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 – Victorian Greens. Also a member of Friends of The Earth, and Better Busses for the West.
What is the most important issue facing your electorate?
Wyndham and Werribee Park Ward’s most significant issue is traffic. Decades of short-sighted planning has gridlocked our city, and our city’s outskirts lack the shops and facilities needed to support the community. Because we designed Wyndham for cars over people, there are few places where there are safe and viable alternatives to driving. This makes traffic even worse, while excluding anyone who cannot drive, whether that’s our children, elderly grandparents, disabled people, or anyone too poor to own a car.
Should/how can Council support local businesses?
We can support local businesses by designing vibrant and walkable main streets, complimented with libraries, parks, and plazas. Places like these attract people who like to shop and socialise. They are good for business, and good for council. Council can also support mixed use developments, creating useful and affordable homes for residents who prefer the convenience of living closer to the places they need, or for people who cannot travel far.
Should/how can Council support local creatives and industries?
Council can support our local creative industry by creating street art competitions where residents can show off their creativity, and the winner can have their art decorating our community. It is a wonderful way to engage our community, reduce graffiti, and brighten our cityscape. We can encourage residents to get involved with council by working with council staff to design our parks and plazas, so that every street has a unique sense of place. These opportunities would be especially good for our younger residents, as they can gain valuable work experience, and have something that they can be proud of.
Should/how can Council help alleviate the impact of climate extremes on local communities and ecosystems?
Council should do its part in tackling climate change by giving residents practical alternative travel options to driving. We can start by building a safe, direct, and connected cycling network, and by fixing our bus network. Active transport is not only better for the environment, but also for the health and wellbeing of local residents.
Council can also do its part by taking part in the glass bin recycling program, planting and protecting more native trees, and get residents on solar energy for less through solar bulk buying programs.
Should/how can Council help alleviate cost of living and homelessness?
Council can help its residents in several ways- most notably by designing away from the current car dependent structure that we currently have. The average Melbourne household spends well over $20,000 a year on transport costs, and the vast majority of this is through car expenses. By giving families other options to the second or sometimes family third car, we can provide genuine cost of living support that isn’t just another short-term handout. We can build thriving communities on the land currently under-utilised around our many of our train stations, like Tarneit, WyndhamVale, Williams Landing, and Hoppers Crossing, and support genuinely affordable developments in these areas.
What should Council stop spending money on?
Council should reconsider many of its road projects, and instead consider what other options we have. Time and time again we have tried to fix traffic with road duplications and extra lanes, but after a few months to a few years, we end up with the exact same problem, and an even higher maintenance bill.
We should look at practical solutions that take cars off the road, instead of giving cars more space. Projects such as transit only lanes, so that buses move faster, or smarter intersections provide better efficiency for both cars and people, without taking up much more space. Building and maintaining car infrastructure is one of council’s largest expenses. We should review this so that we can save money now and in the future.
Should the public be allowed to ask live, unscripted questions of councillors during council meetings?
Absolutely! Questions without notice are one of the best ways to test our elected representatives and to ensure that they are fully aware and accountable for their choices and actions. It would also be an excellent way to bring more engagement between council and the community.
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 for Wyndham is a vibrant, connected community, where everyone can live the way they want, whether that is a quiet block with space for a backyard, or a vibrant apartment, close to community. Our kids will safely be able to ride to school on their own and explore their community on the weekend.
If elected, I will prioritise decisions that make our community safer. I will ensure that new developments have a diverse mix of housing, retail, transport, and jobs, and push for developers to build the required infrastructure before residents move in. I will advocate for better use of land around our town centres, and use proven solutions to get Wyndham’s traffic moving again. I will improve the connection between community and council through collaboration on projects, and transparency in decision making.
For any questions, or suggestions, email me at thomas.curkowskyj@vic.greens.org.au. I love hearing from people, and I reply to everyone.
