CANDIDATE LYNN HUDSON:

10 QUESTIONS FROM THE TERRIER:

What three main skills could you bring to the Warrnambool City Council as a councillor?

I have:
an enquiring mind;
high-level previous board appointments and legal experience;
high-level written and oral communication skills.

Do you see any particular issues, projects or problems in Warrnambool that would like to work on as a councillor?

I honestly feel that the WCC has lost the trust and faith of its base.  Integrity, trust and clarity in the decision making of the WCC needs to be restored as a priority.  I believe that a well run Council with a membership focussed on the needs and wants of electors, residents and ratepayers –  including business – is a top issue.

I would like to see better and safer boating facilities installed which will benefit locals and attract visitors with all of the benefits that brings to the broader WCC has an interesting demographic and improved facilities for the unemployed, under-employed and young families should yield beneficial results long term.  On the other hand nearly 20% are aged 65+ and it is important that these experienced residents are equally well looked after.

Do you think the council could be more “open” with residents and if so, how?

Yes.  The number of in camera council meetings is of concern given the Councillors represent ratepayers and residents.  There seems a general unease in the community with what a perceived lack of transparency in decision making.  Good communication is the key to all good relationships.  I am of the view the lack of trust and confidence in the WCC is damaging to the community and is quite plausibly a disincentive to investment here.  To be more open as a Council suggests open transparent decision making, clear policies that are known and uniformly applied with less discretion in the hands of staff.

It is important to make time to attend meetings of local organisations and respond to residents and ratepayers concerns and problems as they perceive them to be.  People are much better informed these days and it is unacceptable in  my view for the Council to be voting on decisions that may adversely have deleterious financial consequences for the community with “the blinds down” nothing to see here position.

The next 12 months is going to be challenging due to the impact of Covid-19 – do you have one or two key idea/s for how WCC could support residents and/or businesses?

If elected I would focus on streamlining/ reducing/modifying the applicable policies, regulations and or fees associated with helping businesses whether they be hotels, cafes, festivals, food and beverage outlets, retails shops and the like.

Changes can be made on an interim basis to actively encourage back to C19 levels and hopefully improve on them.  For example, making it easier for pavement dining or waive or reduce fees for small businesses to have signage on the pathway to making it easier for marquee’s to be erected to expand useable outside areas and the customer base.

Do you have any ideas on where the council could cut costs, if necessary, to keep rates at the state cap?

I would undertake a review of external consultants, travel – especially interstate and international, legal costs and tender processes.  For example, I would consider employing an appropriately qualified Legal Officer within the WCC so as to reduce the costs of engaging external private lawyers.

Preferences will decide who is elected to council. Are you planning to preference most highly new candidates, current councillors, or you will not be listing your preferences

Obviously I hope to be the first preference for voters.  I don’t intend to dictate where voters should place their next choices.  That said, I honestly hope voters seriously consider the range of hugely talented new candidates.

If you were elected, what ways – if any – would you keep residents and ratepayers informed as an individual councillor?

Clearly the work of the Council is, or should be, a team effort.  There is attendant risk if each Councillor purports to inform ratepayers of the work and achievements of Council as there is a possibility of non uniform messaging or even ‘grandstanding’ without appropriate credit to the team.  People are generally better informed these days. If elected I undertake to help the community and the cohorts within it to respond in a timely manner to their problems and concerns as they perceive them to be.

Interaction throughout the community is important.  Examples of personal interaction work include visiting, for example, Aged Care Homes, meet with the Ratepayers Association,  becoming anchored within the community, attending meetings of other community groups and actively participating in local government events.  Councillors can always be contacted via their e mail and the newsletters and community forums published by the Council are a great initiative.

If you were elected, what would you have liked to have achieved at the end of your four-year term?

I would like to achieve a reduction (in real terms) of the rates and charges currently imposed by Council.  In addition, I would like to achieve clear equitable and uniformly applied policies and guidelines particularly in the often contentious area of public works tenders and planning approvals.

