CANDIDATE DEBBIE ARNOTT:

10 QUESTIONS FROM THE TERRIER:

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

Having owned and ran businesses for 25 years I have a strong business acumen. I understand the importance of making sound decisions based on reporting and data.

Integrity is an important skill to have in life. My personal values I bring to council are honesty, open-mindness, efficiency, dependability, compassion and strong ethics. My core values have stood me in good stead over many years and will continue to do so in the years to come. I believe that it is very important to have someone who has a strong moral consciousness and to fight for what is right for our community.

I take pride in my ability to relate and connect with people. My interpersonal skills and openness will be something that I can bring to this role.

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

The first issue for the next council will be to find a new CEO. A very important decision and one that I would like to be involved with.

The effect of Covid-19 on Warrnambool has been significant. While some businesses have flourished, others have been adversely affected.

Many people have lost their jobs, and could possibly find it difficult to find employment. There will be further stress in the community once mortgage repayments recommence.

I would like to work on attracting more industry and business to Warrnambool. By attracting business and industry, this in turn can help create employment and further prosper our city.

I would also like to be able to do more for the homeless and disadvantaged. Domestic violence is a huge problem in our society with approximately one in four women experiencing an act of physical or emotional abuse.

Council can work towards achieving more affordable housing, making sure services are in place to support those in need.

With any decision the council makes, the effect on the environment is important and I am passionate about protecting our natural resources for years to come.

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

Yes I do believe council needs to be more open.

Decisions have been made that have a big impact on our community, such as the dismissal of CEO Peter Schneider. I think the community deserves to understand why this happened, as it has a direct impact on the running of the council and people are heavily invested. I believe council should have accountability for their decisions.

There needs to be a formal decision made on how information is shared with the community to rebuild trust. This can be as simple as bringing general business back to the council meetings, sending out newsletters or doing regular social media updates.

 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?

 The next 12 months will be challenging for council.

One effective way in which council can help both business and community is to limit any further rate rise if possible. Warrnambool was one of only two councils that applied to have the rate increase above the Fair Go Rates System cap. I believe that with effective budgeting, we can optimise spending and carefully manage our expenses. Having operated successful businesses, I understand how important it is to plan finances.

A longer term goal could be to investigate the “ Make Yourself at Home“ initiative that Tasmania has used. It’s a scheme where people purchase a subsidised travel voucher. It cannot be refunded for cash and can only be used for accommodation. It could be adapted on a smaller scale for Warrnambool to help our tourism and hospitality industry.

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

Each project needs to be carefully weighed up with costs versus benefits taken into consideration. Smart investment, careful planning and prioritising against community need is important.

I believe council should not keep allocating funds to ventures that continually lose money and are simply not sustainable in their current format. Thinking outside the square and with fresh eyes and some brainstorming, I’m sure council could come up with some positive outcomes.

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 preferencing new candidates. Warrnambool is ready for a change.

I am hearing a lot of  discontent in the community with current circumstances. If we can have some fresh faces this will encourage new ideas and enthusiasm.

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

If I am fortunate to be voted to represent Warrnambool as a councillor, I believe that it is important to share and keep residents informed of important council decisions.

This requires keeping myself active in all projects. I need to understand and thoroughly read contracts and when voting on decisions, be thoroughly knowledgeable on all elements and profoundly engaged to benefit the Warrnambool community.

If I am well informed on all council activities, then that enables me to be a vessel to provide information to the public. As an active social media user, I will be updating the people of Warrnambool regularly. I care very much about this great city, and I welcome feedback and I am ready to listen!

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

In a four-year term, the minimum expectation is that we have a council that is well respected by the community and is financially sustainable.

With the current environment we are in, it is hard to predict what the future will be with the uncertainties with the Coronavirus pandemic. I would like to imagine that we are in a world where we are in a state of recovery and focusing on rebuilding our local business, developing our tourism industry, supporting hospitality and all other affected sectors, generating jobs and economic growth.

As I have mentioned previously, I think we need to look at what other communities have done to support these industries such as the Tasmania ‘Make Yourself at Home’ campaign. There is a lot we can learn about what other states are doing.

