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)
I’m an endorsed Greens candidate and I’ve been a member and secretary of Better West Inc for over five years. I’m also a member of Friends of Lower Kororoit Creek.
What is the most important issue facing your electorate?
Population growth and the need for our transport infrastructure – roads, public transport, bike and walking paths, and our green open space to keep up with this growth. Over the next 20 years Altona North is forecast to grow by 50% and Brooklyn by 20% this growth needs to be managed by council.
Should/how can Council support local businesses?
Revitalising local shopping strips making them safe and easy to walk and ride around, business support and networking helps.
Should/how can Council support local creatives and industries?
Yes, Local creatives and industry enhance and provide value to our community.
Should/how can Council help alleviate the impact of climate extremes on local communities and ecosystems?
In 2019, I co-led the campaign for Hobsons Bay Council to declare a climate emergency and I think that every decision that the council makes should be considered through the lens of climate change. In short, the council needs to plan to be climate resilient and to increase trees and permeable surfaces in our streetscapes and parks and keep water in our landscapes to support this greenspace.
Should/how can Council help alleviate cost of living and homelessness?
Yes, councils should prioritise council services that help to ease the cost of living like sports, libraries, school holidays events, maternal health care services.
On homelessness, Council should first ensure that residents of Techno Park are granted the right their right to live securely and permanently in their homes.
What should the Council stop spending money on?
Council should ensure that all its spending is giving value to residents and ratepayers and prioritise spending on services that relieve the cost of living. As a councillor, I’d ask for a review of the Council’s sports strategy for the Altona North area to ensure that spending on sports facilities is best delivering facilities for the needs of our growing local community.
Should the public be allowed to ask live, unscripted questions of councillors during council meetings?
This is an important one to me. I prioritise local democracy and want our community to have a voice in the council chamber. The current practice of written questions often edited and changed by the council administration is not working. I would advocate for changing the Council’s governance rules to allow this community member to present and speak in their own voice in the council chamber.
Can you please provide a short personal statement detailing what your priorities are if elected, and what your vision for your electorate looks like.
Council has an important role in ensuring that all of us thrive and that our local environment is protected. Together, we can continue building a supportive, vibrant and diverse community and delivering the infrastructure and services we all need.
My professional background is in collaborative planning for sustainable cities. I understand our local issues, and I will speak up for our community in Council.
Phone: 0414 385 455
Email: rowena.joske@vic.greens.org.au