Are you a member of any political party? 

No.

In the past two years, have you been a member of any local club, organisation or association?

Yes.  I am a paid up member of the sensational Warrnambool 4WD Club and also the Warrnambool Bowls Club.

CANDIDATE ANGIE PASPALIARIS:

10 QUESTIONS FROM THE TERRIER:

What three main skills could you bring to the Warrnambool City Council as a councillor?

Familiarity with process and procedure – I have been attending all monthly open council meetings for the last three years in the public gallery.

Assessing the information and ask questions of finances, reports and projects – I have been asking public questions almost monthly, requesting written responses about issues that have otherwise been overlooked or that appear inconsistent.

Business skills – I own a small business so have skills in managing a budget, promotion and advertising, communication, making difficult but effective financial decisions in a timely manner for long-term success.

Do you see any particular issues, projects or problems in Warrnambool that you would like to work on as a councillor?

Creating a more trusting, constructive relationship between Council and the community. I will try and win the trust back of the people, and in doing so, improve respect for the Council, and improve the morale of Council employees.

Manage the Council Plan and Budget better, with the prioritising of projects and infrastructure we need ahead of projects we simply want.

Resolving major parking issues, dangerous intersections and pedestrian treatments.

Consider and plan for the infrastructure and projects our neighbourhoods need (North Warrnambool, Allansford, Dennington, Bushfield, Woodford).

Strongly advocate for better transport infrastructure – major roads and train services.

Innovation and action for Flagstaff Hill and harbour development.

Facilitate better activities and events for teenagers, not much for them to engage with outside sporting clubs.

Do you think the council could be more “open” with residents and if so, how?

YES!

Reassess the consultation process – rethink or reconfigure the ‘Have Your Say’ link on WCC website (and the WCC website in general), or use it in conjunction with other means of genuine consultation pathways (ie. open forums or written correspondence).

Providing an Annual Business Plan and Budget Summary pamphlet with every new financial year’s rates notice (commonly done by most South Australian Councils).

General business to return to open Council meetings, and the opportunity for residents to stand up and ask their question in person.

No meals and alcohol provided after Council meetings for Councillor and officers. Invite members in the public gallery tea/coffee and biscuits to stay for further informal discussions with councillors and directors after meetings.

The next 12 months is going to be challenging due to the impact of Covid-19 – do you have one or two key idea/s for how WCC could support residents and/or businesses?

Covid’s impact will be here for an extended period, but even before Covid hit, Council was in a dire financial situation.

Council must freeze rates.

Council must defer some unnecessary projects – I believe this is unavoidable as we aim to get back on track with our finances.

Council must provide innovation and ideas for the promotion of Warrnambool as a Victorian holiday destination, as it appears interstate and international travel will be restricted for some time yet.

Council must provide appeal for city-dwellers looking for a sea-change (TV and radio advertising like other regional centres commonly do).

Do you have any ideas on where the council could cut costs, if necessary, to keep rates at the state cap?

Find savings in halting or deferring some projects – perfectly serviceable amenities may need refurbishment, not reconstruction (eg. McGennan’s carpark toilet block proposal).

Assess staffing numbers and wage costs, including management positions.

Stop borrowing money for projects – if we can’t afford them right now, then plan for them to be done steadily and sensibly in future.

Preferences will decide who is elected to the council. Are you planning to preference most highly new candidates, exisiting candidates or you won’t be putting forward preferences:

I will preference new candidates most highly.

If you were elected, what ways – if any – would you keep residents and ratepayers informed as an individual councillor?

I plan to keep a personal Facebook page to continue updating the community on dates and times for monthly open Council meetings, and announcing plans/projects/decisions, and inviting feedback whenever possible.

I also plan to reach out to traders via email when necessary – something that has never been offered to me as a business owner over the last 7 years.

If you were elected, what would you have liked to have achieved at the end of your four-year term?

Community trusting Council once again – a respectful and positive relationship achieved with transparent decision-making and better communication.

Council budget and finances back on track.

