Are you a member of a political party, political group, or community advocacy group? (eg; Labor, Liberal, Greens, Socialist, My Place, Angry Victorians, Better West, environment groups, etc)
No.
What is the most important issue facing your electorate?
Cost of living pressures. Council needs to be mindful of the impacts of all decision making, ensure that spending is not frivolous, and that funding is directed to projects in line with community expectations.
Should/how can Council support local businesses?
Yes. Reduce fees/charges and cut red tape – the less time that businesses are required to spend on administrative tasks for Council, the more time they can invest in improving their businesses instead. Council can add incentives such as removing paid-parking and increase activation such as live music, art and entertainment to bring visitors back into our communities.
Should/how can Council support local creatives and industries?
Host public events (music, art, entertainment) which provides a multitude of benefits – i.e. activation for trader precincts, accessible entertainment for our residents facing cost-of-living pressures, whilst directly supporting local creatives. Invest in street art (such as murals) which additionally improves amenity and a sense of place.
Should/how can Council help alleviate the impact of climate extremes on local communities and ecosystems?
I support Council implementing practical solutions such as adequately maintaining drainage, investing in shade/shelter for community spaces such as playgrounds/parks. Street cleaning and installation of gross-pollutant-traps to prevent litter flowing onto our beaches, lakes and creeks. Complete the roll-out of upgraded streetlights to brighter energy efficient lights.
Should/how can Council help alleviate cost of living and homelessness?
Yes. Council needs to be mindful of the impacts of all decision making, ensure that spending is not frivolous, and that funding is directed to projects in line with community expectations. I am the only Councillor at Hobsons Bay to vote against rate rises 4-years in a row. The decision to evict residents at Techno Park was not okay. I support the residents in their fight to keep their homes.
What should Council stop spending money on?
Cut all junkets – no Councillor needs to go an international trip. Council needs to focus on meeting the needs of our residents, and not the needs or desires of bureaucrats.
Should the public be allowed to ask live, unscripted questions of councillors during council meetings?
Yes. I raised this as a Notice of Motion during my Councillor term. It however was not supported by any other Councillor. I would hope that a future Councillor group would be more supportive of increasing community engagement.
Can you please provide a short personal statement detailing what your priorities are if elected, and what your vision for your electorate looks like.
I am dedicated to making Hobsons Bay a great place to live, work, and play. I will always put our residents first, and fight against Council bureaucracy. I will continue to fight to increase transparency, honesty and accountability, and to have your voices heard. In a cost-of-living-crisis, I’m focused on making Council work harder to deliver value for your money, and to keep rates and fees down. I am dedicated to continuing to enhance services, improve playgrounds and parks, our foreshore, sporting facilities and libraries. I will advocate for increased pensioner discounts and deliver on the basics of repairing roads, drains and footpaths, while addressing public safety, amenity and cleanliness within our streets.
