Q1. Are you a part of a political party? If so, which one?

ALP Victoria
Q2. If elected, will you advocate for Council, any party you are a member of or the Surf Coast community?

A. I will advocate for all members of the Surf Coast community irrespective of their background or where they reside. Will continue to support green belts and wedges including Spring Creek and low density development.

Q3. Do you support council's current position opposing seismic blasting and fossil fuel exploration in the Otway Basin?

A. Affirmative and the testing has been cancelled fortunately.

Q4. Do you support Council’s position on climate action?

A. Affirmative and will do all I can to reverse global warming. It is the greatest challenge of our generation.
Q5. Will you advocate for Council to take further action to protect the Karaaf Wetlands from the effects of urban stormwater runoff?

A. Affirmative and act to stop any further urban sprawl in Torquay.

Q6. Will you advocate for the Surf Coast Statement of Planning Policy to be fully integrated into the planning scheme, with genuine and funded assistance by the state government?

A. Affirmative.

Q7. Do you support an impact assessment for Torquay, including carrying capacity accounting for liveability, coastal character, economy and environment, including impacts from Geelong and Armstrong creek?

A. Affirmative.

Q8. Will you advocate for the well-being and interests of the community, including future generations with respect to economic, social and environmental sustainability?

A. Affirmative.

Q9. Anything else you would like to add? (Optional):

1. Keeping rate caps, lowering rates particularly for farmers and maintaining pensioner rebate.

2. Increasing funding for maintenance of sealed and unsealed roads with increased road sealing to be undertaken including intersections.

3. Liveability and neighbourhood amenity maintaining small town character ensuring agricultural land is preserved together with green belts and sustainable development.

Q1. Are you a part of a political party? If so, which one?

A. I am a Greens-endorsed candidate.

Q2. If elected, will you advocate for Council, any party you are a member of or the Surf Coast community?

A. If elected, I will advocate for the values that I was elected on, with a strong emphasis on engaging, listening and working with our diverse Surf Coast communities, both current and future.

Q3. Do you support council's current position opposing seismic blasting and fossil fuel exploration in the Otway Basin?

A. I most definitely support the council’s current position opposing seismic blasting and fossil fuel exploration in the Otway Basin.

Q4. Do you support Council’s position on climate action?

A. I support the council’s declaration of a climate emergency. If elected, I will prioritize advocating for climate action and nature positive objectives for our region.

Q5. Will you advocate for Council to take further action to protect the Karaaf Wetlands from the effects of urban stormwater runoff?

A. I will advocate for the council to take further action to protect Karaaf Wetlands from the effects of urban development impacts, as well as advocate for our other precious wetland ecological areas to be better protected from planned developments, particularly Deep Creek and Spring Creek.

Q6. Will you advocate for the Surf Coast Statement of Planning Policy to be fully integrated into the planning scheme, with genuine and funded assistance by the state government?

A. Yes, I will advocate for this.

Q7. Do you support an impact assessment for Torquay, including carrying capacity accounting for livability, coastal character, economy and environment, including impacts from Geelong and Armstrong creek?

A. Yes, I most definitely support this.

Q8. Will you advocate for the well-being and interests of the community, including future generations with respect to economic, social and environmental sustainability?

A. Yes, I most certainly will advocate for this.

Q9. Anything else you would like to add? (Optional. 50 words or less):
A. For more information about what I stand for, I would invite people to review Our Plan: https://greens.org.au/vic/lga/surfcoast

Q1. Are you a part of a political party? If so, which one?

I am a member of the Libertarian Party
Q2. If elected, will you advocate for Council, any party you are a member of or the Surf Coast community?

I will take a principled approach to keeping council focused on its core remit of providing essential services and asset development and maintenance.
Q3. Do you support council's current position opposing seismic blasting and fossil fuel exploration in the Otway Basin?

