Broad-leaved Geebung (Persoonia levis)
Blue Mountains
City Council Election
4 December 2021
City Council Election
4 December 2021
an environmental perspective of the election
Questionnaire Response - all wards
Please note that personal identification has been redacted in the responses.
Ward 1
- Kevin Schreiber (Liberal)
- Suzie Van Opdorp (Labor) candidate's response
- Sarah Redshaw (The Greens) candidate's response
Ward 2
- Joanne Bromilow (Liberal)
- Chris Van der Kley (Indep.) candidate's response
- Romola Hollywood (Labor) candidate's response
- Brent Hoare (Greens) candidate's response
Ward 3
- Kingsley Liu (Greens) candidate's response
- Mick Fell (Labor) candidate's response
- Daniel Myles (Indep.)
- Roza Sage (Liberal)
Ward 4
- Mark Greenhill (Labor) candidate's response
- Peter O'Toole (Indep.) candidate's response
- Brendan Christie (Liberal)
Preface
What follows is a tabulation of the candidate's responses to the questionnaire to allow a comparison.
Candidates were asked to answer each question with a "yes" or "no" - there being no assumed answer if left blank.
The last item in the questionnaire - a statement of personal conservation values - is provided first.
Personal conservation values
If elected, what will you do for the environment? Outline one or more projects/issues that you intend to work on. Limit 100 words.
Ward 1
Kevin Schreiber (Liberal)
Suzie Van Opdorp (Labor)
My background as a social worker is in health, social and community services and
social justice issues. I see environment as inextricably linked to the health and
welfare of the community.
One of my key strengths is working collaboratively and in consultation with the community and organisational stakeholders. Whilst working for Trish Doyle MP I developed strong working relationships with environmental groups and stakeholders in the Blue Mountains. If elected I will work with Blue Mtns Conservation Society, the Colong Foundation and other stakeholders as well as residents’ groups drawing on their knowledge, expertise and advice. I believe a united position is needed to address a range of environmental issues and vulnerabilities as well as the protection of our natural assets.
Council currently has a number of big-picture issues on the agenda – Warragamba Dam, the Western Sydney Airport, Zombie development applications and protecting our LEP. I will commit to working on these matters as a priority
One of my key strengths is working collaboratively and in consultation with the community and organisational stakeholders. Whilst working for Trish Doyle MP I developed strong working relationships with environmental groups and stakeholders in the Blue Mountains. If elected I will work with Blue Mtns Conservation Society, the Colong Foundation and other stakeholders as well as residents’ groups drawing on their knowledge, expertise and advice. I believe a united position is needed to address a range of environmental issues and vulnerabilities as well as the protection of our natural assets.
Council currently has a number of big-picture issues on the agenda – Warragamba Dam, the Western Sydney Airport, Zombie development applications and protecting our LEP. I will commit to working on these matters as a priority
Sarah Redshaw (The Greens)
I am interested in the idea of a sanctuary for injured wildlife but need to know more
about what is involved and how council can contribute.
I’d like to see more promotion about the impact of cats and ability to give people information.
More shared use of roads – footpaths and cycleways, reduced speeds and chicanes.
We will be working together as Greens councillors to implement council’s commitment to the climate emergency declaration.
We will pursue the implementation of the Blue Mountains Greens climate action plan and promote the rights of nature and understanding of this in the community by for example, contributing to the community strategic plan.
I’d like to see more promotion about the impact of cats and ability to give people information.
More shared use of roads – footpaths and cycleways, reduced speeds and chicanes.
We will be working together as Greens councillors to implement council’s commitment to the climate emergency declaration.
We will pursue the implementation of the Blue Mountains Greens climate action plan and promote the rights of nature and understanding of this in the community by for example, contributing to the community strategic plan.
Ward 2
Joanne Bromilow (Liberal)
Chris Van der Kley (Indep.)
I am committed to protecting the quality of life in the blue mountains and continue to support council stand on the environment, over development and also the 24 hour airport.
Continue to improve our infrastructure across the city like parks, roads and especially water run-off of roads into our creeks, also improve our waste and recycling services for the benefit of all and our environment.
Continue to improve our infrastructure across the city like parks, roads and especially water run-off of roads into our creeks, also improve our waste and recycling services for the benefit of all and our environment.
Romola Hollywood (Labor)
I will continue to advocate for action on climate change as our city is directly exposed to the impacts of increasingly extreme bushfires, floods and storms. I will support Council’s goal of Net Zero by 2025 and measures to reduce our carbon footprint. I will protect the character of our towns and villages from overdevelopment and our natural environment by maintaining the current provisions in our LEP. I will continue to work with our community, including the Traditional Owners, to manage the impacts of increased visitation to our natural areas and bushland reserves including upgrading trails and visitor amenities.
