WCC candidate Anthony Earnshaw: 10 key questions

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CANDIDATE ANTHONY EARNSHAW: (no video)

10 QUESTIONS FROM THE TERRIER:

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

Adaptable – On a day-to-day basis as a nurse you have to adapt. When my ward, the Short Stay Unit became the designated COVID-19 ward it was a challenge that none of us had experienced.
Emotionally Intelligent – Its important to be aware of and control the expression of emotions within interpersonal relationships. Being authentic and having a strong emotional intelligence will assist in the quality of successful engagement and maintaining relationships.

Lateral thinker- Challenges present the opportunities to think differently.

 I support Stage 2 of South West Healthcare’s redevelopment plan. For the short to medium term we could perhaps look also at advocating the purchase of St John of God Hospital as it is fit for purpose. It is under utilised, private health member numbers are decreasing and I suggest that upon completion of Stage 2 that St John of God will become unviable and subsequently close. It is complicated.

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

I have travelled abroad extensively. Locations and/or cities most memorable include those that have natural environmental attributes, architecture and thriving arts and culture.

My guilty pleasure beyond COVID would be to revitalize the civic green and expand the Warrnambool Art Gallery. Large public sculptures would lead people from the CBD down along Lake Pertobe to a completed safe boat ramp and enclosed harbor. This would accentuate the aesthetic and livability of our city and encourage tourists to visit Warrnambool outside of summer. Enticing tourists to extent their trip beyond the Great Ocean Road and their length of stay can only have a positive impact. It would set Warrnambool apart.

I am opened minded in relation to parking issues and parking fees.

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

I agree transparency is an issue. I am supportive of suggestions regarding question time and the reintroduction of general business. As a nurse my professional practice has been guided by Codes of Professional Conduct and Codes of Ethics.

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?

At present and for the considerable future we will be living in a topsyturvey health and economic environment. It is important that we not only hear but also listen to residents and businesses. The waiving of targeted

fees and freezing of rates are a start. We will also need to work constructively with other tiers of government to advocate for example, business grants and also broader projects that will assist with our recovery.

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

Again, given the topsy-turvy situation we find ourselves, no-one knows what the impacts will be on Council income and grants received in the future. I do, however, believe we should not simply keep increasing rates

above the state cap and for the short term we should look at freezing rates. Some community aspirations/ projects may have to be pushed back. It will be important to engage with the community and clearly articulate why, when and how.

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 not be listing preferences. Preferential voting should be abolished.

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

If elected, and as a first time councillor, I will be guided by the Local Government Act. I am however very approachable and would gladly make time to discuss topics of interest with residents, businesses and

organisations.

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

Much work has gone into creating the W2040 strategic plan. I would like to think I have had a positive impact and that collectively the City of Warrnambool is well underway to achieving interim goals.

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?

Australian College of Nursing. Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation. Front Foot Victoria.