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)
Yes. I have been a member of the Labor Party since 2008. Wyndham does not have party endorsed candidates at this election.
What is the most important issue facing your electorate?
Non-council
- Mortgage stress.
- Road congestion and public transport availability
Council
- Shortfall in public infrastructure
- Incomplete roads and intersections.
Should/how can Council support local businesses?
I have committed to supporting local business by bolstering our local procurement policy. More of Council money being spent locally ensures a stronger local economy. Employing more local workers also ensures that more money stays in Wyndham.
Should/how can Council support local creatives and industries?
I have committed to progressing a new performing arts centre, one that is fit for our large and growing city.
Should/how can Council help alleviate the impact of climate extremes on local communities and ecosystems?
Wyndham council already has a robust Resilience Strategy. A large part of this strategy is considering the environmental impacts of every council activity. Anticipating and planning for environmental changes will be important now and into the future.
Should/how can Council help alleviate cost of living and homelessness?
Wyndham council has stepped up it’s commitment supporting people during the worst housing crisis in living memory. A recent motion was carried that will result in the use of council land for demountable homes, to be developed and managed by a yet to be determined service provider.
What should Council stop spending money on?
Consultancy.
Should the public be allowed to ask live, unscripted questions of councillors during council meetings?
I believe there could be an accommodation made for this to occur outside of a formal council meeting. The reason I don’t believe a formal meeting is the right place is that there is likely to be a range of questions that are operational, governance or are not related to the scope of council. In most instances responses to questions on notice are carefully prepared and delivered by the CEO to ensure they are full and accurate. This is not likely to happen with questions without notice.
Can you please provide a short personal statement detailing what your priorities are if elected, and what your vision for your electorate looks like.
- Improved Access to Council Services: Ratepayers and residents deserve shorter hold times on the phone, SMS hotlines and improved online access to ensure access to the correct answers when they are needed.
- Keeping the Refuse Facility Public: I will fight to keep our waste, recycling and recovery facility open and in public hands. This will ensure responsible waste management that protects the local environment, serves our community and doesn’t cost the earth.
- In-house Local Jobs: I will work to stop outsourcing core services and bring jobs back into council or a local supplier. This will reduce costs, create more local jobs, improve service quality and accountability, and strengthen our local economy, delivering better value for your rates.
- Housing: I will keep pushing to protect residents’ rights in planning decisions, growth in affordable and social housing, and ensuring that developments are appropriate and respond to the growing needs of our community.
- Exercise Equipment in Parks: Our parks are important to our community. By adding exercise equipment, we can promote health and fitness for everyone, and increase the value of our local parks. Everyone deserves basic open air exercise equipment within walking distance from their home.
- New Performing Arts Centre: Our city needs a new Performing Arts Centre. It will bring popular performances closer to home, create opportunities for local schools to see our children grow, and give our local talent a place to shine.
