What is your name, political party and electorate?

Councillor Justin Li, Ryde Liberals, City of Ryde – West Ward

Are you running for mayor and if so, why?

I am not, but I support Mayor Trenton Brown as he is fighting to protect our local jobs, protect our open space and keeping Council rates low during a cost of living crisis.

Tell us about your background both personally and professionally

My day job is in corporate law but I think many people know me as the face of the online community group Humans of Eastwood and as councillor for City of Ryde’s west ward.

Like my running mate Kathy Tracey, I am a long time resident of west ward having lived in Eastwood for almost 30 years and attended Eastwood Heights Public School. We know the people of west ward and they know us.

The current Ryde Liberal team on Council that I’m part of, is a very diverse group of councillors and candidates from a range of genders, professions and cultures.

What are some things you love about your electorate?

The local memes! More seriously, I believe we live in one of the best parts of Sydney. We have an abundance of employment and educational opportunities within our doorstep. I also love the cultural diversity we have locally which is reflected in our community events and the range of different cuisines available.

What do you believe are the 3 main issues affecting your electorate and why?

Cost of living – the prices of everything have been going up and so Council needs to be financially prudent and not unreasonably burden household finances with unfunded election promises
Preserving as much open space as possible (including importantly the TG Millner Field in Marsfield) and preventing inappropriate development
Protecting local jobs – we are all proud of the Macquarie Park Innovation Precinct which provides thousands of well paid local jobs, but that area is now under threat with the State Government’s planning changes that will replace commercial/employment space with more residential towers

What are the 3 key things you plan to achieve if elected?

If reelected, our team will:

Continue to keep Ryde council rates low to address cost of living. In the past few years, the City of Ryde has maintained lower rates than other comparable Councils in Sydney by managing our finances well and not spend carelessly.

Save TG Millner Oval from development and other open space. During the current Council term, Mayor Trenton Brown’s Ryde Liberal team has been the only team unequivocally committed to doing this.

Build Eastwood’s new car park and community facilities on the western side of Eastwood. Open City of Ryde’s first 24/7 library.

What about your long term vision for the area?

I want the City of Ryde maintain low Council rates for its residents and to continue to lead the rest of Sydney in providing local employment and educational opportunities. I also want the City of Ryde to be a harmonious and desirable place to live for all of its residents.

• Website: www.justinli.com
• Email: contact@justinli.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/councillorli
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/councillorli