Election profile: Di Tornai

BY PATRICK BILLINGS

Most Sydneysiders wouldn’t have heard of Di Tornai. But at number five on Clover Moore’s ticket, there is a strong chance she will become a city councillor come September 13.

Indeed if Di Tornai gets up, Lord Mayor Moore will retain her crucial majority.

Now that Di Tornai is being touted as Robyn Kemmis’ heir apparent, some are rightly asking: What does Ms Tornai have to offer the city’s residents and business owners’

“I have a strong interest in two main areas,” she says. “When my husband and I were looking to move into the inner city in 2002, we were attracted by the possibilities that existed in the creation of an entirely new hub at Green Square. Very rarely does the opportunity present itself to have input into shaping a brand new precinct. I’m keen to be involved as those plans unfold over coming years.”

But Ms Tornai doesn’t consider herself a single-issue candidate nor does she plan to vote blindly along party lines.

“I expect every councillor to be vigilant about what they do and how they do it,” she said.

This independent is passionate about urban consolidation, in particular Australia’s largest urban renewal project, the Green Square development.

“When have we seen an area so close to the city that is a blank canvas like Green Square'”

What Ms Tornai plans to do is strike a balance between the concerns of long-term residents and issues surrounding gentrification and development.

“I don”t think resident concerns have to be put aside,” she says.

“If I was living in Rosebery I would also be concerned about how my amenities would be affected and we will involve residents in the process at every stage.”