A. Council has no jurisdiction over either activity.
Q4. Do you support Council’s position on climate action?

A. I do not support council expenditure on a low integrity carbon offset scheme costing $250000 per year with no local conservation benefit.
Q5. Will you advocate for Council to take further action to protect the Karaaf Wetlands from the effects of urban stormwater runoff?

A. Yes, the councils lack of foresight and planning scrutiny has caused multiple drainage issues in land developments throughout the municipality.
Q6. Will you advocate for the Surf Coast Statement of Planning Policy to be fully integrated into the planning scheme, with genuine and funded assistance by the state government?

A. I am yet to read this 276 page document in full to offer my informed support.
Q7. Do you support an impact assessment for Torquay, including carrying capacity accounting for liveability, coastal character, economy and environment, including impacts from Geelong and Armstrong creek?

A. I would require more detail on your proposal, but if not funded by rate payers or tax payers, yes.
Q8. Will you advocate for the well-being and interests of the community, including future generations with respect to economic, social and environmental sustainability?

A. Advocating for the well being and interests of the community is the role of a councillor.
Q9. Anything else you would like to add? (Optional. 50 words or less):

A.

Q1. Are you a part of a political party? If so, which one?

The Australian Greens

Q2. If elected, will you advocate for Council, any party you are a member of or the Surf Coast community?

A. I will advocate for the community, acknowledging that some decisions are difficult and nuanced and not everyone will agree on everything. I will advocate for those without a voice including future generations, wildlife, waterways and oceans. I will advocate to ensure a viable, accountable council and thriving community.

Q3. Do you support council's current position opposing seismic blasting and fossil fuel exploration in the Otway Basin?

A. Yes. It was myself and Liz Pattison who moved the motion to oppose the 2021 offshore acreage release and all new oil and gas exploration, development and seismic testing in the Otway basin.

Q4. Do you support Council’s position on climate action?

A. Yes, although there is still a lot more work to be done in helping the community wean our dependence on fossil fuels, and reduce carbon emissions throughout our shire. Key areas are a circular economy approach, diverting waste from landfill, transitioning away from coal and gas to renewable energy, and mitigating the risks of climate change on our local area.

Q5. Will you advocate for Council to take further action to protect the Karaaf Wetlands from the effects of urban stormwater runoff?

A. Yes. The work done to restore salination of the Karaaf is a start, but we still have a long way to go to protect this beautiful area from the effects of development in north Torquay and to conserve the biodiversity and natural carbon sequestration of the wetland.

Q6. Will you advocate for the Surf Coast Statement of Planning Policy to be fully integrated into the planning scheme, with genuine and funded assistance by the state government?

A. Yes. Through the Distinctive Area and Landscape program this is a vital policy to guide land use and development in the shire over the next 50 years, to protect our unique natural environment, town character and cultural and historical heritage

Q7. Do you support an impact assessment for Torquay, including carrying capacity accounting for liveability, coastal character, economy and environment, including impacts from Geelong and Armstrong creek?

A. Yes I support it but it needs to be done appropriately and purposefully, with clear outcome measures and an intention to act on the results.

Q8. Will you advocate for the well-being and interests of the community, including future generations with respect to economic, social and environmental sustainability?

A. Yes. My passion is in children’s health a planetary health, which are inextricably linked. We need to do better to preserve the precious resources of our planet, and in doing so make a cleaner and more sustainable future for everyone. I believe this includes First Nations reconciliation, social justice and environmental protection.

Q9. Anything else you would like to add? (Optional. 50 words or less):

A. As a current councillor I hope to be re-elected to keep climate action and environmental leadership as council priorities. My preferences in Otway Range ward are Libby Stapleton and Mike Bodsworth. In Torquay I would vote for Phoebe Crockett and Liz Pattison, and in Winchelsea I would vote for Aleisja Henry and Rose Hodge.

Q1. Are you a part of a political party? If so, which one?