Brent Hoare (Greens)
In Ward two we face a big challenge to defeat the proposed 'Croc Park' tourist hotel development, and I will continue to work collaboratively to protect this environmentally sensitive land between towns.
We will be working together as Greens Councillors to implement the council's commitment to the climate emergency declaration.
We will pursue the implementation of the Blue Mountains Greens climate action plan.
A key focus of mine will be promoting the rights of nature and understanding of this in the community by integrating this approach in the Community Strategic Plan.
We will be working together as Greens Councillors to implement the council's commitment to the climate emergency declaration.
We will pursue the implementation of the Blue Mountains Greens climate action plan.
A key focus of mine will be promoting the rights of nature and understanding of this in the community by integrating this approach in the Community Strategic Plan.
Ward 3
Kingsley Liu (Greens)
I would work on 1) developing ordinance ( low level legal framework ) to incorporate alternate legal mechanism to protect ecosystems, waterways and natural habitat. This builds a Rights of Nature approach to strengthen current EPA
2) limit property development by installing more conditions to be satisfied at local government level
2) limit property development by installing more conditions to be satisfied at local government level
Mick Fell (Labor)
I have been deeply involved in bringing the Planetary Health Initiative into Council and will continue to pursue the development of it. I am particularly keen to see the Council continue to work closely with the local community, the world heritage Institute and education institutes at all levels to keep the Blue Mountains at the forefront of environmental awareness and to highlight the leadership role that local government can play in this space.
Daniel Myles (Indep.)
Roza Sage (Liberal)
Ward 4
Mark Greenhill (Labor)
The council I have led was one of the first to support Rights Of Nature and the recognition of animals as sentient beings. I will continue to push for our local government to be leaders (and recognised as such) in the environmental and social justice spaces.
Peter O'Toole (Indep.)
This Council is a poor council. There is minimal community involvement and no press scrutiny.
Brendan Christie (Liberal)
Environment budget
| Q.1 | a) Do you support increasing the Council’s natural environment budget to at least 5% of the Council’s overall budget in 21/22 and then ongoing? |
| Candidate | Party | yes/no | Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| ward 1 | |||
| Kevin Schreiber | Liberal | ||
| Suzie Van Opdorp | Labor | yes | |
| Sarah Redshaw | Greens | yes | Very much warranted. |
| ward 2 | |||
| Joanne Bromilow | Liberal | ||
| Chris Van der Kley | Indep. | no | Some years we spend more and some less depends on projects |
| Romola Hollywood | Labor | yes | |
| Brent Hoare | Greens | yes | I certainly agree that greater funding for the natural environment is of great importance, and is supported by recognition of the Rights of Nature in the Community Strategic Plan. |
| ward 3 | |||
| Kingsley Liu | Greens | yes | Yes and review possible increase in further years |
| Mick Fell | Labor | yes | |
| Daniel Myles | Indep. | ||
| Roza Sage | Liberal | ||
| ward 4 | |||
| Mark Greenhill | Labor | yes | |
| Peter O'Toole | Indep. | yes | |
| Brendan Christie | Liberal | ||
Preamble: Council’s natural environment budget for 20/21 was 4% of Council’s overall budget (Blue Mountains Council Operational Plan 20-21 p69). Since 2018 the natural environment budget, as a percentage of Council’s overall budget, has remained at 4% and not increased. This is inadequate given the Blue Mountains is surrounded by World Heritage and the significant natural areas Council manage.
| b) Do you support reinstating transparent reporting of Council’s yearly natural environmental budget? |
| Candidate | Party | yes/no | Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| ward 1 | |||
| Kevin Schreiber | Liberal | ||
| Suzie Van Opdorp | Labor | yes | |
| Sarah Redshaw | Greens | yes | Transparency is preferable |
| ward 2 | |||
| Joanne Bromilow | Liberal | ||
| Chris Van der Kley | Indep. | yes | |
| Romola Hollywood | Labor | yes | |
| Brent Hoare | Greens | yes | I strongly support greater transparency of council expenditure. |
| ward 3 | |||
| Kingsley Liu | Greens | yes | |
| Mick Fell | Labor | yes | |
| Daniel Myles | Indep. | ||
| Roza Sage | Liberal | ||
| ward 4 | |||
| Mark Greenhill | Labor | yes | |
| Peter O'Toole | Indep. | yes | |
| Brendan Christie | Liberal | ||
Preamble: Prior to 2013, Council provided much more detailed public reporting on the planned expenditure of the natural environment budget. This has been discontinued and Council currently only provide an overall budget figure under the heading “Natural Environment” in the yearly Operational Plan. Without this detail, budget changes cannot be compared from one year to the next.