Bring back a profitable children’s winter festival, and annual events planned for teenagers.

Harbour development – a major tourism attraction.

Flagstaff Hill revitalisation – ensure plans to change Flagstaff Hill mean that both locals and tourists will use this facility in future.

Community projects funded and completed for outlying areas of Warrnambool (Allansford, Woodford, Dennington, Bushfield).

Are you a member of any political party? If so, which one?

Not a member of any political party, and never have been.

In the past two years, have you been a member of any local club, organisation or association?

Member and sponsor of Warrnambool Lawn Tennis Club, Warrnambool Racing Club.

Committee member at Young Professionals Warrnambool.

Member and treasurer of Warrnambool Ratepayers’ Association.

Director at South West Community Foundation.

You can find Angie’s candidate Facebook page here.

Angie’s preference list is below:

CANDIDATE OTHA AKOCH:

10 QUESTIONS FROM THE TERRIER:

What three main skills could you bring to the Warrnambool City Council as a councillor?

Leadership
Focus
Problem Solving

Do you see any particular issues, projects or problems in Warrnambool that you would like to work on as a councillor?

Engaging our youth needs to be a priority.  For example, by enhancing sporting and recreational facilities along with developing more forums to engage our youth.  Connect new residential growth areas to the city via a Bromfield St extension to link the Special Development School and residents who live north of the Merri River to the city.  Redevelopment of Flagstaff Hill to become a diverse cultural community hub or history, art and agriculture.

Do you think the council could be more “open” with residents and if so, how?

There should be no hidden agenda.  The city council is a public office, so the meetings should be public.  We should not have a hidden agenda that is kept from those who elected us.  In addition to this, we need social forums where the public can ask questions, share ideas and express their views and ideas in a structured respectful environment.

The next 12 months is going to be challenging due to the impact of Covid-19 – do you have one or two key idea/s for how WCC could support residents and/or businesses?

The best thing the Warrnambool City Council can do for local businesspeople is fulfil their obligation to promote Warrnambool to maximise our tourist trade all year around.  Not just in Summer, but during all times of the year.  We have enough natural attractions to bring people year-round, but we have not marketed our beautiful city as we should have.

We can use this time to create those campaigns so that we are ready when Covid is over.  We can make Warrnambool everyone’s first choice for a tourist destination.

Do you have any ideas on where the council could cut costs, if necessary, to keep rates at the state cap?

The problem of excessive spending by council will only ever be fixed by effective management.  We need skilled businesspeople who are employed by the council to eliminate the need for consultants who come at a very high price and possibly with their own conflicts of interest that cost the ratepayers more money than necessary.

We have many projects that have cost more than they should have due to ineffective due diligence and process.  For example, the main (Liebig) street works grossly exceeded budget due to mismanagement or due diligence during the planning phase.

Preferences will decide who is elected to the council. Are you planning to preference most highly new candidates, exisiting candidates or you won’t be putting forward preferences:

New candidates. (See preference list below).

If you were elected, what ways – if any – would you keep residents and ratepayers informed as an individual councillor?

Through open council meetings that a designated independent journalist reports on for the people.  Through social media platforms and through consultation and open forums.

If you were elected, what would you have liked to have achieved at the end of your four-year term?

I would like to see local sporting facilities fully funded to maximise youth engagement and community involvement.

Are you a member of any political party? If so, which one?

No.

In the past two years, have you been a member of any local club, organisation or association?

South Warrnambool Football Netball Club and Warrnambool Basketball Association.

Closing thoughts or ask and answer your own question here:

Good luck to all the new candidates and thank you to you Carol for the opportunity for us to share our thoughts with you.

You can find Otha’s candidate Facebook page here.

Otha’s preference list is below: 

CANDIDATE MATTHEW WALSH:

10 QUESTIONS FROM THE TERRIER:

What three main skills could you bring to the Warrnambool City Council as a councillor?

Experience working within a Federal Government environment where good governance (Transparency, Accountability, Equitable and inclusion) is a must.

