Trent McCarthy

Party: Greens

I live in city/suburb: Northcote, Thornbury, Fairfield, Alphington

My commitment: As Darebin's first Greens Councillor, I proposed the creation of the Darebin Bicycle Advisory Committee (http://www.darebin.vic.gov.au/page/page.aspx?Page_id=6165), to provide cyclists with a greater voice on the issues that affect them. I serve as the inaugural Chairperson of the Committee and have worked hard to support cyclists to engage in the decision-making processes of Council. I also proposed that Council develop a new Darebin Cycling Strategy, which is currently out for public consultation. If adopted, the new strategy will commit Council to making cycling a preferred form of transport throughout Darebin, as has occurred in the City of Yarra. The strategy outlines a series of cycling infrastructure projects which will require significant Council investment over the next few years. During my term, I've worked closely with Darebin Bicycle Users Group and Bicycle Victoria on many issues, from the Darebin Trail to the problematic Route 86 proposal. I've consistently advocated that Council commit bicycle infrastructure funding on par with Yarra Council - providing proper cycle lanes, parking, and various safety measures to make cycling a more attractive option for more people. I successfully negotiated Council's commitment to Darebin Road bicycle lanes (including liaising with over 100 local cyclists campaigning on this issue). I continue to advocate that High Street should be made safer for cyclists and that Council should not be seeking to divert cyclists away from this popular strip, I will continue to push for dedicated cycling-priority streets (eg, north-south and east-west routes), as has occurred in Melbourne and Yarra. Alongside my cycling specific advocacy, I've lobbied Council to adopt the City of Yarra's policy of 40km limits on local roads to reduce the risk of fatalities and serious injuries suffered by cyclists and pedestrians struck by motorists. I'm committed to establishing Darebin as a world-renowned city for commuter and recreational cycling. As the most pro-cycling Councillor from the 2008-12 Council term, I'd relish the opportunity to work with like-minded Councillors if I'm re-elected.

Details on this website: http://greeningdarebin.org/ (opens a new window)

Current sitting member: yes