| c) Will you advocate for the introduction of a new budget item within the Natural Area Visitor Facilities for maintenance? |
| Candidate | Party | yes/no | Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| ward 1 | |||
| Kevin Schreiber | Liberal | ||
| Suzie Van Opdorp | Labor | yes | |
| Sarah Redshaw | Greens | yes | Another area that needs attention. |
| ward 2 | |||
| Joanne Bromilow | Liberal | ||
| Chris Van der Kley | Indep. | yes | |
| Romola Hollywood | Labor | yes | Having advocated with local residents for better infrastructure to manage the increased visitation to areas, such as Lincoln’s Rock and Paradise Pool, if re-elected, I would be prepared to take this proposal forward. |
| Brent Hoare | Greens | yes | Maintenance of council infrastructure is an ongoing challenge, and I am most supportive of any measures to generate improvements. |
| ward 3 | |||
| Kingsley Liu | Greens | yes | |
| Mick Fell | Labor | yes | |
| Daniel Myles | Indep. | ||
| Roza Sage | Liberal | ||
| ward 4 | |||
| Mark Greenhill | Labor | yes | |
| Peter O'Toole | Indep. | yes | |
| Brendan Christie | Liberal | ||
Preamble: Maintenance of visitor facilities does not currently have a budget. This means that skilled Council staff from other areas are often deployed to do this work. A specific allocation for maintenance of walking tracks and lookouts, toilets etc would ensure that Council assets do not get run down and require a major overhaul.
Katoomba Airfield
| Q.2 | Will you actively support the Katoomba Airfield (located at Medlow Bath) being included in the Blue Mountains National Park and retained for emergency services? |
| Candidate | Party | yes/no | Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| ward 1 | |||
| Kevin Schreiber | Liberal | ||
| Suzie Van Opdorp | Labor | yes | |
| Sarah Redshaw | Greens | yes | This is definitely a priority to prevent further potential developments. |
| ward 2 | |||
| Joanne Bromilow | Liberal | ||
| Chris Van der Kley | Indep. | yes | |
| Romola Hollywood | Labor | yes | I have supported Council’s current resolutions calling for the Katoomba Airfield to be included in the Blue Mountains National Park. |
| Brent Hoare | Greens | yes | Absolutely, I commit to ensuring this is a key goal for the forthcoming council term. |
| ward 3 | |||
| Kingsley Liu | Greens | yes | I note DA 21/15298 Helipad at Penrith with alarm. Sydney Helicopters is the applicant. We need to advocate the Minister again. |
| Mick Fell | Labor | yes | |
| Daniel Myles | Indep. | ||
| Roza Sage | Liberal | ||
| ward 4 | |||
| Mark Greenhill | Labor | yes | |
| Peter O'Toole | Indep. | yes | |
| Brendan Christie | Liberal | ||
Preamble: On 22 October, Crown Lands announced that it had refused the proposed lease to operate a commercial airfield, but will
continue to allow emergency operations. To ensure that there is never a commercial development on the site it needs to be
incorporated into the surrounding national park.
Dual naming
| Q.3 | Do you support the promotion of dual current and Aboriginal naming of Council managed iconic sites throughout the Blue Mountains (e.g. Minnehaha Falls and lookouts along the southern escarpment) in consultation with the Darug and Gundungurra communities? |
| Candidate | Party | yes/no | Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| ward 1 | |||
| Kevin Schreiber | Liberal | ||
| Suzie Van Opdorp | Labor | yes | In consultation with and lead by the Traditional Owners – Gundungurra and Darug Nations |
| Sarah Redshaw | Greens | yes | It is important that we do much more of this. |
| ward 2 | |||
| Joanne Bromilow | Liberal | ||
| Chris Van der Kley | Indep. | yes | |
| Romola Hollywood | Labor | yes | I would fully support a process led by the Traditional Owners to achieve this outcome. |
| Brent Hoare | Greens | yes | Adoption of the “Statement of Recognition and Commitment” in collaboration with Dharug and Gundungurra First Nations is one of the outstanding achievements of the current council, and I strongly support dual naming to continue affirming this commitment. |
| ward 3 | |||
| Kingsley Liu | Greens | yes | I live at Minnihaha Road |
| Mick Fell | Labor | yes | With adequate consultation with traditional owners. |
| Daniel Myles | Indep. | ||
| Roza Sage | Liberal | ||
| ward 4 | |||
| Mark Greenhill | Labor | yes | Led by Traditional Owners! It is essential that this process happens and is led by Traditional Owners and Elders. |
| Peter O'Toole | Indep. | yes | |
| Brendan Christie | Liberal | ||
Preamble: Many Councils are adopting a proactive program of dual naming sites owned and managed by local councils, in recognition
of local First Nations people eg Newcastle City and Hornsby Shire Councils.
