Are you a member of a political party, political group, or community advocacy group? (e.g. Labour, Liberal, Greens, Socialist, My Place, Angry Victorians, Better West, environment groups, etc)
I am a member of the Williamstown Branch of ALP but I’m neither endorsed nor bound to ALP policy. I’m the president of Better West Inc.; Secretary of New Message Tree Alliance Inc.; a board member on South Kingsville Community Centre, Secretary of Slow Food Melbourne Inc. I work with Friends of Earth’s Sustainable Cities campaign for Better Buses and I’m a member of Friends of Newport Lakes. I’m a contributor to, and enthusiastic supporter of The Westsider. I’m a volunteer with the Seniors Exercise Park, Donald McLean Reserve, Friends of Newport Lakes and Slow Food Melbourne Farmers Markets.
What is the most important issue facing your electorate?
Transparency and accountability are important issues for Hobsons Bay following council terms riven by personal politics, codes of conduct arbitrations and the disgraceful decision to evict Technopark residents. The council’s culture needs to be reset with collaborative and evidence-based decision making in response to the opportunities of 30-year strategic Plan Melbourne to address productivity, housing choice, integrated transport, liveability, sustainability in the western region and the whole of Melbourne. I embrace a forward-looking strategic environment.
Should/how can Council support local businesses?
Council can and should support local small business ensuring residents’ easy access to basic goods and services within walking distance of their homes. Council levers are limited to rating, permits and activation strategies. At a recent Hobsons Bay Business event The Stats Guy, Simon Kuestenmacher, provided an excellent overview of the economic challenges and strategies council could employ to support businesses facing uncertainty.
Should/how can Council support local creatives and industries?
The arts are important to the well-being of the community: a core function. Council facilities and grants play important roles in fostering talent and creating new employment. I support a better distribution of community, arts and culture resources to the northern wards like Spotswood and Altona North.
Should/how can Council help alleviate the impact of climate extremes on local communities and ecosystems?
Council has an obligation to adopt financial and environmental management practices to respond to climate change and emergencies, that is, to continue to invest in its solar project, offset its own emissions and protect environmental assets: the rivers, creeks, parks and remnant land. Building code adjustments and assistance to future proof housing stock could be considered. Spotswood has among the least canopy and open space in the city along with other northern suburbs and this inequity needs to be addressed as a priority.
Should/how can Council help alleviate cost of living and homelessness?
Council needs to respond to Plan Melbourne to play its part in meeting demand for diverse housing needs and a transitioning economy for jobs close to homes.
What should Council stop spending money on?
Far too much money is spent on self-promotion, adversarial legal processes and waste in scheduling and coordination of infrastructure projects.
Should the public be allowed to ask live, unscripted questions of councillors during council meetings?
Yes, a new approach to how the community participates in Council process is urgently needed to improve trust and transparency.
Can you please provide a short personal statement detailing what your priorities are if elected, and what your vision for your electorate looks like.
My vision is for a harmonious and thriving community in Hobsons Bay. My priorities are to be the voice for my community in Spotswood Ward, to restore trust and transparency in Hobsons Bay City Council Council and work to overhaul planning and land use which impacts on almost all aspects of living in Hobsons Bay.
Phone: 0418 403 303
Email: rosaforspotswood@gmail.com