No, local councilors should be independent

Q2. If elected, will you advocate for Council, any party you are a member of or the Surf Coast community?

A. I won't advocate for a political party in local council, as we should remain unbiased and open to the needs of the local community who elect us but I will represent the diverse groups of the ward and whole community with transparency and integrity

Q3. Do you support council's current position opposing seismic blasting and fossil fuel exploration in the Otway Basin?

A. Yes, we need a future that is free from fossil fuels, having personally partake in the paddle outs with my kids as well as hosted sustainable surf board swaps and helped with surf film events with surfers for climate in protecting our natural landscapes, flora and fauna. Well done everyone on stopping seismic blasting, proof that peoples voices count!

Q4. Do you support Council’s position on climate action?

A. Yes, the climate is changing, and we need to continue to adapt the plans to the ever changing climate and ongoing challenges, we can still do more and should look beyond a plan that has a 10 year expiry date. There are other actions that could be adopted into and support this plan.

Q5. Will you advocate for Council to take further action to protect the Karaaf Wetlands from the effects of urban stormwater runoff?

A. Yes, especially with an increasing population, we need to protect and sustain this natural eco system with actions and resources

Q6. Will you advocate for the Surf Coast Statement of Planning Policy to be fully integrated into the planning scheme, with genuine and funded assistance by the state government?

A. Yes, although the area is only within the majority of the north of the surfcoast shire. But we need to advocate for the surf coast shire council to have a better voice within the various stakeholders particularly GORCAPA with accountability if a plan is to be fully integrated. Real budgeted government funding is needed to support such a policy.

Q7. Do you support an impact assessment for Torquay, including carrying capacity accounting for liveability, coastal character, economy and environment, including impacts from Geelong and Armstrong creek?

A. Yes, I will support the wider communities of the surfcoast shire and the whole region. The SC population is growing rapidly and we need to do better in managing the impacts for the future, I support an impact assessment for the whole of the surf coast and surrounding and landscapes overall. The overflow of the growing population will and has affected more than just these areas.

Q8. Will you advocate for the well-being and interests of the community, including future generations with respect to economic, social and environmental sustainability?

A. Definitely, we need a future that is sustainable and that we can leave it better for all generations to come. Sustainability and support is key in a rapidly growing diverse population and changing environments.

Q9. Anything else you would like to add? (Optional):

As surf riders we also need to look within the surf community, being more sustainable at grass roots, such as board swap events, alternative surfboards and wetsuits steering away from petrochemicals and synthetic resins and better recycling. We need to reduce our own waste footprints and impacts and lead by example.

Q1. Are you a part of a political party? If so, which one?

No, I am independent.

Q2. If elected, will you advocate for Council, any party you are a member of or the Surf Coast community?

A. I will advocate in the interests of the overall Surf Coast community, which should be reflected in the four-year strategic plan developed by Council in partnership with the community.

Q3. Do you support council's current position opposing seismic blasting and fossil fuel exploration in the Otway Basin?

A. Yes I fully support Council’s position! While I was on Council, we passed a motion to oppose the 2021 Offshore Petroleum Acreage Release and all new oil and gas exploration, development and seismic testing in the Otway Basin. The community has had a great victory against TGS and seismic blasting!!

Q4. Do you support Council’s position on climate action?

A. Yes, while I’ve been on Council, we’ve moved to 100% renewable energy and now certified carbon neutral. But we must go harder and faster to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and phase out fossil fuels. Climate change action is critical for the planet and also legislated through the Local Government Act

Q5. Will you advocate for Council to take further action to protect the Karaaf Wetlands from the effects of urban stormwater runoff?

A. Yes, again there has been good progress to improve the health of the Karaaf but our work is far from over! Protection of the Karaaf must be ongoing, with an effective, collaborative approach with agencies like Barwon Water and Parks Vic to ensure we deliver long-term sustainable solutions.

