Vaucluse Liberal candidate speaks on overdevelopment, Parsley Bay sewage pump and public transport

By LAUREN FROST

As standing member for Vaucluse MP Gabrielle Upton, who has represented the electorate since 2011, steps-down, journalist and former charity CEO Kellie Sloane is stepping-up to retain the seat for the Liberals.

Encompassing a selection of ultra-wealthy Sydney suburbs, Vaucluse has only ever been held by the Libs. Sloane has a strong message for voters; that she will fight tooth and nail against over-development.

“Vaucluse has a unique community and character, and locals are really concerned about protecting and preserving that for future generations. I have been a strong and consistent voice for protecting our community against inappropriate development,” Sloane told City Hub.

Some of the first coverage on Sloane in the beginning of her campaign was a November Sydney Morning Herald  article in which Sloane said she didn’t want her electorate to be ‘punished’ with overdevelopment.

Density issues are a large focus for Sloane.

“We need to keep pace with population growth; however, we already have one of the highest density populations in NSW,” she said.

In the past year, residents have been vocally against the construction of a proposed high-density residential building in Edgecliff. A skatepark in Rushcutters Bay has gone back and forth with council and residents for over a year.

“Two thirds of the electorate is made up of flats and apartments and we simply don’t have the infrastructure or the space to accommodate any further increases that are above current targets,” Sloane said.

Alongside this focus, Sloane wishes to address the current cost of living.

“Locals have also expressed their concern about the rising cost of living, so I have been talking to a lot of people about the Perrottet Government’s long term economic plan, as well as measures to support cost of living.”

Due to the rising cost of living, social and affordable housing is becoming increasingly vital especially amidst the already rampant housing crisis. City Hub asked for Sloane’s stance on these housing issues.

“The Perrottet Liberal Government has endorsed the Greater Cities Commission recommendation for a 30% social and affordable housing on Government owned land.

We have a 30% target for social and diverse housing in the Eastern Harbour City,” Sloane stated.

“The Perrottet Liberal Government has also thought outside the box with the First Home Buyer Choice that is making home ownership in NSW easier by providing first home buyers the option between paying a smaller annual property tax, instead of stamp duty,” Sloane continued.

“We also have a plan to support essential workers to buy their own home in a shared equity scheme with a minimum 2% deposit.”

Kids Future Fund

When asked about the policies she supports that will impact residents of Vaucluse, Kellie Sloane told City Hub, “I am really excited about the Premier’s announcement of a Kids Future Fund.”

“It appeals to my sense of opportunity – giving every child the chance to have an education or a leg up in the property market, no matter their circumstances.”

The Kids Future Fund was announced by Dominic Perrottet in early March as a re-election focus for the Liberals.

“All children under 10 will have an initial $400 deposited into a savings fund by the Perrottet Liberal Government with annual dollar for dollar matched investments of up to $400. When they turn 18, the account could grow to up to $49,000 and they can draw on that fund to pay for housing or education,” Sloane explained.

“Anyone on family tax benefit A will have an automatic $200 invested each year.”

The idea is going up against Labor’s key election promise of accelerating investment in renewable energy through establishing a public energy company.

Parsley Bay

Another community issue in Vaucluse that has been on a radar for years is water and sewage management. The construction of a sewage pumping station in Parsley Bay has the potential to  pose environmental risks to the surrounding area.

City Hub asked Sloane how she plans to address the climate and environmental related issues specific to the area.

“There are two issues affecting Parsley Bay currently,” Sloane says, “one is wastewater overflows into the Bay.”

“I am advised it is due to a subsidence of a pipe in the bush area and cracking due to tree roots. Woollahra Council and Sydney Water’s “Sewer Fix” program are looking at those issues.”

“The second issue is the installation of the pump station,” Sloane continued.

“Locals are seeking assurance there will be no environmental impact. A construction environmental management plan will be produced when a contractor has been engaged and I am told this plan will be shared with the Community Reference Groups.”

“I also note that the pumping station is part of an impressive project to stop wastewater outflows directly into our harbour. This $86 million dollar project is going to be a huge win for our local marine environment.”

Public transport in Vaucluse

City Hub also asked Sloane about the privatisation of public transport in Sydney, something that has garnered some concern from eastern suburbs residents.

“Vaucluse was one of the last areas in the State to be franchised.  It’s important to be clear that the Government has not sold the buses – but has tendered out the management of services, and the funds are reinvested into ageing infrastructure,” Sloane said.

“That aside, I am listening to community and noting any concerns over changed time-tabling. I will ensure that any concerns are brought to the attention of the transport department.”

“On these issues I will be (pardon the pun) a squeaky wheel for our community!,” Sloane joked.

Lastly, in the spirit of the recent World Pride celebrations in Sydney, Sloane commented on how she plans to support the LGBTQI+ community in Vaucluse.

“I broke my foot just before World Pride, so unfortunately had to cancel my plans to march in the parade.”

“However, I attended Fair Day in some rainbow feathered wings! What an extraordinary month for the LGBTIQ community, as well as local businesses – and those of us who celebrate diversity and inclusion.”

The upcoming state election will be held on Saturday March 25. Sloan is running against Karen Freyer (Independent), Dominic WY Kanak (Greens), Margaret Merten (Labor), Gail Stevens (Liberal Democrats), Edward Cameron (Animal Justice Party) and Kay Dunne (Sustainable Australia Party) for the seat of Vaucluse.