We also need to create initiatives to support our most vulnerable who have suffered homelessness, domestic violence and mental illness as a result of Covid.

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

I am not a member of any political party and have no aspirations to be.

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

I have been part of  the Steering Committee that helped represent traders and business to the council for the time of the CBD Renewal.  This role lasted two years and involved meetings with council and traders throughout this time.

I found this role very rewarding and it led onto the formation of a small group that, with the help of council initiated the event A Very Liebig Christmas.

Our aim was to create a community event that celebrated Christmas as well as the completion of the roadworks. This event is now into its third year, it will be different due the pandemic restrictions but still a community event. I was very proud of the success of A Very Liebig Christmas which reactivated the city centre, generated business for the traders and boosted revenue.

Closing thoughts or ask and answer your own question here:

Warrnambool has been my home for most of my life and has been very good to myself and my family. I would be honoured to be able to give a little back to our wonderful city.

I encourage the voters to consider their vote and preferences carefully, so that whoever is in the new council will strive to be a passionate voice for the community.

You can find Debbie’s candidate Facebook page here.

CANDIDATE MICHAEL McCLUSKEY

10 QUESTIONS FROM THE TERRIER:

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

Diversity of employment background having worked as a courier driver, dairy farm hand, Employment Officer in the Federal public service and then as a veterinarian including servicing the agricultural industry. Along with this I have studied extra units at university level in economics, law and psychology and have a passion for finance and efficient business practice.

Firm belief in the importance of a harmonious and cooperative council that is blended with respectful independence of thought. I subscribe to the notion of cherishing those who challenge the status quo as progress is often driven by those who are prepared to go out on a limb as long as they do so in a respectful and collaborative manner.

My strong desire to see decisions based on best available evidence as opposed to being blinded by adherence to a particular ideology. Group think and alliances are often an anchor that holds back progress and rarely benefit the community

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

The list of specific issues is long however all the best ideas in the world are of limited value unless we have a harmonious council that respects each and every other councillors views. Having a mature and adult approach then leads to a creative and solution focussed council.

I’m acutely aware that economic and social well being are intimately intertwined. Both need nurturing in order for current and future generations to thrive.

Given the Covid19 crisis council needs to support and advocate for local business including hospitality and tourism. Social issues such as domestic violence, affordable housing, mental health, speedier access to surgical services and sustainability are all crucial issues.

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

Most definitely.

‘Sunshine is the best disinfectant’.

Openness and transparency are crucial for creating trust in council at the grassroots community level. When we have that, the community feels more inspired and energised to achieve outcomes. Fragmented council that is dogged by personal agendas ‘eats’ into the fabric of community goodwill.

Covid 19-inspired Zoom meetings, whether for work or personal get togethers, highlights just how easy technology can bring council closer to community

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?

Firstly deal with the waste and inefficiency within council itself. As axed CEO Peter Schneider had previously noted ‘the answers to most challenges we face, lie with’.

There is too much wasted expenditure and too many reports and not enough positive action

Speed up the planning process
Reduce rates
Be proactive – approach every business to see how council can help in removing any unhelpful impediments to operations

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

Having worked in the public service I have first hand experience how waste and inefficiency can creep into the system particularly if there is no accountability for work efforts. Focussing more effort into improving productivity outcomes within the council itself is far more beneficial than stripping ratepayers and service users of extra money via rate increases.

Draining ratepayer’s pockets in order to feed a bloated council is unfair and unsustainable.

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

I don’t do preferences as I prefer to see the voters choose who they want to represent them rather than be dictated to by me. A key question to ask is the ‘horse trading’ that goes on in preference deals about putting the community first, or the candidate?

Another important element that often gets lost is that ultimately preference deals mean little as unless the person voting follows the preference suggestions then they have no impact on the outcome.

Ultimately the power is with the community by how we structure our ticking of the boxes on the ballot paper.

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

Under the councillor Code of Conduct individual councillors have certain constraints on what can and can’t be said.

More importantly we need council as a whole to be as open and transparent as possible, especially within the way it communicates to the community.