Q6. Will you advocate for the Surf Coast Statement of Planning Policy to be fully integrated into the planning scheme, with genuine and funded assistance by the state government?

A. Yes, this work is currently underway. The Surf Coast SPP is now operational and forms part of the Victoria Planning Provisions, therefore any growth in the DAL area must be guided by this. The state government is working with Council to implement the SPP through the Surf Coast Planning Scheme.

Q7. Do you support an impact assessment for Torquay, including carrying capacity accounting for liveability, coastal character, economy and environment, including impacts from Geelong and Armstrong creek?

A. While the DAL limits future growth in Torquay, pressure from other areas in our region will place increasing demands on services, infrastructure and local environment. Council would need support from state govt to undertake this study, and I would support advocating via G21 for a broader regional approach.

Q8. Will you advocate for the well-being and interests of the community, including future generations with respect to economic, social and environmental sustainability?

A. Yes, this is a fundamental part of Council's role! It’s imperative that we continue to respect those who've come before us, engage with those who live here now and plan for those who will inherit the responsibilities of our future, to create a viable, sustainable community on the Surf Coast.

Q9. Anything else you would like to add? (Optional. 50 words or less):

A. A proven leader, as Councillor and Mayor, I understand how local government works, have built strong connections across the region and worked hard to represent our community. With a degree in public relations, and graduate of AICD, I am able to provide strategic leadership, responsible financial management and strong governance.

Q1. Are you a part of a political party? If so, which one?

No I am an independent candidate

Q2. If elected, will you advocate for Council, any party you are a member of or the Surf Coast community?

A. I have and will continue to advocate for the needs of the Surf Coast community

Q3. Do you support council's current position opposing seismic blasting and fossil fuel exploration in the Otway Basin?

A. Yes I support Council’s position opposing seismic blasting. I was one of the two Councillors that put this motion forward in 2021. As Mayor I also led regional advocacy against seismic blasting and exploration of the Otway Basin. Through this advocacy a letter was sent to the Prime Minister and signed by myself (Mayor at Surf Coast) and the Mayors of Warrnambool, Colac Otway, and Moyne Shire.

Q4. Do you support Council’s position on climate action?

A. Yes I support Council’s position on climate action.

Q5. Will you advocate for Council to take further action to protect the Karaaf Wetlands from the effects of urban stormwater runoff?

A. Yes I will support further action to protect the Karaaf wetlands. I have advocated at Canberra around the benefits of the collaboration between Surf Coast Shire and Barwon Waters for the alternative water grid which will use stormwater from Torquay ensuring the Karaaf wetlands can be restored.

Q6. Will you advocate for the Surf Coast Statement of Planning Policy to be fully integrated into the planning scheme, with genuine and funded assistance by the state government?

A. Yes I have advocated for this during this term and I will continue to do so.

Q7. Do you support an impact assessment for Torquay, including carrying capacity accounting for liveability, coastal character, economy and environment, including impacts from Geelong and Armstrong creek?

A. It is important to understand the impact of broader tourism and growth in our region and the impact this has had and will continue to have on our environment, community and economy. This is important so that we can protect our natural environment and size our infrastructure and facilities accordingly.

Q8. Will you advocate for the well-being and interests of the community, including future generations with respect to economic, social and environmental sustainability?

A. Yes I will and I have advocated for the well-being and interests of the community during this term on Council.

Q9. Anything else you would like to add? (Optional).

I’m a mother of four, an engineer, a volunteer and a council leader. I’ve delivered as your Councillor and Mayor and want to continue to:

protect our environment, advancing climate action, and reducing waste to landfill

foster strong social connection through support for our Community grants and facilities

improve accessibility for all through improved foot and bike paths

Be mindful of cost-of-living pressures, ensuring efficient use of resources to continue to deliver excellent local government services.

Q1. Are you a part of a political party? If so, which one?