Policy development/review experience

Experience with administering public funds under strict controls.

Do you see any particular issues, projects or problems in Warrnambool that you would like to work on as a councillor?

Community is the heart of Warrnambool, but tourism is the lifeblood, for example, Flagstaff Hill has been a significant loss generator for several years. There needs to be a considerable focus placed on ways to improve its performance. (I have noted some detail at Q8)

The harbour redevelopment is essential to capture more of the recreational fishing market if we want to be considered as the end of the Great Ocean Road and not have people continued further on we need to offer top-class facilities.

Introducing sustainable long-term solutions for the erosion and seaweed issues around the main beach area in particular; it is the showpiece of the town. Part of this could be looking at commercial options for the disposal and possible use of seaweed.

Do you think the council could be more “open” with residents and if so, how?

Councils are elected to represent the community; this community should know and understand everything that is happening within the council to deliver on their needs.

Council meetings run from a more prominent space such as the Lighthouse Theatre so that more of the community can attend. Meetings live-streamed but perhaps also visualised on the Civic Green? We could also use the electric signage of The Lighthouse Theatre to remind residents of the upcoming Council meeting dates.

Regular updates to be delivered with rates notices talking about projects, expenditure and future planning etc.

Re-introduce the coffee with a councillor initiative/speed dating with the Councillors style event, provide a direct entry point into council without any red tape. Thus ensuring Councillors stay in touch with the heart of the community and also make sure Councillors are approachable for all.

The next 12 months is going to be challenging due to the impact of Covid-19 – do you have one or two key idea/s for how WCC could support residents and/or businesses?

Attracting people to the area will be crucial, given the opening up of regional areas, Warrnambool must be promoted as the destination of choice.

Hospitality and the Arts are significant areas where the council could focus its energy, providing reduced/free access to outdoor dining opportunities in line with the ever-changing restrictions. The Arts, we have so much local talent, in particular, musicians have had a real tough time given crowd restrictions across a range of events. WCC should look at scheduling events to support local musicians, be that Lake Pertobe, Civic Green or Flagstaff Hill for a summer twilight series.

Local food and alcohol events – again, we have great local boutique food and alcohol businesses, let us use it as a tourist card and show off what Warrnambool has to offer.

Do you have any ideas on where the council could cut costs, if necessary, to keep rates at the state cap?

I won’t make any bold claims around this one until I better understand the financials. However, I do think there will be multiple areas for efficiencies to be realised; one area is within the Executive group. Given the number of currently un-filled roles, it is highly likely that these duties could be re-distributed, and some delegation levels changed.

The main thing is that a reduction in services offered should not be considered.

Preferences will decide who is elected to the council. Are you planning to preference most highly new candidates, exisiting candidates or you won’t be putting forward preferences:

I will be looking to preference new candidates; I think it is critical that there is a changing of the guard. New faces, and new blood, is what is needed.

There is significant disdain within the community on what has been happening, and this reputation needs to be repaired.

If you were elected, what ways – if any – would you keep residents and ratepayers informed as an individual councillor?

Maintain a social media presence to help people understand the inner workings of the council.

Make myself available for community events if/when needed.

Be a visible and active member of the community.

If you were elected, what would you have liked to have achieved at the end of your four-year term?

Improved the reputation of the council amongst the community.

Increase both the transparency and governance around decision making within the council, measurable by a genuine change in culture in particular within the executive group, who can then drive it through the organisation.

Achieved internal efficiencies that improve the operation of the organisation, better use of funds that ensure that increases above the rate are never required again.

Revamp of Flagstaff Hill, increase patronage of tourists and locals by looking at better ways to use the grounds for markets/food events/live music. Attract school-groups/camps to the area by linking with Tower Hill, The Maremma project etc. to create an immersive experience.

Creating Warrnambool’s first-ever All Abilities Music Festival. I’d love to work with someone like Dylan Alcott (a leader and change champion for disability rights and inclusion) and local advocates such as The Gillin Boys Foundation, Tom Richardson and Kylie Thulborn. They continue to create a more inclusive Warrnambool. The All Abilities Choir shows the need for more to be done in this area.

