What is your name, political party and electorate?
Cameron MacLean Labor Party Lead candidate for the Epping Ward City Of Parramatta.
Are you running for mayor and if so, why?
No, as Parramatta does not have a popularly elected mayor this is determined by the Chamber.
Tell us about your background both personally and professionally
I’ve lived in Epping all my life having attended Epping Public school, Epping Boys High School and Studied Business majoring in Economics and Applied Finance at Western Sydney University at Parramatta. I’ve scene the impact of community involvement I remember well friends and family standing up to Hornsby Council when they sort to demolish Epping Aquatic Centre I’m inspired by the residents
This term I’ve had the honour to serve as your Councillor alongside now State Member for Parramatta Donna Davis MP. Donna is my mentor and I realise I have incredibly big shoes to fill.
I’ve also served as the City’s youngest Deputy Lord Mayor for a time.
I believe as a Councillor being accessible and available ensures the best possible representation. After all it’s the residents who should be at the heart of Council decision making. My approach is evidence based and pragmatic. I’m not in Local Government simply to occupy space I genuinely want to improve the district and give residents a sense of pride about where they live.
What are some things you love about your electorate?
The Epping Ward is so diverse from the heritage homes with sprawling blocks to the multi storey high rise. You can still be amongst nature whether it’s swimming at Epping Pool or doing the Ponds walk. I’m continually impressed and hearted by the residents.
What do you believe are the 3 main issues affecting your electorate and why?
My focus this term and next is Epping Town Centre. I truely believe a plan: blue print is sorely needed to facilitate an outcome that improves public amenity, congestion, parking and the quality of shops. It’s for that reason I’ve brought a motion to Council to develop a masterplan for the Rawson and Beecroft Rd precinct. Traffic and parking issues have continued to compound, and the shopping precinct is in a state of significant disrepair. There is immense community concern about the sorry state of the Rawson Street precinct and a desire to see appropriate development with public amenity. The current state of the precinct is leading to a lack of suburb pride amongst residents. Epping is the eastern gateway to the City Of Parramatta and the busiest interchange outside of Parramatta with heavy rail, Metro and busses. Epping deserves amenity befitting its credentials. Epping town centre is dying and I’m determined to try and do something about it.
Secondly continuing to enhance and expand parks and open spaces across the Ward. This term, we successfully secured funding to upgrade Somerville Park in Eastwood and Kilpack Park in Carlingford as well as funding and shortly opening the new West Epping dog park.
If re-elected, I will continue to advocate for transforming the former bowling club site in Epping into a beautiful park and open space for everyone to enjoy.
Lastly beyond the big shiny projects and proposals. I’ve particularly enjoyed engaging with the community. I believe as a Councillor being accessible and available ensures the best possible representation. After all it’s the residents who should be at the heart of Council decision making. Residents should know their Councillors outside of elections. For too long elected representatives have not been visible and accountable enough. Only transparency ensures the community have confidence in their representatives.
What are the 3 key things you plan to achieve if elected?
Epping Ward is a vibrant and diverse community from Epping/ Eastwood to Carlingford and Dundas Valley. As mentioned there’s so much opportunity to improve and renew Epping town centre and address some of the structural issues. Crucially we mustn’t think of Epping Ward only in terms of Epping. Carlingford, Eastwood and Dundas Valley need and deserve enhanced parks and open spaces and advocacy to address long term challenges. No more forgotten suburbs. Our suburbs have always had a green character and its critically important tree canopy is maintained and increased. This is an ongoing effort and can’t he achieved over night. I want to give residents a sense of pride about where they live and ensure they feel represented.
What about your long term vision for the area?
Epping Ward is a vibrant and diverse community from Epping/ Eastwood to Carlingford and Dundas Valley. As mentioned there’s so much opportunity to improve and renew Epping town centre and address some of the structural issues. Crucially we mustn’t think of Epping Ward only in terms of Epping. Carlingford, Eastwood and Dundas Valley need and deserve enhanced parks and open spaces and advocacy to address long term challenges. No more forgotten suburbs. Our suburbs have always had a green character and its critically important tree canopy is maintained and increased. This is an ongoing effort and can’t he achieved over night. I want to give residents a sense of pride about where they live and ensure they feel represented.