A. No, I am running as an independent candidate focused on the wellbeing and sustainability of the Surf Coast community.

Q2. If elected, will you advocate for Council, any party you are a member of or the Surf Coast community?

I will advocate for the people of the Surf Coast Shire, prioritizing the needs of our community (especially the youth and elderly), environmental preservation, and sustainable progress.

Q3. Do you support council's current position opposing seismic blasting and fossil fuel exploration in the Otway Basin?

Yes, I strongly oppose seismic blasting and fossil fuel exploration in the Otway Basin. Protecting our natural environment is essential to preserving the character and future of the Surf Coast.

Q4. Do you support Council’s position on climate action?

Yes, I fully support proactive climate action, and I believe that local initiatives are key to addressing the challenges of climate change for future generations.

Q5. Will you advocate for Council to take further action to protect the Karaaf Wetlands from the effects of urban stormwater runoff?

Yes, the Karaaf Wetlands are a precious ecosystem, and I support stronger protections to prevent damage from urban stormwater runoff.

Q6. Will you advocate for the Surf Coast Statement of Planning Policy to be fully integrated into the planning scheme, with genuine and funded assistance by the state government?

Yes, integrating the Surf Coast Statement of Planning Policy into the planning scheme is crucial to ensuring sustainable and responsible development in our region.

Q7. Do you support an impact assessment for Torquay, including carrying capacity accounting for liveability, coastal character, economy, and environment, including impacts from Geelong and Armstrong Creek?

Yes, I support a comprehensive impact assessment to ensure that future growth maintains the liveability and unique coastal character of Torquay while protecting our natural environment.

Q8. Will you advocate for the well-being and interests of the community, including future generations with respect to economic, social, and environmental sustainability?

Absolutely. My focus is on creating a balanced future where the needs of our community are met while ensuring sustainability for generations to come.

Q9. Anything else you would like to add?

I believe in responsible, community-focused leadership that truly listens to the people. I will work tirelessly to support the initiatives that our Surf Coast community deserves, with a focus on mental health, youth & seniors programs, and environmental protection.

Q1. Are you a part of a political party? If so, which one?

A. No

Q2. If elected, will you advocate for Council, any party you are a member of or the Surf Coast community?

A. The community, including future generations, and the Council as a body representing and acting in the best interests of the municipal community, that relies on constructive engagement and advocacy from every councillor.

Q3. Do you support council's current position opposing seismic blasting and fossil fuel exploration in the Otway Basin?

A. Yes

Q4. Do you support Council’s position on climate action?

A. Yes

Q5. Will you advocate for Council to take further action to protect the Karaaf Wetlands from the effects of urban stormwater runoff?

A. Yes

Q6. Will you advocate for the Surf Coast Statement of Planning Policy to be fully integrated into the planning scheme, with genuine and funded assistance by the state government?

A. Yes, though it’s a complex process. Also, broadly, I favour a front-foot approach where the community sets direction in collaboration with Council and aligned with the SPP; a community-led, community-vision-based approach rather than developer-led. I see this approach as reducing risk of unwanted outcomes for community, Council and developers, by clarifying aspirations and standards, potentially through a deliberative-engagement approach.

7. Do you support an impact assessment for Torquay, including carrying capacity accounting for liveability, coastal character, economy and environment, including impacts from Geelong and Armstrong creek?

A. I support recognition of impacts, the identification and monitoring of indicators of change, and the use of those things in formulating good planning and land management practices. I don’t think ‘an impact assessment’ as described is likely to happen, due to its complexity, cost, subjectivity, unclear ‘ownership’ and semi-redundancy in light of the DAL and SPP.

Q8. Will you advocate for the well-being and interests of the community, including future generations with respect to economic, social and environmental sustainability?

A. Yes, that’s central to the role and something I take very seriously.

Q9. Anything else you would like to add? (Optional):
A. I regard honest, open, thoughtful and frank dialogue between Council and community - individuals and groups - as essential, in navigating the complex business of local government and planning. Thank you.

