CANDIDATE MAX TAYLOR:

10 QUESTIONS FROM THE TERRIER:

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

I have business experience spread over 48 years in Warrnambool. Have been a member of almost every business group during that period including Chamber of Commerce, Business Action Group, Central Business Development, Commerce Warrnambool and President of the Warrnambool Tourism Association.

Have seen many changes to Warrnambool during that time and more in particular to the CBD. Warrnambool has so much untapped potential to market and promote as the number one shopping, weekend and holiday destination between Melbourne and Adelaide.

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

I see quite a few issues to work on as a Councillor. I would like to restore vitality, activity and see the CBD flourish again by bringing shoppers back by providing free 2-hour off-street car parking, filling empty shops, reduce the $80 fine for overstaying your time and shoppers enjoying a coffee in the CBD without having to worry about ticket machines.

I would like to see the promenade upgraded by providing far more sea views, gym and exercise equipment beside the path and a large fernery south of Worm Bay.

Also I would like to see the harbour upgraded tp provide safe boat launching. Lastly, I would like to see our local hospital continue to expand and provide prodigious service to our community.

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

The Council should be more open to residents by allowing Councillor’s to raise issues in a general business time.

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?

Obviously, the Council can support business’s by providing free car parking to shoppers. This provision always has an immediate positive reaction. Residents who are having trouble paying their rates should be favourably heard at a private discussion with Council staff.

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

To cut costs, I believe every Council staff member should be accountable for every hour they work to be productive, therefore staff costs can be reduced for unproductive work. Council payments to the Mayor and Councillors can also be reduced.

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

I am not providing any preferences at all to anyone and stand to be elected on my business background and experience.

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

I will be available to residents and ratepayers the majority of the year at my business address in Liebig Street.

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

A revitalized CBD with all shops occupied and free off-street car parking provided to potential shoppers, a safe boating harbour, for Warrnambool to reach its untapped potential and a much-improved exciting, enthralling and interesting promenade.

Are you a member of any political party? 

I’m not a member of any political party.

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

Been a member of Daybreak Rotary, President of the Warrnambool Traders Association, and a member of the Warrnambool Ratepayers Association.

CANDIDATE THOMAS CAMPBELL: (no video)

10 QUESTIONS FROM THE TERRIER:

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

Project Management – previously worked in the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development in a project overlaying government services for vulnerable youth.

In-depth critical/analytical skills – having worked in administrative positions for most of my career, I’m confident in understanding business methods and analysing budgets.

Commitment to the tenets of democratic processes.

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

Project or problem: Addressing homelessness.

Issue/Problem: Council accountability to the community.

The three S’s. Sustainability, Safety & Stability.

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

Yes. By providing a greater opportunity for residents to speak on council agenda items.

A greater breakdown of council expenses (line-by-line).

Ongoing live-streaming of council meeting post-Covid.

More opportunities for the public to meet with Councillors in a formal meeting setting, in various places around the Council area.

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?

Grants to develop online services

Review financial hardship policy

Suspending fees for permits (such as outdoor dining)

Renewing the card collection system they had post-Liebig-Street-redevelopment.

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

Working in partnership with surrounding Councils to lower infrastructure costs (medium term strategy)

Stronger advocacy to State and Federal governments, who have consistently decreased availability of funding to local Councils. An ongoing commitment is required.

Projection of future asset management costs. Understanding that delaying funding on the management of assets can cause greater expenditure at a later date – this is a long term strategy.

Reviewing all Council expenditure line-by-line under a new Council – this is a short term strategy.

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?

I will be putting together a list of preferences. It will be based on who I believe is best placed to plan and advocate for our region’s future.

The record of current Councillors must be taken into account. The beliefs, attitudes, behaviours and vision of new candidates must be taken into account. Whether they are current or new will not be the sole factor when deciding on preferences. (Note: You can see a low-res version of Thomas’s preferences at the end of these questions. The high-res version is coming!)

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

Ongoing communication with local news sources (The Terrier, The Standard, ABC radio, Council newsletter).

Engaging via social media.

Sharing a publicly available email and contact number for direct community engagement.

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

Measurable items:

A roadmap to end homelessness in our region (which is also progressing and transferable to surrounding councils);

A pathway to going beyond 100% renewable energy for our region;

Greater overall community engagement in Council related business.