Encroachment policy
| Q.4 | Do you support the development and resourcing of a Council Land Encroachment Policy to address degradation of bushland reserves caused by the use of this land by neighbouring private landholders? |
| Candidate | Party | yes/no | Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| ward 1 | |||
| Kevin Schreiber | Liberal | ||
| Suzie Van Opdorp | Labor | yes | |
| Sarah Redshaw | Greens | yes | Land degradation requires attention wherever possible to prevent any more environmental damage. |
| ward 2 | |||
| Joanne Bromilow | Liberal | ||
| Chris Van der Kley | Indep. | yes | |
| Romola Hollywood | Labor | yes | I have continued to make representations on the development of the encroachment policy. I have been advised the draft policy is being finalised and, if re-elected, I will pursue this. |
| Brent Hoare | Greens | yes | If re-elected, I am very interested in pursuing an encroachment policy in collaboration with like minded Councillors. |
| ward 3 | |||
| Kingsley Liu | Greens | yes | |
| Mick Fell | Labor | yes | |
| Daniel Myles | Indep. | ||
| Roza Sage | Liberal | ||
| ward 4 | |||
| Mark Greenhill | Labor | yes | |
| Peter O'Toole | Indep. | yes | |
| Brendan Christie | Liberal | ||
Preamble: The development of a Council Land Encroachment Policy has been included in past Council Operational Plans and has been raised by previous Councillors in Notice of Motions, but no policy has been finalised and adopted. Currently there are significant issues of residents degrading Council bushland reserves adjacent to their properties by using the land to park vehicles, stockpile materials, dispose of garden waste, or by mowing.
Climate change
| Q.5 | Do you support Council developing a policy of prohibiting gas appliances in all new residential developments in the Blue Mountains? |
| Candidate | Party | yes/no | Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| ward 1 | |||
| Kevin Schreiber | Liberal | ||
| Suzie Van Opdorp | Labor | yes | However I would want to see Council undertake extensive community consultation on this policy. |
| Sarah Redshaw | Greens | yes | Also support addition of a solar target. |
| ward 2 | |||
| Joanne Bromilow | Liberal | ||
| Chris Van der Kley | Indep. | I do not think council has the power to do this. | |
| Romola Hollywood | Labor | yes | Subject to community consultation and engagement on the issues and options, including whether prohibition is legally possible. |
| Brent Hoare | Greens | yes | Resolutely. My partner and I have recently built a hempcrete house that is gas free, and uses two air sourced heatpumps to provide heating, and I support phasing out gas swiftly. |
| ward 3 | |||
| Kingsley Liu | Greens | yes | |
| Mick Fell | Labor | yes | Providing that the power to do this lies with Council and in conjunction with the local community. |
| Daniel Myles | Indep. | ||
| Roza Sage | Liberal | ||
| ward 4 | |||
| Mark Greenhill | Labor | yes | Subject to confirmation about the legal powers existing to support this and consultation with community. |
| Peter O'Toole | Indep. | yes | Though, as with the endless climate debate, you cannot ignore price. The reason natural gas is so popular in the Mountains is the price relative to oil, and wood. How are you going to ban gas for cooking? |
| Brendan Christie | Liberal | ||
Preamble: Prioritising removing gas appliances from households in NSW is the quickest and most effective way to reduce gas usage and therefore climate change-inducing pollutants from the gas industry. It also relieves our homes of airborne pollutants from gas appliances which increase the risk of asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Canterbury Bankstown Council has led the way by proposing a ban on gas connections in new developments, and making rooftop solar panels compulsory, as part of the Masterplans for Campsie and Bankstown Town Centres.
Planning and development
| Q.6 | Do you support Council’s current opposition to the proposed NSW Government’s state-wide ‘one size fits all’ planning reforms applying to the Blue Mountains? This includes opposing -
|
| Candidate | Party | yes/no | Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| ward 1 | |||
| Kevin Schreiber | Liberal | ||
| Suzie Van Opdorp | Labor | yes | I support Council’s current LEP, character-zones and opposition to one-size fits all rampant overdevelopment being pushed by the LNP State Government and the impact on water catchment, World Heritage status, etc. |
| Sarah Redshaw | Greens | yes | Very important to keep large developments out of the mountains and maintain lower density development. |
| ward 2 | |||
| Joanne Bromilow | Liberal | ||
| Chris Van der Kley | Indep. | yes | |
| Romola Hollywood | Labor | yes | I have actively supported Council’s strong opposition to the raft of NSW Government-imposed planning reforms, which seek to override our Local Environment Plan, Local Strategic Planning Statement and our community’s voice. I will continue to fight for planning that protects the character of our towns and villages and our World Heritage environment. |
| Brent Hoare | Greens | yes | Absolutely, with persistence and determination. In line with our principle of Grassroots Democracy, the Greens seek a decentralisation of planning powers. |
| ward 3 | |||
| Kingsley Liu | Greens | yes | Essential |
| Mick Fell | Labor | yes | I will continue opposing the imposition of ‘one size fits all planning regulation as I have for the last 9 years. |
| Daniel Myles | Indep. | ||
| Roza Sage | Liberal | ||
| ward 4 | |||
| Mark Greenhill | Labor | yes | I support these policies that were put in place by the council in my time as mayor. I will continue to fight for them. |
| Peter O'Toole | Indep. | yes | |
| Brendan Christie | Liberal | ||
Preamble: The NSW Government is currently escalating reforms that will further centralise planning decisions and over-ride local planning controls. The Society believes these reforms will fast track inappropriate development in the Blue Mountains, exclude residents’ ability to have a say over how and where development will occur and will degrade the local environment and character of the Blue Mountains.
