22°C | Wednesday September 11, 2024 
3 September 2024
By Grahame Lynch
The upcoming North Sydney local government elections will see two tickets from the Sustainable Australia Party vying for positions in the St Leonards and Cammeraygal Wards.
Michael Want, the lead candidate for St Leonards Ward, and Sarah Kok, running for Cammeraygal Ward, are both emphasising their commitment to sustainable development, community wellbeing, and transparency in government as they seek to address pressing local issues.
Want, who has lived in Crows Nest for the past 15 years, brings extensive experience in project management and the built environment to his campaign. With a degree in Building Science and over 40 years in the industry, Want is particularly focused on promoting economically sustainable development.
“I am passionate about climate change and ensuring this generation passes on a better planet to our children and grandchildren,” Want said, highlighting his deep commitment to environmental issues.
Want also expressed concern about the rapid pace of overdevelopment in North Sydney, which he believes is not being matched by adequate infrastructure from the state government.
“We are particularly lacking in some specific areas of infrastructure, including schools, sporting and recreational space, and safe cycling paths,” he noted, emphasising his intention to make the council more responsive to community needs.
Sarah Kok, the lead candidate for Cammeraygal Ward, shares a similar focus on sustainable development and community wellbeing. A Cremorne resident for over 15 years, Kok is particularly critical of the NSW planning system, which she believes prioritises private profit over public interest.
“Development can definitely improve our quality of life, but only if it’s sustainable and done in a way that respects our environment and community,” she stated.
Kok, who holds a degree in Economics with First-Class Honours and has 20 years of experience in policy, analysis, and strategy, is committed to fighting corruption and increasing transparency in the planning process.
“I will prioritise our community’s wellbeing. I will provide reasons for my decisions. I will focus on the issues, not politics,” Kok said, underscoring her pledge to work collaboratively with all councillors.
Both candidates are running on a platform that reflects the broader goals of the Sustainable Australia Party, which includes putting the environment, heritage and community first. The party’s ‘Environment First’ plan aims to stop corruption, curb overdevelopment, and advocate for the sustainable management of Australia’s population size. These initiatives, the candidates argue, are essential for protecting the local environment and ensuring the long-term liveability of North Sydney.
North Sydney’s LGA has been fertile ground for the party, with victory in both wards in 2021 giving it equivalent representation to Labor and the Real Independents. SAP Councillor William Bourke served as a deputy mayor during his term, using the platform to become an advocate for environmental protection, opposing overdevelopment, and pushing for greater transparency in council decisions. Notably, SAP introduced the Sustainability Festival, the Fix-It Hub repair café, and North Sydney Council’s first-ever citizen jury during this term.
“William supported better cycling paths and green spaces and was increasingly a lone voice against particularly inappropriate overdevelopment,” Want said.
As the election approaches, Want and Kok are calling on voters to support their vision for a more sustainable and community-focused North Sydney.
“Only the Sustainable Australia Party will truly stand up to the state government’s overdevelopment agenda,” they asserted.