Giralang, along with Kaleen, is often seen as the poor cousin of the electorate of Yerrabi. Giralang usually identifies more with Belconnen than Gungahlin. This can lead to sub-par representation. It’s so easy for policies aimed at Gungahlin to ignore anything across the Barton Highway.
I campaigned strongly on the Giralang shops saga in the two previous elections. I’m glad we finally got a result but am dismayed at what the community had to go through to get there. It shouldn’t have to be that way. Now that it’s finally done, I can’t wait to have my first coffee at the new shops.
I want to make sure that every resident in the electorate feels they are represented. I want to hear from you about what’s important to you this election. You can reach out online, leave a comment at the bottom of this page, or catch me at a campaign stall in Kaleen.
I wish Giralang shops were ready for a campaign stall, but we will have to wait until 2028 for that one! I have met several people from Giralang while I’ve been campaigning at Kaleen and Crace, and even all the way up at Casey. It goes to show the importance of a decently sized supermarket.
In talking to these people, they have identified some concerns, but I’d like to hear more. They have highlighted that even though the shops are almost here, the way they were approved there is significant overshadow on the school. Classes at the school must use heaters more often. Obviously, it’s too late to do anything about that now. It does highlight that we will always need to have a strong community voice in the government. That’s what I want to do for Giralang.
I’ve also heard about some of the most common issues across Yerrabi applying to Giralang, including city presentation. Things like broken footpaths and unkempt public areas bother us all.
Unfortunately, the most common thing I hear from Giralang is that you are exhausted in fighting against the government, and you want them back on your side. That’s something an independent can – and must – deliver.
What else do you want for Giralang?