Supporting Candidates
Sophie Lara-Watson
Are you part or have you been part of a political party? If so, which one?
Liberal Party of Australia (NSW Division)
Tell us a bit about you and your team. What’s your day job?
Dynamic, motivated and passionate local professionals, Jordan and Sophie will bring a fresh approach to Ryde Council. Together, they will fight for the essential services and infrastructure that East Ward needs, ensure Ryde’s business are supported post-pandemic, and put an end to Council’s rising debt and overdevelopment policies.
Outside of Council, Jordan worked as a Project Manager Consultant in the Stakeholder Engagement sector. He has recently accepted a new role as a Campaigns and Advocacy Manager in the disability services industry, where he will be partnering with local, state and federal governments to improve policy frameworks for people living with a disability, their families and those working as carers.
Sophie is a Chartered Accountant with experience working in the financial services industry. As someone with an in-depth knowledge of budgets and balance sheets, she knows what it will take to get Council’s financial situation back on track.
What are some things you love about living in the area?
Most of all, we both love the people. Ryde is an ambitious area, with a community of hard-working, enterprising and compassionate people. With its rivers, parks and natural spaces, business precincts and community hubs, world-class health, education and research facilities, there is barely a reason to leave!
What do you believe to be the 3 main issues affecting our community?
- Over-development, and its impact on local amenity, environment and mobility.
- 2. Excessive debt which restricts opportunities to build and maintain services.
- 3. Poor relationships with the State and Federal Governments, meaning Ryde is often overlooked for important grants, programs and investment.
What are the 3 key things you plan to achieve?
- 1. Ban Council’s cash deals with developers.
- 2. Establish Ryde’s Future Fund.
- 3. Repay the $60 million debt.
What about your long term vision for the area?
Ryde needs new and energised leadership to keep up with today’s fast-paced society. With more new families and young professionals than ever before, Ryde needs a Council that is future-ready. This means getting back to basics and ensuring each and every service is maintained to a high standard. We need to say goodbye to old-fashioned and reactive forms of communication, and embrace technology as a means to engage with local residents. We need to respect that our ratepayers’ time is precious, and ensure every engagement with Council is quick and hassle free. We want people to be proud of their community, and enjoy spending time outdoors. This means investing in streetscapes and public amenities, and ensuring we never revert to the old-school policy of accepting cash from developers in exchange for special treatment. Only by working collaboratively can Ryde be a smart, clean and innovative city of the future.
Other Comments
Jordan and Sophie want to build the future they are going to live in. Unlike any time in Ryde’s history, now is the opportunity to send truly reformist candidates to Council. In his four years on Council, Jordan has kept his election promises, injected much needed transparency into Council decision making and highlighted the need for Council to take responsibility for its own planning and development decisions. In the next term, he and Sophie hope to get Council’s finances back on track and modernise its engagement with the community. Through the Ryde Future Fund, Council will be able to repay its debts, invest in new and better services, and put downward pressure on rates – by voting 1 Liberal, you too can be part of building a better future.
Contact: contact@rydeliberals.com or 0413 407 396
Facebook: www.facebook.com/rydeliberals