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

Putting the community interests above mine. One concern I have often had is the disproportionate number of business owners who get onto council.

This can risk skewing the bias of council and lead to other parts of the community missing out.

Diversity on council is also crucial whether that be diversity of age, gender, work background or ethnic origin.

If elected I would constantly ‘beat the drum’ about the importance of diversity.

As mentioned above, cutting planned excessive rate increases and improving waste within council operations is crucial and will give ratepayers more money in their pocket to help pay for essential items.

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

No I’m not.

In my experience parties are often more concerned with their own survival and looking after vested interests as opposed to putting the community’s interests front and centre. Party ideology can also blind people to looking at the evidence in a rational and considered way.

We only have to look at the USA at the moment to see how towing the party line can threaten the wellbeing of the community.

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

Yes, I have been a long term passionate volunteer and committee member at the Riding for the Disabled Association. RDA provides hands on opportunity to ride and interact with horses for those children and adults in our who struggle with more difficulties than what most others have to in life.

I also served as Director of Finance on a local sporting club for 5 years.

Recently I have joined as a committee member for Water for East Timor which helps facilitate crucial drinking water projects in East Timor. By not having to walk many hours to cart water by hand children are more likely to have more time to access education which is a cornerstone need to help improve our close neighbour’s economic and social well being.

Closing thoughts or ask and answer your own question here:

Voting wisely can give us the change we need. We do have power with our vote to give us the council we desperately need, especially with such a large and diverse candidate base to draw upon at this election.

You can find Michael’s candidate Facebook page here.

CANDIDATE JIM BURKE

10 QUESTIONS FROM THE TERRIER:

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

Analysis.  I am an experienced analyst.  This will not necessarily give me the answers I seek but it will allow me to ask the right questions.  This is vital in resolving issues or in predicting unwanted outcomes.

Public Policy.  I have studied public policy for the last ten years.  It is necessary for a Councillor to understand what policy proposals might mean to the community in both the short and longer term.  Councillors need to be able to formulate policy proposals independently.

Governance.  I would bring to the table, years of governance experience.  Local government is a complex beast and Council’s need to ensure that they have the processes in place so that they can be sure that projects they have set in train are being carried out as intended, that they are achieving the intended outcomes and not some other outcome and that the projects remain within budget limits.

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

The current Council has lost the trust of the community.  This must be redressed so that Council can resume providing the leadership this community needs.  It must become open and engaged and lead by example.  It must learn to trust the community so that the community can trust the Council again.

The Flagstaff Hill issue needs to be resolved.  To this end, I will propose forming a committee to find the way ahead on this long-term project.  This committee would comprise Councillors, Council staff and members of the community and would be funded sufficiently to engage expert advice.

There is a need for the Council to become more involved in the provision of social housing.  Council already owns some housing, though much of it needs repair.  There is room for Council to build or acquire additional social housing which would have the side benefit of employing local people.

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

This Council lacks transparency and treats community engagement like a box ticking exercise.  I would change that by making more council information publicly available and in a timely manner.  Council meeting minutes, including those of the Committee of the Whole meetings, should be publicly available within 48 hours of a meeting.  Assemblies of Council must be reported in much greater detail than they are currently.

Council should re-introduce General Business to the agenda for Council meetings so that Councillors can introduce issues that are not otherwise getting any oxygen.  There also needs to be a facility for members of the community to address Council on matters currently before the Council.

The Council should have a policy of only withholding of documents from the community by exception.  As an example, if I am elected, I will argue for the publication of the incoming CEO’s contract to be published.

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?

As the Covid-19 restrictions ease, the Council should initiate or support as many low cost, easy to manage events such as fairs, markets, car shows, art events as they can.  These events would attract our fellow Victorians who, for the foreseeable future, will have limited travel opportunities. The Council should invest in making Warrnambool their preferred destination.

In the summer months, Council should support a Friday or Saturday ‘Party Night’ in the southern end of Liebig Street.  Saturday or Sunday Food and Craft Fairs on the Green to support local producers to attend. Saturday morning markets in Liebig Street between Lava and Koroit Streets where local traders would take goods out into the street and be supported by some light entertainment.