Are you a member of any political party? 

I am a member of the Greens political party. I will continue to be so long as the values of the party remain consistent.

I have stood as a Greens candidate in previous State and Federal elections. I believe it’s important to say that if elected as a Councillor, you are making a four-year commitment to that role, you should not attempt to run for another election during those four years.

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

I am currently a member of the City Memorial Bowls Club and need to renew my membership at the F Project.

Closing thoughts or ask and answer your own question here:

Council elections come only once every four years. It is impossible to predict what circumstances may arise over that time (no one could’ve predicted what 2020 has brought!). It is important to listen to how candidates lay out their vision for Warrnambool Council’s future, but most important is supporting someone who has strong values and principles – and will stand by them.

You can find Thomas’s candidate Facebook page here.

CANDIDATE TRACEY TOGNI:

10 QUESTIONS FROM THE TERRIER:

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

I hope to bring business insight to the council. Over the last 26 years I have been operating businesses in Warrnambool, sometimes employing up to 13 people. This gives me an understanding of dealing with a diverse group of people and understanding the needs and wants of others. A real-life understanding of how businesses are affected by COVID19 and what can be done to assist in the rebuilding.

I’m an energetic, positive and creative person with many ideas to contribute for an exciting future for Warrnambool. Not only do these traits help me with forming and implementing new ideas they also give me the ability of abstract problem solving. Looking outside the box for solutions to problems.

I’m open-minded, approachable and happy to talk to anybody and willing to take on board just about any issue or idea brought to me.

I’m also progressive. I want to see positive and innovative ideas, projects and changes implemented in Warrnambool.

 I’m also very determined, in every aspect of my life. That is why I’m running for council.

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

Like all places we have room for improvement in many areas, but we also have wonderful opportunities with our already established assets that l think we can utilise more. Being at the end of the Great Ocean Road is something l think we could leverage.

In line with this, I believe in introducing free parking for seniors and free CBD parking for COVID recovery.

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

Yes, this could be achieved with communicating the message of council better or live streaming the council meetings, saying this l think the incumbent council did get a lot done however the message was lost as the public had lost faith in the process. A united council with the support of the community should be able to not only share their points of view we should always be seeking community feedback and engagement, after all community is the reason we stand for council.

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 19 is challenging all areas of life, and while l do have ideas like free parking for example, l think it’s premature to comment on them as we still don’t have a clear roadmap to what will become “covid normal” however l do look forward to discussing this at a later time, I would also want to consult with business owners on this too.

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

Without being all over the current finances l don’t think it’s fair to float money saving ideas without proper consultation, in saying that most businesses can find financial relief through efficiencies whether that be employee or purchasing related or through general cost cutting. Cutting services l do not believe would be the way to do this.

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

I will have more to say regarding preferences once l have spoken with more of the other candidates, however l do believe that a new council would benefit with some experienced council being retained.

I honestly don’t think electing a complete new and unexperienced council would be the best way forward.

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

The use of social media, local news and of course I’m always happy to be available and discuss all things Warrnambool with everyone. Programs such as Zoom now allow for more people to view and interact with council meetings without leaving their homes.

If elected I will be proud to serve the community, I would look at how other good councillors do it best and learn from them.

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

I hope to have been a member of a council that our community can be proud of, a united team achieving goals.

Obviously, l would like to see Warrnambool in a better position than where it is today. A bustling CBD, with free parking for seniors and where our tourism industries is thriving and our caravan parks are full.  I want to see tourists from Port Campbell no longer turn right but keep travelling to Warrnambool to experience what truly is one of Victoria’s most liveable cities. Fishing boats driving into Warrnambool rather than heading to Portland (in the post-Covid world).

Increased youth engagement in decisions and more opportunities for youth involvement in art projects around Warrnambool; the CBD, foreshore, railway precinct and other points of interest.

All these people deserve to experience all that is Warrnambool.

Are you a member of any political party? 

I’m not a member of any political party.

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

I was member of the Board on Management of The Warrnambool and District Community Hospice.

Closing thoughts or ask and answer your own question here:

This is an opportunity for me to push for better things for Warrnambool. I am a good fair person with a positive attitude and my heart is in the right place. I want what is best for not only ourselves but for our children and theirs. An exciting future!

You can find Tracey’s candidate Facebook page here.

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: