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 your progressive independent Councillor for the Damun/Stanmore ward of Inner West Council. She is dedicated to making sure our Inner West remains the best place in Sydney to live, work and play.

Meet Pauline Lockie

As a local activist, founding member of the WestCONnex Action Group and independent Councillor at Inner West Council, Pauline has been a tireless fighter for our community.

Her work played a key role in making WestConnex as controversial as it deserves to be, and helped make rising discontent with the project a key factor behind Premier Mike Baird’s sudden resignation in 2017.

Due to the wide-ranging impact WestConnex is having on the Inner West, Pauline’s advocacy expanded to include issues such as public transport, sustainable cities, development, the right to protest, democratic planning, and more.

In 2016, Pauline’s advocacy for our community was recognised when she was named the Newtown electorate’s Local Woman of the Year.

Pauline is passionate about liveable cities, local democracy, equality and sustainable development. She has proven herself to be someone who is fearless about speaking truth to power, standing up to the government to protect the long-term future of our community, and supporting residents across the Inner West.

Since being elected, Pauline has brought Pride Seats celebrating key LGBTIQ+ activists to the Inner West, fought for the preservation of our industrial/creative areas, supported local businesses, campaigned against the relaxation of tree protections, and much more. She has also personally 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.

Read more

Above right: Image created by Pauline's friends at Yarra Campaign for Action on Transport following Mike Baird's resignation.