Isabella Tripp
South Ward
Q1. Waste Management
What do you see as the main challenges to managing and reducing waste in the City of Bayswater and what specific actions will you take to improve the City's waste management outcomes:
- in council operations?
- in commercial operations?
- at the residential level?
Our society must strive for 'zero waste', pushing towards a circular economy. The City of Bayswater plays a crucial role in negotiating meaningful waste management with the State Government and other Eastern Metropolitan Councils. There are a plethora of technology and management solutions on the table for us to utilise; however, the most significant challenge is bringing government departments and main stakeholders together and convincing them to see the large picture.
On Council, I will support all policies that will bring us closer to a circular economy. I plan to push for an electric vehicle rollout plan with meaningful targets for the City's vehicle fleet; this would, in effect, reduce the turnover and strengthen the City's target towards Net-Zero.
As a Council, we must work together with businesses and community events so that the incoming FOGO waste stream is implemented and utilised to its optimum. This would involve greater education concerning the City's waste management systems towards the public, especially young people who would implement teachings in their households.
At home, I separate my rubbish into recyclables and soft plastics. I have containers to separate batteries, bread clips, bottle lids, blister packs, and keep used alfoil and roll it into a ball until it's big enough to recycle. I also have an indoor composter and a large outdoor composter. I no longer purchase shampoo, conditioner and face wash if it is in plastic. I now use bars of shampoo, conditioner and face wash. I am always looking for new ways to improve my waste at home.
Q2. Transport
Places that are less car-dominated than the City of Bayswater currently is enjoy a range of benefits including:
- Safer streets
- Cleaner air
- Less traffic congestion
- Healthier, more active population, and
- Greater independence for children, seniors and people with disabilities.
Are you supportive of reducing car use and increasing active transport (eg walking, cycling) in the City of Bayswater? If so, what specific measures will you take to enable people to walk, bike (and scoot and skate) more?
If you are not supportive of reducing car use and increasing active transport, tell us why.
With Perth's growing urban sprawl, it has doubled down on our reliance on car usage. To facilitate a reversal away from our dependence on motor vehicles, our communities must become more livable with education programs and infrastructure that provides safe routes to our schools, train stations and shopping centres. I will advocate for our City to implement shared zones in key areas that have been effectively utilised in areas throughout Australia to prioritise alternative modes of transportation and the community.
In my personal life, I walk and catch public transport majority of the time and do not own a motor vehicle. Reducing my carbon footprint is a significant concern of mine.
Q3. Urban Greenery
Are you supportive of increasing greenery and tree canopy in the City of Bayswater? If so, what tangible ways will you work to increase the urban forest:
- on public land?
- on private land?
If you are not supportive of increasing urban greenery, tell us why.
I am supportive of the City of Bayswater increasing tree canopy by utilising endemic flora found locally in the area and protect existing large trees from being destroyed. This will cool our urban spaces and provide cleaner air, and creating a habitat for fauna. Tree canopies prevent heat islands and are proven to cool down surface areas and suburbs significantly. The City of Bayswater can work with residents and business owners and encourage residents to adopt endemic tree planting that will benefit everyone.
I strongly support and promote increasing urban forest areas to create green corridors and raise public awareness of urban bushland's biodiversity and human health values. This can be achieved with consistent support for community participation in the management of bushland and wetland areas with local Friends Groups and other conservation groups. With my background in Conservation and Land Management, I am most passionate about protecting and preserving our native bushland whilst pushing for increased uptake of endemic street trees and urban forests.
I will also advocate for homeowners if they can create veggie gardens on the nature street if applicable.
Q4. Priorities
What are your top priorities if elected to the City of Bayswater council?
If elected to the City of Bayswater, my top priorities will be:
- Using my passion from my work to call for the City of Bayswater Council to declare a climate emergency and contribute to net-zero by 2035.
- Establishing more green corridors and increasing street tree canopy through urban forestry programs.
- Working to ensure Local Government plays a key role in addressing the homelessness crisis.
- Strengthening the Council's commitments to Reconciliation.
- Inspiring other young people to involve themselves in Local Government.
- Ensuring greater accountability and transparency from Council.