Q1. Are you a part of a political party? If so, which one?

A. I am a Greens-endorsed Candidate.

Q2. If elected, will you advocate for Council, any party you are a member of or the Surf Coast community?

A. If elected, I will advocate for the values I was elected on. I will listen to and work closely with the diverse communities that make up the Surf Coast. I will take on advice from varied voices across the municipality and be led by local knowledge, including First Nations wisdom.

Q3. Do you support council's current position opposing seismic blasting and fossil fuel exploration in the Otway Basin?

A. I support Council’s opposition to new oil and gas exploration in the Otway Basin. Council support is a key part of legitimate community opposition to such projects, and I am thrilled that this position was on the right side of history and contributed to the recent abandonment of the proposal.

Q4. Do you support Council’s position on climate action?

A. I agree with and support Council’s declaration of a climate emergency. Climate action is a health priority, and we need to strengthen our systems for food, transport, tourism, and waste management. There is more to be done to build our resilience to climate impacts and extreme weather events.

Q5. Will you advocate for Council to take further action to protect the Karaaf Wetlands from the effects of urban stormwater runoff?

I will advocate for stronger stormwater management systems to protect the Karaaf Wetlands, a saltmarsh of state and national significance. We need to reduce stormwater flows from north Torquay to the Karaaf Wetlands to pre-development levels. Further investigation is required, along with whole of catchment strategies.

Q6. Will you advocate for the Surf Coast Statement of Planning Policy to be fully integrated into the planning scheme, with genuine and funded assistance by the state government?

A. Yes, the objectives of the SPP are binding on the Surf Coast Shire to integrate into the planning scheme. We’ll need state government support and funding to implement the objectives of fostering a diverse socially and environmentally responsible economy, protection of Wadawurrung living cultural heritage values, and significant ecological systems.

Q7. Do you support an impact assessment for Torquay, including carrying capacity accounting for liveability, coastal character, economy and environment, including impacts from Geelong and Armstrong creek?

I support an impact assessment for Torquay, to ensure responsible development, protect coastal character, and address external pressures, if it has clear, measurable outcomes and implementation strategies. This will require budget for both assessment and implementation of recommendations.

Q8. Will you advocate for the well-being and interests of the community, including future generations with respect to economic, social and environmental sustainability?

A. Yes, I will advocate for the health and wellbeing of the community. We need to ensure future generations can enjoy a thriving, inclusive community with a strong local identity and pristine natural surroundings. The ongoing wellbeing of our community and economy is dependent on the health of our natural environment.

Q9. Anything else you would like to add?

Vote 1 Phoebe Crockett in Torquay, followed by Liz Pattison for healthy, connected communities, and then Martin Duke to support local businesses and groups. In Otway Range ward my picks are Kate Gazzard, Libby Stapleton and Mike Bodsworth. If I was in Winchelsea Ward I would choose Aleisja Henry and Rose Hodge.

Q1. Are you a part of a political party? If so, which one?

Unendorsed member of the ALP

Q2. If elected, will you advocate for Council, any party you are a member of or the Surf Coast community?

This question is unclear. If elected I’ll advocate on council for community members not for any party. For years I’ve worked with groups and individuals, I stand by my record.

Q3. Do you support council's current position opposing seismic blasting and fossil fuel exploration in the Otway Basin?

A. Yes, of course, and great news on it lately.

Q4. Do you support Council’s position on climate action?

I was Mayor when the Climate Emergency Action came to the chamber, the vote was 4:4 and I used my casting vote to start the Shires response to Climate action, I am grateful for the 4 other councillors that voted in the affirmative. We have Climate emergency response plans 2021-23 and now the 2021-2031. Please see on Shire’s website. We should be leading by example, as in think globally act locally.

Q5. Will you advocate for Council to take further action to protect the Karaaf Wetlands from the effects of urban stormwater runoff?

