Are you a member of a political party, political group, or community advocacy group?
Standing as an independent candidate to represent all residents of Bemin Ward, I have no affiliation or membership to any political party or political group or advocacy group.
I believe that this separation of affiliation or influence is essential to ensure that I can offer all constituents living in Bemin Ward, irrespective of their socio or economic situation or ethnic background can be fairly represented.
What is the most important issue facing your electorate?
Bemin Ward – which includes parts of Truganina and Laverton North, is bounded by Skeleton Creek, Sayers Road, Old Geelong Road and Boundary Road and covers an area of 39.6 square kilometres.
As of July, 2023, it had 16,356 registered electors.
No matter how tempting it is to argue, but my priorities are the following
1. Community safety 2. Inclusivity 3. Infrastructure, 4. Transportation, mental and healthcare services.
The promotion of tourism that highlight the cultural mix, food, and sports, Improve sanitation, beautification, practical skills and actively support urban renewal of Bemin ward.
Should/how can Council support local businesses?
The simple answer to the question as to whether Wyndham Council should support local business is yes.
Supporting small businesses helps stimulate the local economy, promotes diversity and adds to the unique character of a neighbourhood.
As such, it is important for Wyndham to foster a thriving and prosperous environment for businesses in Wyndham by facilitating connections, delivering impactful programs, and hosting events that cultivate leadership and enhance business capacity.
Should/how can Council support local creatives and industries?
It is essential for Council to support local creatives and industries by contributing to a vibrant and dynamic community and a robust local economy through the development of inter and intra business initiatives, wide ranging award programs, business seminars and other promotional and support programs to assist local businesses and creatives to achieve success, sustainability, and innovation.
Should/how can Council help alleviate the impact of climate extremes on local communities and ecosystems
The impact of human-caused climate change is already being felt in Wyndham and throughout Australia. Indeed, more extreme weather is impacting our community, native vegetation and local wildlife.
There are two parts to addressing climate change – mitigation and adaptation:
- Mitigation – avoiding and reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere
- Adaptation – changes the City and the community can make to reduce the risks and realise the benefits from addressing climate change.
Mitigation actions could include:
- Planning – Preparation of a Zero Emissions Plan for Council Operations.
- Renewable energy – Procurement of 100% of the organisation’s electricity from renewable sources through the Victorian Energy Collaboration.
- Street lights – Changing over the council’s street lights to energy efficient LEDs.
- Electric vehicles – Transitioning the council’s fleet to electric vehicles, starting with Wyndham’s passenger fleet.
- Electric vehicle charging stations – Installing electric vehicle charging stations at key facilities and car parks.
- Getting off gas – Electrifying Council facilities by replacing gas hot water and heating systems with electric alternatives.
- Solar panels – Installing solar panels on all Council facilities.
- Development of a Climate Collaboration network by working with other stakeholders to reduce emissions across all districts under Wyndham Council.
Adaptation actions could include:
- Risk assessment – Completion of a Climate Risk Assessment for Council Operations.
- Greening Wyndham – Implementation of Council’s tree planting program.
- Emergency management – Implementation of the Integrated Municipal Emergency Management Plan and installation of off-grid infrastructure at key emergency management relief and recovery centres.
Should/how can Council help alleviate cost of living and homelessness?
The Cost of Living and homeless needs are some of the greatest challenges facing many communities throughout Australia and within the Wyndham community in particular.
COST OF LIVING: The continual support of council of organisations such as ‘The Food Relief Network’, a Council-supported ‘Community Food Pantry’ and ‘Foodshare’ would greatly assist in helping those in need meeting the rising cost-of-living demands would be beneficial.
HOMELESSNESS: Homeless or at risk of homelessness or family violence refuge availability is one of the major challenges of every council.
Apart from the statewide support services availability, Wyndham Council could consider establishing a ‘vacancy’ register and referral/counselling services to help address the problem of homelessness
What should Council stop spending money on?
The conception that some councils have that the money paid by their ratepayers is theirs, ie the council’s – to spend it as they wish.
Obviously, this is an incorrect assumption by the relative council.
Councils need to prioritise on their ‘core responsibilities’ such as Roads, Rubbish, Footpaths, Planning, Aged Care, Parks and Gardens, Rates and Rate Capping and want councils and councillors to concentrate and fund local issues and to stay out of political and other contentious social issues.
Should the public be allowed to ask live, unscripted questions of councillors during council meetings?
Within the limitation of confidentiality and ‘self-promotion’ there is some argument to support the acceptance of accepting live, unscripted questions of councillors during some council meetings.
However, such public availability should not be permissible at every council meeting and, when available, should have some constraints imposed on the questioner such as time frame, reverence, etc.
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 would like to see Bemin as a place that embraces the diversity of the strengths of its various ethnic and social cultures within a peaceful and accepting environment that recognises the potential of growth within the social and business community.
Phone: 0457 100 593
Email: rufoparedes@yahoo.com.au
