What is your name, political party and electorate?
Lyndal Howison, Labor for Central Ward
Are you running for mayor and if so, why?
No, I’m supporting Bernard Purcell, an experienced councillor, dedicated volunteer, and just generally an extraordinary person. He’d make a great mayor.
Tell us about your background both personally and professionally
My husband and I have lived in North Ryde for nearly 12 years with our daughter. I have a Bachelor of Business and a Masters of Education and I have worked in business, government and the charities sector.
I am now a high school teacher, teaching Business Studies, Geography and Commerce at a public school in Sydney. I have local government experience, having been a councillor on Leichhardt Council. This experience was so rewarding, I was very inspired by the way local governments can help to build communities. As a teacher, I enjoy helping young people understand how they can shape their role in society, the economy and a sustainable future.
I love live music and travel, and I lived in London for five years in my twenties. I always love coming back to Sydney though; best city in the world.
What are some things you love about your electorate?
We love the lifestyle, diversity and location of Ryde, its great schools, beautiful parks and cafes. Ryde is vibrant, enterprising and wonderfully diverse. My early childhood was in Lane Cove and my family connections in Ryde go back to my great-grandfather, who was the principal of Ryde Public School in the 1930s. Ryde today is incredibly diverse, enterprising and creative. Across our city we have businesses of all shapes and sizes, competing in global markets, and it’s inspiring.
What do you believe are the 3 main issues affecting your electorate and why?
– Park safety and accessibility
I’m interested in the safety and accessibility of our parks. As a working woman and a mother, I’d like to find ways to activate our open spaces for women and young people at all times of the day and into the night, so that everyone has a space to connect and pursue their fitness goals. We need to look more closely at issues like lighting and access and facilities for young people, alongside traditional sports fields.
– Accountability on environmental outcomes
It’s well-recognised that local government can be a significant force for good in relation to environmental outcomes. Whether that’s tree canopy or sustainability networks, there’s some incredible progress being made in towns and cities across Australia. It seems as if it’s not a priority at the moment, if we take their out-of-date environmental reporting as an indicator. We can do better!
– Effective and respectful local government
I have been attending council meetings via zoom for the last six months or so, and at times I have been disappointed by the tone of the debate, and the lack of respect for fellow councillors and residents. Councils should have a local focus at all times, and model a high standard of conduct. Ryde council needs to direct more of its attention to affordable, good quality council services. I will work to ensure Ryde Council is listening to our community and meeting their expectations.
What are the 3 key things you plan to achieve if elected?
– Progress on major projects
Some of our large, complex projects have stalled in the last couple of years and our last three mayors have each served less than a year. Labor is offering stability and progress or a plan for things like the Civic Centre mess and parking in Eastwood. Some of these projects are challenging, but we owe our community accountability about timelines and outcomes.
– Action on climate and environmental outcomes
The state government recently made funding available for kerbside chargers for EV vehicles. The City of Ryde didn’t apply for any. This is one of several practical examples of things that this council could be doing to improve local environmental outcomes and lead by example in terms of emissions reduction. As a Geography teacher, this is a core issue for me.
– Save Coxs Road
Parts of the Coxs Road precinct fall short of our expectations in terms of building maintenance, and we all share the desire to see thriving shops and local jobs at Coxs Road. Councillor Pedersen and I would like the council to conduct a precinct planning process. This would give more clarity to building owners about opportunities for development as well as giving the community a chance to provide their input. It’s not a silver bullet, but I am both pragmatic and optimistic that an additional planning process can support better outcomes.
What about your long term vision for the area?
I want to see Ryde Council in the news for the right reasons, not for embarrassing inaction on major projects. There’s been a lot of finger pointing in the last couple of years, and some pretty unedifying media coverage. I think people want their council to get on with it. As someone who has worked in business and education, my first inclination is to seek ways to work together with others to solve problems. Ryde has so much going for it, we just need to draw on our creativity and goodwill to be the best we can be.
- Email: lyndalhowisonryde@gmail.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/lyndalhowisonryde
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/lyndalhowisonryde
