20°C | Wednesday September 11, 2024 
3 September 2024
Jessica Keen, the head of the Liberal ticket for the upcoming North Sydney Council election, is aiming to return to the council after serving as a councillor from 2017 to 2021.
Keen said she wants to bring her extensive experience in local government and community involvement back to the table, with a focus on improving local facilities and ensuring responsible governance.
“I have lived in North Sydney for over 20 years, raising my family here and getting very involved with the local community, including the local school and sporting communities,” Keen told the Sun.
During her previous term on the council, she chaired and co-chaired several committees, including Sport & Recreation, and served on the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust from 2018 to 2021. Additionally, she has been a member of a local school council for nine years, currently holding the position of President.
Keen is now seeking re-election with a commitment to being “a strong, responsible voice” for the community. She emphasises the importance of maintaining North Sydney as a great place to live, with particular attention to upgrading community, sporting, and social facilities.
“Our community deserves to benefit from the infrastructure and planning changes that are impacting our area,” she noted.
A key issue in Keen’s campaign is the reopening of the North Sydney Pool, which has been closed for several years now. “It has been too long for North Sydney residents without our iconic pool,” Keen stated. She is also focused on advocating for better development outcomes, ensuring that the community gains enhanced cultural and community facilities amidst ongoing infrastructure changes.
Keen is also committed to addressing local traffic and pedestrian safety issues, aiming to make North Sydney more walkable and efficient for residents.
“As a resident who enjoys walking around this area, I would like to advocate for pedestrian safety and traffic efficiencies,” she said.
Supporting small businesses is another priority for Keen, who recognises their vital role in the North Sydney community. “Small business is the lifeline of the North Sydney community,” she explained. Keen plans to work closely with small business owners to reduce red tape and regulation, providing the support needed for these businesses to thrive.
Keen’s long-standing presence to the North Sydney community forms the foundation of her campaign. As she seeks re-election, Keen said she is focused on delivering practical solutions that enhance the quality of life for all residents while ensuring that the council remains financially responsible.
Keen’s status at the top of the officially endorsed Cammeraygal Liberal ticket did not come without drama.
As was widely reported last month, the Liberal state office failed to get nomination forms in time for several endorsed tickets across New South Wales, including that of North Sydney Council’s other ward, St Leonards.
The Liberal ticket for that ward to be headed by Sophie Lambert, who unsuccessfully ran for election in Cammeraygal Ward at the 2021 election as a Liberal-aligned independent.
Independent Liberal candidates have traditionally done well in North Sydney council elections and this poll will be an interesting test as to how official endorsement influences results.