Dr Mike Freelander amplifies Lania's voice on green cities

Joining the 2024 Youth Voice in Parliament campaign, Dr Mike Freelander (Member for MacArthur, New South Wales) amplified the voice of Lania on developing Campbelltown into a green city. Speech transcript is below:
"My name is Lania, I am 18 years old and as the School Captain at Campbelltown Performing Arts High School.
I have seen the profound impact of rapid urbanisation on our Macarthur community. The growth and verticalization of our area, while bringing new opportunities, have also led to cramped spaces, outdated infrastructure, and a troubling increase in pollution, especially in areas like Queen Street in the Campbelltown CBD.
In the next 10 years, I envision Campbelltown evolving further into a ‘green city’-a community that prioritises open, green spaces, celebrates our native flora, and embraces modern, sustainable infrastructure. By doing so, we can not only enhance the beauty and functionality of our community but also foster a stronger sense of belonging and pride among residents.
This transformation requires commitment and collaboration. I believe that with additional federal funding, we can maintain and expand our green spaces, plant more native plants, and revitalise our outdated buildings and shops. This investment is not just about aesthetics; it's about creating a healthier, more vibrant environment that meets the needs of our rapidly growing population.
I believe by working together with community members, local leaders, schools and businesses this vision would become a reality. Together, we can ensure that Campbelltown stands as a model for sustainable urban development, where the environment and community thrive hand in hand."