I have a lifelong passion for the natural beauty of Western Australia. During my time in the WA environment portfolio, I am proud to have delivered ambitious parks and visitor infrastructure upgrades through the extensive Parks for People program. These have enabled a significant increase and appreciation of our parks. I am also proud to have presided over the greatest ever growth of the WA conservation estate, including a program to expand total state marine parks area from 1.5 million hectares to over 5 million hectares.
I have continued to maintain this interest in my current role as Mayor of the City of Joondalup. Approximately 75% of our municipal boudary is within the WA Conservation Estate (Yellagonga, Marmion Marine Park, Neerabup). These estates are important destinations for natural appreciation and passive recreation within my community. The preservation and sensitive activation of these peri-urban conservation areas are significant areas of policy consideration for the City of Joondalup.
In a personal capacity, visiting our varied conservation estate remains my primary form of private recreation, not only for my own enjoyment but also to ensrue that my children grown up with an appreciation of WA’s parks and natural areas.