About Me
My name is David Liistro, and I live in Niddrie with my wife and three children. We chose to live in this area because of its schools, amenities, and strong community.
Yet, the rising cost of living has become a serious concern for many of us. It’s clear that governments at all levels are out of touch with the financial realities we face every day. Instead of addressing these challenges, they keep increasing spending, taxes, and rates, assuming we can shoulder the burden forever.
I’m running as the candidate for the Steele Creek ward in Moonee Valley City Council (MVCC) to make a real difference for residents in Airport West and Niddrie.
My priority is to ensure MVCC spending is responsible, sustainable, and continues to deliver essential services for its residents. I’m here to ease the financial pressures on residents, not add to them.
I’m committed to looking closely at the council’s budget and pushing for cost reductions to avoid unnecessary rate hikes.
I want to make sure the MVCC delivers quality services and maintains infrastructure that supports a vibrant local community. The MVCC should focus on the practical needs of residents, using common sense and putting residents' needs first, instead of wasting resources on advocacy that doesn’t deliver real-world benefits.
I support sustainable development that respects our suburbs, ensures new housing doesn’t overwhelm roads, strains services, and preserves the character of our community.
I want to protect the quality of life in Niddrie and Airport West for future generations.
As a Libertarian, I stand for less government interference, lower rates, and more personal choice. If you're tired of working hard only to be overtaxed by a wasteful government, you're not alone. My commitment is to reduce the financial burden on residents by promoting responsible spending and efficient governance.
I’m asking for your vote to represent you, to fight for lower costs, practical solutions, and greater transparency.
With your vote, we can keep Moonee Valley a great place to raise a family and enjoy a fulfilling life.
Policy Platform
Responsibility
I pledge that, if elected, I will act responsibly to ensure Moonee Valley City Council remains economically sustainable and livable for residents.
This means making thoughtful decisions about council spending, avoiding wasteful projects, and focusing on what truly matters—essential services, well-maintained infrastructure, and efficient use of resources. By prioritising economic sustainability, I aim to ease financial pressures on families while preserving the quality of life that makes our community a great place to live.
Without responsibility, nothing gets done right, and everything that follows will fail to meet the Moonee Valley resident’s needs.
Roads
Our roads are vital, connecting people, businesses, and services. But councils across the State are making it harder to move around by reducing speed limits and removing car lanes on main roads for bike paths. These changes inconvenience drivers and undermine the efficiency of our road network.
With your support, I will prioritise maintaining our roads and ensure no car lanes are removed for bike lanes on arterial roads. I will advocate for indented parking to reduce congestion in suburban streets and push for fewer speed bumps in our community. I will also support keeping the current speed limit and strongly oppose any reduction to 30 km/h, ensuring our roads remain efficient.
Rates / Economic
Money is tight, so spending needs to be smart and focused on what really matters. I support sustainable budgets that keep Moonee Valley City Council living within its means, funding essential services and maintaining infrastructure without taking on unsustainable debt. This approach will help ease cost-of-living pressures for residents.
With the backing of residents, I will prioritise spending on roads, rubbish collection, infrastructure, health services, and kindergartens. I will also support voluntary contributions from ratepayers to fund grants and climate change initiatives, making sure those doing it tough aren’t hit with extra costs from discretionary spending.
On top of that, I will push for cost savings to lower rates wherever possible
Rubbish
Rubbish collection is a vital service that residents depend on.
With your support, I will work to maintain the current rubbish collection frequency and push for better communication from the council when delays or disruptions occur.
If the council proposes introducing a fourth bin for glass, I will consult with residents and work to find alternatives that don’t add extra fees or clutter properties with another bin.
Parks and Playgrounds
Parks and playgrounds are essential for our community, providing spaces for families to relax, play, and connect with nature. These areas promote physical activity, improve mental health, and bring people together, making our community stronger and healthier.
With the support of residents, I will ensure our parks and playgrounds are well maintained. When the budget allows, I’ll advocate for better use of underutilised areas, upgrading old playground equipment, and adding more sunshades so children can play safely and comfortably.
Governance
Councils across the State have drifted from their core responsibilities, often getting involved in State, Federal, or International issues that don’t directly affect local governance. Our Council must focus on local priorities, not divert resources from our resident's needs.
With the support of residents, I will advocate sensibly to the State and Federal Governments on issues that truly matter to Moonee Valley, such as health, education, planning, infrastructure and investment.
I will push for maximum transparency by ensuring Council information is public by default, keeping our community informed and engaged. I will also support the Council in flying flags as required by law and ensure residents retain the right to ask questions in council chambers.
Social
There’s no doubt Victoria has faced significant challenges, and the social fabric of our community has been tested. The Council’s focus should be on addressing local issues and upholding the social norms that matter most to our residents.
If elected, I will stand firm in upholding the values I believe are important to the people of Airport West and Niddrie:
● Supporting the celebration of Australia Day, including continuing citizenship ceremonies
● Maintaining women-only spaces.
● Opposing the infiltration of radical activist and lobby group's agendas into council matters.
● Advocate for council-run services, like kindergartens, to be politically neutral.