Normal fees and charges usually attached to these events would be waived for at least 12 months and Council should consider financially supporting some of these events by directly employing the light entertainment.

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

To be able to operate within the rate cap, the former CEO was reviewing the organisation structure at Council as the wage bill consumed about 90% of Council’s rates revenue.  This has a seriously limiting effect on Council activity and this review needs to be completed.

In the immediate post future, Council should avoid unnecessary major projects and focus on getting its own budget in hand while doing as much as it can to get the local economy going again.  Council should focus on asset maintenance; by focusing on that, Council will save itself a lot of money in the long term and will employ more local businesses in improving the state of council assets.

Flagstaff Hill needs to be restored as a successful tourist destination which could operate at little or no cost to the community.  This year it is estimated that Flagstaff Hill will cost the community $836,000.

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 publish my preferences after nominations have closed.  I will be preferencing the four (councillors who sacked the CEO) last, it is the only way to prevent them from returning, which would be disastrous.

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

I would keep in touch using social media.  I would publish as much information as I possibly can on my Facebook page.  Here I would discuss matters like the outcomes of Council meetings, the arrival of new planning applications, whether they were going to Council or not, as well as publicising Council and other public events.

Using Facebook would allow me to answer questions on these matters too and participate in public discussion of important or even mundane issues or events.

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 developed a Council that has gained the confidence to engage with the community honestly and openly, trusting the capacity of our community to respond positively and, in turn, be trusted by the community.

I would also like to achieve a Council that has learned to live within its means, that does not resort to unnecessary rate rises and especially not over the cap rate rises.

These issues are mutually dependent, and I don’t think Council can achieve one without achieving the other at the same time.

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

I have never been a member of any political party or any lobby group.

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

No, none at all.

Closing thoughts or ask and answer your own question here:

Warrnambool has, for some years now, endured a Council it has lost trust in, that has not provided the community the leadership it deserves and now faces the economic impact of Covid-19 as well as the impact of years of economic mismanagement.

The new Council will likely find itself financially constrained and this will impact the community in ways that are not yet clear.  The new Council must earn the trust of the community and should lead the community while remaining a part of the community.

Council is likely to find itself asking the community to accept some level of financial pain and, If that is going to be the case, then the Councillors should lead the way.

As an act of both leadership and faith in the community; I will urge the Council to accept a 20% cut in its remuneration.

You can find Jim’s candidate Facebook page here.

CANDIDATE CASSANDRA PRIGG:

10 QUESTIONS FROM THE TERRIER:

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

Advocacy: I have been an advocate for young people, the unemployed, homeless people, and people living with a disability with a variety of organisations including ACOSS, YACVic, YDAS, student organisations and the AUWU.

I have spoken to decision makers at all levels of government and the private sector about these and other important issues and have a good deal of experience interacting with politicians.

Consultation: Before advancing an agenda it’s important to consult the community on what their needs, wants and priorities are. Throughout my campaign I have spoken to residents from different backgrounds and parts of Warrnambool about what they want from Council and if elected its something I would continue doing.

Local knowledge: I grew up in Warrnambool, attending Allansford kindergarten, Warrnambool East Primary School, Warrnambool College and now Deakin University. I have a strong connection to place and I understand what makes Warrnambool unique. However, I did move away for a number of years and so I also have an understanding of how things could be done differently and perhaps better.

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

One of the main issues I want to see Council address is housing affordability. Housing prices have increased significantly in the past 20 years and wages are not keeping pace. The most serious manifestation of this issue is the significant number of homeless residents who are sleeping rough, couch-surfing or are in insecure or overcrowded housing.

I also want to ensure Warrnambool is a youth friendly city, and that we actively encourage our young people to remain and thrive in the region. Similarly I think we can do more to make our public spaces including parks and playgrounds accessible to people of all ages and all abilities.

I will also strongly advocate for Council to commit funding to the South of the Merri plan and to work with Deakin University to ensure safe cyclist and pedestrian access to our campus. Two other issues I’m concerned about are public transport and maternal and child health services.