| Q.7 | Do you support Council’s current policy of low new housing targets for the Blue Mountains? |
| Candidate | Party | yes/no | Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| ward 1 | |||
| Kevin Schreiber | Liberal | ||
| Suzie Van Opdorp | Labor | yes | I do support the targets as this is one of the reasons I have lived in the Blue Mountains for nearly 40 years, however, I also believe we need to look at ways to address rental shortages and social housing needs. |
| Sarah Redshaw | Greens | yes | Human impact on the area has to be minimised. |
| ward 2 | |||
| Joanne Bromilow | Liberal | ||
| Chris Van der Kley | Indep. | yes | |
| Romola Hollywood | Labor | yes | |
| Brent Hoare | Greens | yes | I support the current policy and will continue to do so. |
| ward 3 | |||
| Kingsley Liu | Greens | yes | |
| Mick Fell | Labor | yes | |
| Daniel Myles | Indep. | ||
| Roza Sage | Liberal | ||
| ward 4 | |||
| Mark Greenhill | Labor | yes | |
| Peter O'Toole | Indep. | yes | |
| Brendan Christie | Liberal | ||
Preamble: The Council is required to negotiate 5 to 10-year housing targets with the state government on an ongoing basis. Council’s new housing targets are based on land capability/availability, environmental constraints on development, and the Blue Mountains’ designation as a low-density Metropolitan Rural Area.
| Q.8 | Will you support Council leading a strategy to increase affordable housing in the Blue Mountains, working with the not-for-profit sector and the NSW Government? |
| Candidate | Party | yes/no | Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| ward 1 | |||
| Kevin Schreiber | Liberal | ||
| Suzie Van Opdorp | Labor | yes | I have spent many years working with people who are at risk of homelessness. Housing affordability has reached a crisis point in the Blue Mountains and tenants are experiencing a major housing crisis forcing many into homelessness, couch-surfing, etc. In spite of promises to deliver more social housing the NSW Government has failed. In the past I have worked with Community Housing Providers and other stakeholders and have formed good working relationships with Link-Wentworth. Any commitments to increasing affordable housing needs to be consistent with the Blue Mountains LEP. |
| Sarah Redshaw | Greens | yes | Housing needs to be available for a range of socio-economic positions |
| ward 2 | |||
| Joanne Bromilow | Liberal | ||
| Chris Van der Kley | Indep. | yes | |
| Romola Hollywood | Labor | yes | |
| Brent Hoare | Greens | yes | Certainly, provision of more diverse and affordable housing is a vital issue in the Blue Mountains, and I commit to working collaboratively with those seeking genuine solutions. |
| ward 3 | |||
| Kingsley Liu | Greens | yes | |
| Mick Fell | Labor | yes | |
| Daniel Myles | Indep. | ||
| Roza Sage | Liberal | ||
| ward 4 | |||
| Mark Greenhill | Labor | yes | |
| Peter O'Toole | Indep. | yes | |
| Brendan Christie | Liberal | ||
Preamble: The Blue Mountains has a shortage of affordable rental properties. The Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI) has numerous expert reports which demonstrate that increasing housing supply does not necessarily lead to lower housing prices, or more properties available for affordable rents, in fact it can be the reverse. This is due to factors such as investor demand, the influence of negative gearing and other financial policies. The Society believes the provision of increased affordable housing in the Blue Mountains does not require an increase in the new housing target.
