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I am writing to advise all members and stakeholders that, as of the 27 September, 2024, I will be stepping down as Chair of the National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA). As we enter a new term of council in NSW, I believe it is time to share the privilege and allow new leadership to guide the Alliance. It has been an honour to advocate on your behalf in Canberra, and I remain deeply passionate about the mission of the NGAA.

I am encouraged by the commitment and leadership of our Strategic Advisory Committee and have every confidence that they will continue to advance the NGAA's important work.

Over the past five years, it has been an honour and privilege to represent Australia’s fastest-growing outer cities and suburbs in this role. During my tenure, I am proud to have contributed to several key milestones, including:

• Representing the Alliance on a panel with The Hon. Catherine King MP at the Council of Local Governments Members’ meeting.
• Presenting to Federal and State Ministers on the impact of migration and diversity in growth areas
• Leading ongoing government relations and advocacy efforts, which have successfully built strong relationships across the political spectrum, even during changes in government. I’ve been proud to be part of building strong relationships with key figures such as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, The Hon. Catherine King MP, The Hon. Andrew Giles MP, The Hon. Michelle Rowland MP, The Hon. Kirsty McBain MP, The Hon. Angus Taylor MP, The Hon. Darren Chester MP and many more Parliamentarians.
• Achieving significant policy victories and securing crucial funding for growth areas, including the creation of the National Urban Policy Forum, the development of Outer Suburban Study Hubs, and major infrastructure funding programs such as the Thriving Suburbs initiative, the Urban Precincts and Partnerships program, and the Local Road and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program
• Participating in numerous NGAA events, both in-person and online, which showcased the innovative thinking and best practices of growth area councils across the country.
• Visiting our members across various states and observing firsthand the innovation and best practices being implemented.

I want to express my deep gratitude to our CEO, Bronwen Clark, for her unwavering support. Bronwen’s leadership has been fundamental in building the NGAA into the strong and connected Alliance it is today, with deep relationships on both sides of government, providing us with a platform to help shape policy for the future.

I would also like to extend my best wishes to Mayor Terresa Lynes as she steps in as interim Chair. I am confident that with her leadership, along with the continued efforts of the Strategic Advisory Committee, Cr Todd Carney, Mayor David Leach, Mayor Glenn Docherty, Cr Joseph Haweil, Cr Stephanie Davies, Cr Peter Maynard, and Cr Tom Widenbar, the NGAA will continue to thrive. I encourage all members to support them as they carry forward our mission.

Special thanks to former Chair Mayor Glenn Docherty for all his support and for showing me the ropes, as well as former Deputy Chairs Tracey Roberts, now MP for Pearce, and former Wanneroo Councillor Brett Treby.

Although I am stepping down from my official role, I will remain a passionate supporter of the NGAA and will always celebrate the successes that are yet to come.