We need leaders who can deliver real plans to meet these challenges, which Labor has failed to provide despite controlling this region at all three levels of government.

I'm a team lead and project manager at a local software company, and an active and committed volunteer in our local area. I'm running because the current way our council is run is not delivering the things our community needs.

People are increasingly worried about infrastructure not keeping up with development and a broken planning system that gives residents very little say. A lack of investment in the public infrastructure we need has led to unsafe roads, traffic congestion, and insufficient public parkland and services. Private developers should be paying their fair share to ensure our infrastructure keeps pace with growth. We're lucky to have an incredible natural environment here in Lake Macquarie, and locals consistently tell me they want it properly protected.

It's time for real representation. We need leaders who listen to the everyday concerns of residents, not just the interests of wealthy developers and political donors. The power to shape our community should rest with ordinary people like you and I.

The Greens don't take corporate donations, so when I'm on council, you can trust that I'll be fighting for you, not special interests. Together, we can build a community that works for everyone, not just the wealthy few.