| Q.9 | Do you support Council’s continuing efforts to have the Blue Mountains Local Government Area excluded from the NSW Government’s Low Rise Housing Diversity Code? |
| Candidate | Party | yes/no | Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| ward 1 | |||
| Kevin Schreiber | Liberal | ||
| Suzie Van Opdorp | Labor | yes | |
| Sarah Redshaw | Greens | yes | Low density is necessary to maintain the environment. |
| ward 2 | |||
| Joanne Bromilow | Liberal | ||
| Chris Van der Kley | Indep. | yes | |
| Romola Hollywood | Labor | yes | |
| Brent Hoare | Greens | yes | Absolutely, and in addition the Greens will continue to campaign for the restoration of development approval powers to local councils. |
| ward 3 | |||
| Kingsley Liu | Greens | yes | |
| Mick Fell | Labor | yes | |
| Daniel Myles | Indep. | ||
| Roza Sage | Liberal | ||
| ward 4 | |||
| Mark Greenhill | Labor | yes | |
| Peter O'Toole | Indep. | yes | |
| Brendan Christie | Liberal | ||
Preamble: This Code, now in force in the mountains despite Council’s efforts, allows fast-track approval for medium-density housing which meets state-wide ‘one size fits all’ development standards. Council assessment and approval is bypassed and neighbours have no say in these types of development.
| Q.10 | Do you support Council’s ongoing efforts to protect the large garden and bushland lots of the Blue Mountains townships from subdivision and intensive development? |
| Candidate | Party | yes/no | Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| ward 1 | |||
| Kevin Schreiber | Liberal | ||
| Suzie Van Opdorp | Labor | yes | |
| Sarah Redshaw | Greens | yes | A community focus and green villages with a character classification would help maintain the existing charm and precious bushland of the mountains. |
| ward 2 | |||
| Joanne Bromilow | Liberal | ||
| Chris Van der Kley | Indep. | yes | |
| Romola Hollywood | Labor | yes | |
| Brent Hoare | Greens | yes | Yes, strongly. |
| ward 3 | |||
| Kingsley Liu | Greens | yes | |
| Mick Fell | Labor | yes | |
| Daniel Myles | Indep. | ||
| Roza Sage | Liberal | ||
| ward 4 | |||
| Mark Greenhill | Labor | yes | |
| Peter O'Toole | Indep. | yes | |
| Brendan Christie | Liberal | ||
Preamble: The Blue Mountains towns are famous for their large lot residential areas featuring older character housing, ‘leafy green streets’ and display gardens as well as natural bushland. The NSW Department of Planning did not support Council’s proposal for the inclusion of the R6 Residential Character Conservation zone in LEP 2015, which would have protected these areas from inappropriate development. Council continues to negotiate with the Department of Planning for the protection of these areas.
| Q.11 | Do you support Council’s current strong opposition to the proposed ‘Wildlife Park’ (zoo) at Bodington Hill, Wentworth Falls, now classified as a “State Significant Development”? |
| Candidate | Party | yes/no | Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| ward 1 | |||
| Kevin Schreiber | Liberal | ||
| Suzie Van Opdorp | Labor | yes | |
| Sarah Redshaw | Greens | yes | This is an example of inappropriate development that would be damaging to the mountains. |
| ward 2 | |||
| Joanne Bromilow | Liberal | ||
| Chris Van der Kley | Indep. | yes | |
| Romola Hollywood | Labor | yes | |
| Brent Hoare | Greens | yes | I am proud to have provided a leading role in opposing this inappropriate tourist hotel development to date, and I pledge to continue to do so. |
| ward 3 | |||
| Kingsley Liu | Greens | yes | |
| Mick Fell | Labor | yes | |
| Daniel Myles | Indep. | ||
| Roza Sage | Liberal | ||
| ward 4 | |||
| Mark Greenhill | Labor | yes | |
| Peter O'Toole | Indep. | yes | The Crocodile Park at Bodington is almost as old as me and will never happen |
| Brendan Christie | Liberal | ||
Preamble: Although the Council is not the approval authority for this proposed development, its opposition will be crucial to the outcome.
| Q.12 | Do you support retaining the Katoomba Golf Course as a publicly owned community recreation area? |
| Candidate | Party | yes/no | Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| ward 1 | |||
| Kevin Schreiber | Liberal | ||
| Suzie Van Opdorp | Labor | yes | I support the Katoomba Golf Club remaining in public hands. I will not support the sale – ever! |
| Sarah Redshaw | Greens | yes | To work appropriately with the Institute for Planetary Health. |
| ward 2 | |||
| Joanne Bromilow | Liberal | ||
| Chris Van der Kley | Indep. | yes | |
| Romola Hollywood | Labor | yes | I support this land remaining in public hands. |
| Brent Hoare | Greens | yes | Certainly, it is wonderful to have this site back in public hands again, and essential to ensure that public access is guaranteed in perpetuity. |
| ward 3 | |||
| Kingsley Liu | Greens | yes | |
| Mick Fell | Labor | yes | I am committed to ensuring that the site stays in public hands and is never sold. |
| Daniel Myles | Indep. | ||
| Roza Sage | Liberal | ||
| ward 4 | |||
| Mark Greenhill | Labor | yes | I support it remaining in public ownership, never to be sold. |
| Peter O'Toole | Indep. | yes | I opposed the sale of the Kat. Golf Club site in the ‘90’s and had the numbers to oppose ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ It was the best course in the Mountains. |
| Brendan Christie | Liberal | ||
Preamble: (The Katoomba Masterplanning process, presently under way, will determine the future of the old Katoomba Golf Course. Local tourist operators have publicly stated their interest in the Golf Course as a site for a large-scale hotel/resort/conference centre or tourist ‘hub’.
