Peter Mahoney

Protecting the Foreshore Scenic Protection Areas

Peter played a crucial role in Council's endorsement of the Biodiversity and Character Planning Proposal, which strengthens environmental protection measures within our foreshore areas.

This achievement fulfilled one of Peter’s key election promises, marking a significant victory for both the community and the environment. 

For Peter, it also held personal significance as it honoured his late friend, Dr. Sharyn Cullis, a distinguished environmental advocate. Dr. Cullis passionately led the 2020 community campaign to maintain FSPA safeguards, and this proposal's endorsement serves as a tribute to her unwavering dedication to environmental preservation.

Campaigning to Save Glenlee

Peter's first motion upon being elected to Georges River Council was to call for an extraordinary Council meeting in January 2022. This motion, which was unanimously passed, authorised the General Manager to immediately prepare a Planning Proposal to include 'Glenlee,' Lugarno, as a Local Heritage Item on Schedule 5 of the Georges River Local Environmental Plan 2021.

This extraordinary meeting was crucial as the Interim Heritage Order was about to lapse. The meeting prompted the Minister for Environment and Heritage to issue a new Interim Heritage Order, extending protection for another 12 months.

Ever since, Peter has remained steadfast in his efforts to Save Glenlee. He has called on the government to grant ministerial access for natural and Aboriginal heritage assessments, fund a business case for Glenlee's future, purchase the site, and protect Aboriginal artefacts present there.

Protecting the natural environment

Thanks to Peter's numerous environmental initiatives, the Georges River natural environment is in a better position. His efforts include:

• Supporting the establishment of a Significant Tree Register and advocating for improved native vegetation and tree cover.

• Promoting the “source separation” of Return and Earn eligible containers at public litter bins, calling for a ban on disposable plastic drink cups and lids, and advocating for the recycling of expanded polystyrene.

• Initiating a review of the design, use, and impacts of synthetic turf in public spaces, and implementing measures to prevent rubber crumb and plastic migration into the environment.

• Lobbying the NSW Government to;

  • increase the penalties which apply to illegal tree removal and vandalism;

  • continue to fund the vital "Beachwatch" program (which notifies the public about water quality at the Carss Park, Oatley Bay and Oatley Park swimming baths);

  • invest in the ailing Sydney Water North Georges River sub main, which frequently discharges sewage into our waterways;

  • investigate the sudden deterioration of mangroves in Lime Kiln Bay, Oatley.

• Peter also lodged motions concerning increased penalties for tree offences, abandoned shopping trolleys and for the prevention of pollution of the state’s waterways on the agenda at the 2023 Local Government NSW Conference.

Three Consecutive Years of Budget Surpluses

As a member of Council’s Finance and Governance Committee, Peter is proud that, for the third consecutive year since he was elected, Council will deliver a budget surplus—an achievement that hasn't been seen in a long time. This is a testament to our commitment to making strong financial decisions that ensure a balanced and prosperous future for our community.

Improving Traffic Movement and Safety in Oatley West & Lugarno

Peter successfully secured funding in the 2024/2025 Council Budget for a traffic study at Oatley West Public School, aimed at improving traffic flow and safety during student drop-off and pick-up times. Additionally, he has advocated for increased enforcement patrols along Forest Rd, Lugarno, to curb speeding.

Advocating for gambling reform

Peter has collaborated with Wesley Mission and has been an advocate for gambling reforms. He has pushed for the Council to initiate an education campaign on strategies for reducing gambling and has lobbied the State Government to allow the Council to influence the number of poker machines proposed for installation in licensed venues within their local government area through planning reforms.

Save our creeks from sewage overflows

For many years after heavy rain, Sydney Water mains overflow and spill sewage into Dairy and Myles Dunphy Creeks.

Peter, a Streamwatch volunteer, and Council’s representative to Georges Riverkeeper has used his position on Council to call on the State Government to update ailing infrastructure and raise awareness of this critical issue.

In addition, Peter moved a motion calling for the State Government to continue funding Beachwatch, a water monitoring program that alerts the community of the water quality at 3 of Council’s natural swimming spots.