Are you a member of any political party? If so, which one?

I have no alignments to any political movement or party.

In the past two years, have you been a member of any local club, organisation or association?

Nestles Cricket Club

Closing thoughts or ask and answer your own question here:

When voting, I would like people to consider me as a fresh face, not only for my vision and ideas but because I am invested in Warrnambool. Not as a business owner, but as a father of two little girls who wants Warrnambool to be the best it can be. Economically and sustainably, because the decisions this council make now and, the way it is governed does have a flow-on effect.

The right mix of people is needed to guide us now and into the future. That mix of people does not belong to just one organisation or club or faction of the community. It needs to be a diverse representation of the people they stand for.

You can find Matt’s candidate Facebook page here.

CANDIDATE VICKI JELLIE:

10 QUESTIONS FROM THE TERRIER:

What three main skills could you bring to the Warrnambool City Council as a councillor?

I have proven and strong advocacy, resulting in benefits for all stakeholders. I am able to build strong relationships which would encourage people to make their views known and engage with me. I have excellent communication and community engagement skills.

Community leadership must be at the heart of local government, and I have achieved this through my work with Peter’s Project. I have a background of working in partnership with local communities and organisations – including the government, voluntary, community and private sectors – and have developed  and worked collaboratively with these groups to achieve great results.

I am a critical thinker. I have the ability to think clearly and rationally and rigorously question ideas and assumptions rather than accepting them on face value. I would seek to determine whether the ideas or proposal represent the entire picture and would further investigate if they do not.

Today’s problems often come from yesterday’s solutions. Elected officials should consider how to best limit shifting a problem into the future by maintaining a long-term perspective and considering the potential impact of decisions.

I am not afraid to ask questions and will provide representation without fear or favour.

Do you see any particular issues, projects or problems in Warrnambool that you would like to work on as a councillor?

Covid19 recovery is one of the biggest current issues we face as a community. There will be many factors getting the economy back on track. One part of this will require carefully reviewing the Council’s current 4 year budget plans, and where necessary, changing some existing priorities to effect necessary budget savings, by seeking operational efficiencies. Strong leadership to enable the restoration of our economy will be crucial.

As a new councillor I would aim to advocate and provide whatever support South West Healthcare needs to advance the quest of their desperately needed hospital redevelopment. This is a vitally important project which would provide a new Emergency Department, new theatres and new ward capacity. I know that a strong healthcare facility attracts people to live and work in our region and this is a great example where Warrnambool needs a collectively strong voice, of which I would intend to lead.

I would like to look at a refreshed regional collaboration strategy, particularly in conjunction with Moyne and Corangamite shires. WCC is looked upon as a pivotal municipality in our region for many reasons, so our council must show leadership and foster these important relationships and gain new respect, for the benefit of all.

We are privileged to have an incredible indigenous history, an outstanding natural environment and our vibrant arts community that are true points of difference in our region. In collaboration with the community I would love to support the idea of a new cultural centre encompassing all of these things. Having such a centre would bring multiple benefits including tourism, education, employment and pride of who we are.

I would like to be part of the advocacy group to further investigate the recently discussed (WCC meeting 7 Sept 2020) scenario of Warrnambool being included in the Victorian Fast Regional Commuter Train Alliance. This program would reshape rail travel efficiencies and the settlement plan not only for Warrnambool, but the state.

Do you think the council could be more “open” with residents and if so, how?

Absolutely.

We need to bring the council back to the community by rebuilding trust and giving our community confidence that their elected representatives will always act with integrity, not disregard their obligations and not be afraid to speak up.

I want to be an effective local advocate and ensure that the representative views of our community are heard and we don’t lose touch with those we are elected to serve.

A continuation of live streaming and recording of council meetings, and a proposal to have an Auslan interpreter at all meetings. Live streamed council meetings have been very helpful for transparency for all.