Great Western Highway
| Q.13 | Will you publicly and strongly support Council’s position of opposing the Great Western Highway duplication? |
| Candidate | Party | yes/no | Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| ward 1 | |||
| Kevin Schreiber | Liberal | ||
| Suzie Van Opdorp | Labor | yes | I am committed to the policy articulated by the Mayors’ Minute and Blue Mountains City Council.
The issue of the highway duplication is a State Government matter however I believe community consultation has been inadequate and that a better investment would be in freight to rail which would also address many of the highway safety and congestion issues. Given the State Government’s stated intention to proceed with the tunnel option I believe the tunnel must include the village of Medlow Bath in order to protect the heritage and amenity of this village. I also oppose the introduction of 30 metre trucks on our highway and will advocate for a moratorium on their introduction by the NSW Government. |
| Sarah Redshaw | Greens | yes | Widening will lead to increase in larger truck movements across the mountains and this is not good for any of the villages. |
| ward 2 | |||
| Joanne Bromilow | Liberal | ||
| Chris Van der Kley | Indep. | I support council stand on the issue | |
| Romola Hollywood | Labor | yes | I support the positions I have voted for as a Councillor. |
| Brent Hoare | Greens | yes | Absolutely, it is imperative to reduce the projected alarming increase in truck movements across the mountains, and to prevent the environmental harm posed by planned works. |
| ward 3 | |||
| Kingsley Liu | Greens | yes | |
| Mick Fell | Labor | yes | I will continue to strongly support the Council position. |
| Daniel Myles | Indep. | ||
| Roza Sage | Liberal | ||
| ward 4 | |||
| Mark Greenhill | Labor | yes | Noting the explanation of our approach as set out in my Mayoral Minutes on the matter. |
| Peter O'Toole | Indep. | no | It’s like opposing the airport. It’s going to happen irrespective of BMCC. Since ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■, the BMCS has opposed any alternate route through the Mountains other than that determined by the railway. Two lanes will always become four. Where were you when Blaxland became 4 lanes? Why not a tunnel for Blaxland, we have three times the traffic? |
| Brendan Christie | Liberal | ||
Preamble: The proposed duplicated Great Western Highway from Katoomba to Mount Victoria, including the proposal for tunnels, will
- potentially damage groundwater, thereby threatening groundwater dependent swamps and creeks;
- destroy parts of the Blue Mountains National Park; and
- enable large reticulated “super” trucks to travel throughout the Blue Mountains.
Western Sydney Airport (Nancy Bird Walton International Airport)
| Q.14 | Will you publicly and strongly support Council’s current advocacy for residents and the environment in regard to flight paths and the lack of a curfew in relation to the Western Sydney Airport? |
| Candidate | Party | yes/no | Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| ward 1 | |||
| Kevin Schreiber | Liberal | ||
| Suzie Van Opdorp | Labor | yes | |
| Sarah Redshaw | Greens | yes | We oppose the airport and certainly the 24/7 operation and the impact on Western Sydney as well as the effect of flight paths over the mountains. |
| ward 2 | |||
| Joanne Bromilow | Liberal | ||
| Chris Van der Kley | Indep. | yes | |
| Romola Hollywood | Labor | yes | |
| Brent Hoare | Greens | yes | Absolutely, as I have done for years, I will continue to campaign against the airport, and to work for strict controls on its use, and the promotion of high speed rail as a sustainable transport solution. |
| ward 3 | |||
| Kingsley Liu | Greens | yes | |
| Mick Fell | Labor | yes | |
| Daniel Myles | Indep. | ||
| Roza Sage | Liberal | ||
| ward 4 | |||
| Mark Greenhill | Labor | yes | |
| Peter O'Toole | Indep. | no | The proposal for a curfew free airort at Western Sydney has been part of the ALP platform since 1993. This mob can carry on forever, but where was ■■■■■■■ then? Also, for 7 years ■■■■■■■■■■■■■ have refused to go to the meetings of FOWSA-check the minutes. |
| Brendan Christie | Liberal | ||
Preamble: Flight paths for the new airport have not yet been publicly exhibited. The number, the elevation, the frequency and paths of flights from the new airport, as well as the lack of a curfew, will significantly impact residents, the Blue Mountains National Park and local fauna.
Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area
| Q.15 | Will you publicly and strongly support Council’s current opposition to raising the Warragamba Dam wall? |
| Candidate | Party | yes/no | Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| ward 1 | |||
| Kevin Schreiber | Liberal | ||
| Suzie Van Opdorp | Labor | yes | |
| Sarah Redshaw | Greens | yes | The proposed dam wall raising is nonsense and I will continue to oppose it at every opportunity. |
| ward 2 | |||
| Joanne Bromilow | Liberal | ||
| Chris Van der Kley | Indep. | yes | |
| Romola Hollywood | Labor | yes | |
| Brent Hoare | Greens | yes | Certainly, I have been a strong voice against plans to raise the Warragamba Dam wall, and I will continue to passionately support this campaign. |
| ward 3 | |||
| Kingsley Liu | Greens | yes | |
| Mick Fell | Labor | yes | |
| Daniel Myles | Indep. | ||
| Roza Sage | Liberal | ||
| ward 4 | |||
| Mark Greenhill | Labor | yes | |
| Peter O'Toole | Indep. | yes | |
| Brendan Christie | Liberal | ||
Preamble: Raising the Warragamba Dam wall will damage Aboriginal cultural sites and heritage, the Blue Mountains National Park and world heritage values; and will destroy endangered flora and fauna.
| Q.16 | Will you support the protection of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area by opposing development on the escarpment? |
| Candidate | Party | yes/no | Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| ward 1 | |||
| Kevin Schreiber | Liberal | ||
| Suzie Van Opdorp | Labor | yes | |
| Sarah Redshaw | Greens | yes | There should be no private occupation of the escarpments. |
| ward 2 | |||
| Joanne Bromilow | Liberal | ||
| Chris Van der Kley | Indep. | yes | |
| Romola Hollywood | Labor | yes | |
| Brent Hoare | Greens | yes | I commit to strongly opposing inappropriate developments on the escarpment, and working closely with community groups to do so, and the Croc Park in particular. |
| ward 3 | |||
| Kingsley Liu | Greens | yes | |
| Mick Fell | Labor | yes | |
| Daniel Myles | Indep. | ||
| Roza Sage | Liberal | ||
| ward 4 | |||
| Mark Greenhill | Labor | yes | |
| Peter O'Toole | Indep. | yes | And have so forever. |
| Brendan Christie | Liberal | ||
Preamble: Over 70% of the Blue Mountains Local Government Area is included in the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. Urban areas adjacent to the World Heritage area, and major new developments on/near the escarpment, have a significant impact on world heritage values. Although the Council is not the approval authority for major developments its opposition will be crucial to any outcomes.
Visitation impacts
| Q.17 | Will you support Council’s efforts to further raise revenue from visitors and tourists, such as parking fees in tourism areas, to minimise tourist and visitor impacts on council managed natural areas and enable council managed tourism infrastructure to be maintained and improved? |
| Candidate | Party | yes/no | Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| ward 1 | |||
| Kevin Schreiber | Liberal | ||
| Suzie Van Opdorp | Labor | yes | |
| Sarah Redshaw | Greens | yes | Council faces considerable expense with tourist visitations and requires some additional source of revenue to contribute to this. |
| ward 2 | |||
| Joanne Bromilow | Liberal | ||
| Chris Van der Kley | Indep. | yes | |
| Romola Hollywood | Labor | yes | I would also like the State and Federal Governments to provide ongoing funding to upgrade and maintain tourism infrastructure in recognition of the Blue Mountains being a national and international tourist destination located within a World Heritage Area. |
| Brent Hoare | Greens | yes | Raising more money from visitors to the Blue Mountains is essential, as is continuing to seek further grant funding to support the maintenance and improvement of tourist infrastructure. |
| ward 3 | |||
| Kingsley Liu | Greens | yes | |
| Mick Fell | Labor | yes | |
| Daniel Myles | Indep. | ||
| Roza Sage | Liberal | ||
| ward 4 | |||
| Mark Greenhill | Labor | yes | |
| Peter O'Toole | Indep. | yes | |
| Brendan Christie | Liberal | ||
Preamble: The Blue Mountains experienced a massive increase in tourism and visitation prior to the pandemic which is anticipated to continue to grow post pandemic. Before the pandemic Council predicted that visitation in 2036 would be 33% above 2018 levels (Local Planning Statement 2020 p105). These visitors use council owned and managed infrastructure such as walking tracks, toilets, lookouts and camp sites which currently are inadequate in light of increases in visitation. Council owned natural areas are also impacted from visitors (eg litter, erosion of walking tracks) and need to be proactively managed. Currently these costs are largely borne by local residents through council rates.
© 2023 Blue Mountains Conservation Society Inc.
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land
– the Darug and Gundungurra people –
and pay respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.
website by Waratah Software
– the Darug and Gundungurra people –
and pay respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.