy Mayor in 2021. Prior to that, she was a tireless fighter for our community as a founding member of the WestCONnex Action Group.

She is passionate about liveable cities, local democracy, equality and sustainable development. And with your support at this election, Pauline will keep working to:

• Get our basic services on track
• Keep our local businesses and creative industries thriving
• Invest in our local parks, playgrounds, cycleways and public spaces
• Fixing destructive tree removal policies and restoring our local canopy
• Making sure you have a real say in decisions that affect you.

Early voting starts Monday 22 November. Election day is Saturday 4 December.

How to vote for Pauline Lockie

A track record of working for you

Since being elected, Pauline has:

• Brought Pride Seats celebrating key LGBTIQ+ activists to the Inner West
• Led Council's opposition to 'religious freedom' laws that threaten hard-won rights for LGBTIQ+ people, women, people with disabilities, and more
• Worked with local businesses and creative industries to protect our main streets and industrial/creative spaces, and support our Covid-19 recovery
• Worked for improved public and active transport, lower traffic speeds on local streets, and the completion of the GreenWay
• Fought against the relaxation of tree protections
• Partnered with local organisations to launch the #RacismNotWelcome campaign, Council’s first Gender Equity Strategy, and ban sales of animal fur on Council land
• Taken action to improve our local parks and bring forward investment in roads and footpaths.

Pauline has also helped hundreds of people get the outcomes they need from Council, and remains dedicated to making the organisation and its processes more accessible to its residents.

More about Pauline