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

I think there are some simple ways Council can be more open and transparent, including better use of existing social and traditional media channels, the reintroduction of general business to Council meeting agendas, and allowing observers at meetings to ask questions without notice.

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?

Increasing awareness and capacity of hardship measures available through Council for things like rates, day care, kinder fees as well as increasing awareness of other hardship resources including for things like utilities, rent, banking, etc.

Increasing and extending free parking in the CBD will be a key way to support locally owned businesses going forward.

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

Reducing staffing costs especially in the executive team would be a place to start.

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 releasing my preferences and plan to include some sitting councillors as well as many of the fantastic new candidates. I don’t believe that a council made up of all new candidates is in the best interests of Warrnambool, but I do think we need some fresh faces and new ideas.

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

I would continue to operate my candidate Facebook page as a councillor to keep people informed and also consult with the community. That and my memberships and involvement with various local groups and organisations would be the main way I maintained two-way communication as an individual councillor.

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

I have an ambitious but achievable goal of ending homelessness in the City of Warrnambool by the end of my four year term. I would also want to see work begun on the South of the Merri upgrades, a new outdoor gym and a new all abilities playground, as well as cheaper pet registration and an increased open season for the 50-metre pool at Aquazone.

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

No, I am not.

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

I am a member of the Warrnambool Community Garden, the Deakin University Student Association, a volunteer with Coastcare Landcare, a volunteer with Birdlife Australia, 2019 treasurer of the Deakin Warrnambool Enviro Club, member of the Headspace Warrnambool Youth Reference Group, member of the Project Control Group for Beyond the Bell’s Youth Conversations project, a regular attendee of Business and Professional Women South West Victoria events, a member of the Women With Disabilities Australia Warrnambool Hub, and a contributor to the Great South Coast Regional Partnerships COVID-19 and young people working group.

You can find Cassandra’s candidate Facebook page here.

CANDIDATE STEVE MOORE:

10 QUESTIONS FROM THE TERRIER:

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

Common sense approach – keep it simple.

Passion to follow through, to ensure things get done!

I will ensure I am accessible to our residents & voters alike, to hear their suggestions/idea’s to take our city forward.

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

I would like to see the completion of an enclosed harbour.

I would like to see more events bought to our city, and have them spread throughout the year, to entice tourism during the city’s quieter times (avoiding the peak tourists times when the town is already buzzing).

Parking costs in the CBD are one of the main factors keeping locals away from the centre of our city – I want to see some form of free timed parking to be put in place, to bring money back to the local shops and this will require detailed consultation with all residents & business owners.

Disabled parking is another challenge – there just isn’t enough.

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

Continue with the live streaming of all council meetings

“Coffee & cake” after each council meeting – for all council meeting attendees & councillors, so that informal conversations/ideas can be discussed

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?

Freeze the proposed rate increase

Free off-street parking in CBD, at least till the end of 2021 – then to be revised, with the hope this will fill the empty shop fronts

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

Removal of seaweed from our beaches – this could be turned into garden compost & resold or repurposed for use on council land, Botanical Gardens etc

Consider the future CEO wage to be based on a performance basis – thus if he/she meets their KPI (key performance indicators) then a pay rise occurs…..

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 only.

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

I will be able via phone, email & happy to make appointments for community members to come and sit with me to discuss their idea’s etc.

If the elected councillors, wish to nominate a central location, where it is “manned” on a regular basis, with councillors, then I am more than happy to participate.

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

An enclosed boat harbour – either under construction or completed.

More crowd drawing events to the city, all year round.

More, All Inclusive & All Ability, playground equipment and beach access options.

Less empty shop fronts throughout our city.

To see more tourists coming off the GOR for overnight stays.

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?

I was an active member of the Warrnambool Tourism Association – until it was disbanded. I am also a member of the local fishing club WDAC & Warrnambool Ratepayers Association. My tourism business is a financial member of the GORRT Board.

Closing thoughts or ask and answer your own question here:

I would like to see an annual survey for the community to complete, to provide council with their idea’s & suggestions on what other ways, we can improve our city.

You can find Steve’s candidate Facebook page here.