We are in a cost-of-living crisis, and Council should be doing everything they can to ensure that everyday people can afford to live a good life.

Most cost-of-living controls are in the hands of state and federal governments, but Council can take steps to make people’s lives easier.

On Council, we will:

• Budget and plan projects responsibly so rates don’t need to rise
• Work with foodbanks and organisations that help the homeless to establish a safe, accessible hub to help get people back on their feet.
• Provide vouchers for healthcare and concession card holders for additional free hard rubbish or mattress collection, or free tipping at Council’s waste management facility.
• Keep the cost of hiring local halls and meeting rooms low for community, arts and culture groups, and make sure the Deerubbin Centre stays free of hire fees for community groups and not-for-profits.
• Ensure everyone can swim safely by providing pool vouchers for healthcare and concession card holders.
• Fight the sell-off of council-owned childcare facilities.
• Partner with the Animal Welfare League – Hawkesbury and the Companion Animal Shelter to increase cat and dog desexing programs and microchipping.
• Provide free sanitary products and free sunscreen in our libraries and community centres.
• Work to establish local share-economy initiatives, like toy libraries and tool libraries, so locals can share cost-intensive resources.
• Make sure our libraries stay free, with no fines or joining fees and free wifi and computer access.

OUR PLANS AND PRIORITIES