Maribyrnong’s newly elected councillors have vowed to work together to improve the council’s standing in the community.
Independents Gina Huynh and Mia McGregor, Simon Crawford of the Greens and ALP councillor Cuc Lam – returned after a 13-year hiatus – have all welcomed the mix of experience and new voices the new councillor team delivers.
At 20 years of age, Ms Huynh in River ward is one of the youngest councillors ever elected in Victoria.
She told Star Weekly a key focus will be opening up better communication with residents.
“That was definitely one of my main reasons for running – the council isn’t doing very well with communicating with the community,” she said. “I really am going to listen to people’s genuine concerns.”
Ms Huynh hopes being the youngest on council will be her chance to press the need for more focus on supporting young people.
Cuc Lam, a Maribyrnong councillor from 2000 to 2003, said its feels good to be back.
“I’m still involved with a number of NGOs and I would love to highlight the great work they are doing,” she said.
Ms Lam is keen to see a greater focus on core council responsibilities, such as street cleaning, graffiti removal, hard rubbish collection and sport and recreation support.
“It’s interesting we have five women and two gentlemen – women are sensible and will work well in harmony.”
The Greens’ Simon Crawford, elected to Yarraville ward in first place, said he is pleased the new council has no political majority.
“There will be no power players or blocks – it’s exciting that we can all work together and use each others’ strengths.”
His main priorities include improving bicycle infrastructure, getting trucks off residential streets and plastic out of waterways, greater transparency and accountability.
Yarraville ward independent Mia McGregor, founder of the West Welcome Wagon charity, said voters have elected “three incredibly progressive councillors” to the ward.
“There is such a strong sense of social justice and values, and not leaving anybody in the community behind,” she said, citing truck traffic as high on her agenda, along with the shortage of childcare and kindergarten places.
The councillors will be sworn in at a special meeting of Council next Tuesday, November 8 from 6pm at the Town Hall.