The next 12 months are going to be challenging due to the impact of Covid-19 – do you have one or two key idea/s for how WCC could support residents and/or businesses?

Support businesses by relaxing permit and licencing fees wherever possible: eg: outdoor dining permits, footpath advertising.

Low or no cost parking in designated areas of CBD carparks. The first 2 hours free in all off-street CBD car parks.

Propose the idea for WCC to provide all ratepayers with a $100 voucher, or a similar discount concept, to be redeemable at businesses within the Warrnambool City area to stimulate spending and support of all businesses.

Do you have any ideas on where the council could cut costs, if necessary, to keep rates at the state cap?

Councils should focus on achieving more with current staffing levels before considering hiring more. Rationalise the number of council departments and managers. The incentive to give staff ‘manager’ titles means that unnecessary departments can emerge.

Require end of year reports from groups which councils fund. How have ratepayers benefited from what the group used the money for? Too much money is given to groups by habit or because “they get money every year.”

Review tenancies annually. Check the list of those outside bodies being given free or subsidised space by the council. Ensure these buildings are being properly utilised for purpose and – if not – they could be sold.

Don’t outsource training. Instead of having external training for staff, hold internal training events which are filmed and put on the internal internet site so that staff can view at any time. For example having their own internal Traffic Management Trainer.

Make every manager who re-signs a contract justify to councillors why it hasn’t been re-tendered to demonstrate absolute transparency. Seek operational efficiencies to prevent extraordinarily high project costs.

Preferences will decide who is elected to the council. Are you planning to preference most highly new candidates, exisiting candidates or you won’t be putting forward preferences:

I have struggled with the idea of preferencing and under normal circumstances I would decline to do so………but……..because of the unsustainable turmoil in the current council, and so much community angst as to how to vote to make change, I have preferenced candidates with an expectation to form a new diverse, transparent and trustworthy council.

If you were elected, what ways – if any – would you keep residents and ratepayers informed as an individual councillor?

As a new councillor, I would have to be made aware of the confidentiality protocols (which I am not currently versed in) so I fully understood what I am able to openly share with the community.

I would utilise appropriate social media use to relay suitable non confidential information to community, which could also be delivered by a monthly newsletter.

I would make the ratepayers and community well aware that I would be open to discussion, either with individuals or groups to talk about any concerns or suggestions as requested. I would be accessible to all. 

If you were elected, what would you have liked to have achieved at the end of your four-year term?

I would like to have been a part of a council that is respected and trusted by the community.

I would hope to have been able to keep rates and budgetary overspending regulated and have always made decisions in the very best interests for those I serve.

I would, I am sure, understand that you will never make everyone happy with so many diverse opinions and needs, but I would ensure that I would have made every decision with the absolute best interests of the community in mind.

I would hope that I have been part of a cohesive team who have achieved various projects and positive outcomes for the city, which have allowed our city and region to grow and prosper.

Are you a member of any political party? If so, which one?

Definitely not.

In the past two years, have you been a member of any local club, organisation or association?

I am and continue to be the Chair/Director of the Peter’s Project Foundation.

A mentor of Standing Tall in Warrnambool program.

A former board member of Realise Enterprises / Tasty Plate.

I feel that being a member of only a couple of local organisations is actually an advantage, because I have minimal or no conflict of interest when it comes to making a wide range of decisions. I would therefor show transparency, critical thinking and non-favouritism in my decisions.

Closing thoughts or ask and answer your own question here:

I am a lifelong Warrnambool resident and I am passionate about our local Warrnambool community.

I am ready to take on this commitment with eyes open because I love our city and the great things we can achieve.  I care about support in many areas including aged care, education, and the legacy for our youth, retaining and attracting young professionals to the city is essential.

I am committed to delivering the change that Warrnambool residents want and need.

I want to be part of a cohesive, respectful and progressive team, open to listening to other’s ideas and working for the future of the city, and ensuring the decision making process of our council are timely, fair and understandable for all.

You can find Vicki’s candidate Facebook page here.