Yes, again the shire has a way forward with this and details on the project is again on the SCS website. We can learn from our stormwater errors and improve the situation with future works.

Q6. Will you advocate for the Surf Coast Statement of Planning Policy to be fully integrated into the planning scheme, with genuine and funded assistance by the state government?

Genuine and funded assistance from the State Government, if we can get that, it would certainly help.

If anything can strengthen what we aspire to in a Planning Policy which can set out strong policy on better planning I’d certainly advocate for it.

One thing state needs to take into account is the pathways retirement villages are allowed to be placed in zoned low residential areas, I was certainly against this recently in Torquay and would seek support to write to the State on this matter.

Q7. Do you support an impact assessment for Torquay, including carrying capacity accounting for liveability, coastal character, economy and environment, including impacts from Geelong and Armstrong creek?

This question has been around for years and years, I think we can all see or feel the impacts do we need to spend thousands of dollars on an assessment? I wouldn’t stand in the way if a majority of councillors thought it was beneficial, I’d prefer to spend the consultant on solutions such as next steps for the Karaff.

Q8. Will you advocate for the well-being and interests of the community, including future generations with respect to economic, social and environmental sustainability

Of course I would I live here! I have brought my family up here and expect to stay here until the end. My record over the years on Council covers the above question. It’s the best interest of the community I certainly would advocate for it. I love living here and trying to get the best we can.

Q9. Anything else you would like to add?

Surf Coast is moving in the right direction on its environmental, financial, economic and community interests. The new council will be conducting community input for its new Council Plan I hope all the groups sending us surveys for our views participate so we can hear yours.

Q1. Are you a part of a political party? If so, which one?
No, never have been.
Q2. If elected, will you advocate for Council, any party you are a member of or the Surf Coast community?
A. I don't understand what this question is asking for... of course I'll advocate for Council (as a "Councillor"!) and for the Surf Coast community (being "Surf Coast Shire"!), and why would I advocate for a party?
Q3. Do you support council's current position opposing seismic blasting and fossil fuel exploration in the Otway Basin?
A. I am personally opposed to seismic blasting due to the inevitable impact on sea-life, particularly mammals. I can't find Council's current position on it so can't say whether I support it or not. Likewise fossil fuel exploration - currently opposed personally, big gas/oil can't be trusted.
Q4. Do you support Council’s position on climate action?
A. To a large extent, and subject to the increasing financial strain on council coffers. I disagree with 'cheating' by handing over ratepayer money for dubious carbon credits, there are many projects that are win-win both economically and environmentally, I want to see a focus on those.
Q5. Will you advocate for Council to take further action to protect the Karaaf Wetlands from the effects of urban stormwater runoff?
A. No. The rectification project is well underway and already planned to return it to "pre-development levels". What further action is needed?
Q6. Will you advocate for the Surf Coast Statement of Planning Policy to be fully integrated into the planning scheme, with genuine and funded assistance by the state government?
A. I believe it already is (jo.my/scspp) - more funding would be great though! Perhaps I need to learn more.
Q7. Do you support an impact assessment for Torquay, including carrying capacity accounting for liveability, coastal character, economy and environment, including impacts from Geelong and Armstrong creek?
A. Sure - funded by state government and to provide genuine actionable outcomes (it would no doubt be expensive). Torquay is being (has been?) overdeveloped.
Q8. Will you advocate for the well-being and interests of the community, including future generations with respect to economic, social and environmental sustainability?
A. Hmm... Obviously. And who is ever going to answer this question with a "No"?? But genuinely, yes, all 3 of those are important to me and I value long-term views on them.
Q9. Anything else you would like to add? (Optional. 50 words or less):
A. As a "Surfer Against Sewage" (England) I appreciated how development affects an area, including the sea. Surf Coast is world famous for a reason. The financial woes on the horizon are going to limit things, but it is important to do what we can within the remit of local government.