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's running for re-election in the local government elections on 4 September 2021 – and she'd love your support.

Chip in to support Pauline's campaign

Meet Pauline Lockie

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

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

She is passionate about liveable cities, local democracy, equality and sustainable development. 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
• 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 to improve safety and amenity in 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.

Read more