NOT sure who to vote for? We put the tough questions to all candidates to help you make up your mind - read on for their answers. All candidates have been sent the same questionnaire. We will post their answers as we receive them - check back here regularly for updates.
Candidates have been given until October 6 to submit their responses. The Weekly has chosen not to edit the responses in any way, except for legal reasons, meaning what you see is exactly what you get.
Candidates were advised to write N/A for questions they wished not to answer. The Weekly has indicated where no contact details were provided or where candidates declined to take part.
ARRABRI WARD
Arrabri takes in Ringwood East, Croydon South, Heathmont, Bayswater North, Kilsyth South. With 10 candidates in total, all three incumbents - Paul Macdonald, Natalie Thomas and Tony Dib - are recontesting their seats.
Key issues for the next crop of councillors will include the continued rejuvenation of Bayswater North, and the implementation of the Ringwood East and Heathmont structure plans that are currently being created.
At the 2008 election:
Registered voters: 26,531
Voter turnout: 20,095 (75.74 per cent of total enrolment)
Formal votes: 19,167
Informal votes: 928
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Candidates (in ballot order):
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Chad Abi Matar
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Robert Hughes: Unable to contact
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NATALIE THOMAS
Suburb of residence: Heathmont
Occupation: Marketing Coordinator
Ward nominated for: Arrabri
How long have you lived in Maroondah? All my life minus about 10 years!
Have you run for council/ been a councillor before, or any other level of government? If so, please list details (where, when, length of time, etc). I have been a Councillor with the City of Maroondah for two terms. Elected in 2005.
Are you/have you been a member of a political party? If yes, which party? If no, with which political party do you most identify? I have always said that I will support any political party who supports the City of Maroondah!
Are you or have you ever been a member of an political interest or lobby group? No
If you are elected, will you commit to remaining a councillor for the whole term? Yes
What is your campaign budget? Who is funding your campaign? I am campaigning on a minimal budget as I’m funding it all myself
Who will you direct your preferences to? All of my preferences are available on the VEC website
Describe your involvement in the local community
Eastern Regional Library Board
Bayswater North Community renewal committee
Arrabri Committee of Management
Ringwood East structure plan committee
Heathmont structure plan committee
Ringwood Spiders
Monkami
Heathmont Football Club
Heathmont Uniting Church
Heathmont History Group
Heathmont Baseball Club
Heathmont Bowls Club
South Croydon Football Club
Heathmont Traders
Ringwood Chamber of Commerce
Women’s Charter Champion
Just to name a few….
What do you think being a councillor involves?
A Councillor needs to be honest and fair and have the ability to listen
To be respectful and genuinely interested and involved in the community
To be able to advocate fairly and equitably on behalf of the residents
What do you think are the most important issues for your ward?
Some of the most important issues are:
Heathmont Shopping Centre carpark
Heathmont and Ringwood East structure plans
A regional netball facility at HE Parker
Parking at Heathmont and Ringwood East stations
Continuing the renewal program in Bayswater North
Footpaths, footpaths, footpaths!
What do you think are the most important issues facing Maroondah?
Ringwood station and town centre
Safety on our streets
Support for our marginalised and socially disadvantaged residents
Provision of more bike paths
Lack of arts and cultural facilities
Spaces for local sporting and community groups to operate from
Improvements to community facilities
And so many more…
Where do you stand on building the new $46.5 million Ringwood Aquatic Centre? The new Aquatic Centre will not only be a fantastic community facility, it will also draw people from all around, which in turn will be a good thing for local businesses.
Ringwood’s town centre is set for a major upgrade. What features do you think should be included and what will improve the suburb? The current plans for the town centre are vibrant and exciting. There has been a huge amount of work done to ensure that Ringwood will become a ‘Destination of Choice’ with the new library and learning centre, art gallery, cafes, restaurants, open spaces and the Eastland redevelopment.
Developers are looking to Maroondah to build higher-density housing, particularly Ringwood and Croydon. Where do you stand on this? Where should development be allowed and what areas should be protected? It’s critical that we have plans for all of our activity centres that allow for appropriate development. We have to be able to cater for the predicted increase in population in a way that will be sympathetic to the neighbourhood character.
Do you think Maroondah Council operates in an appropriately transparent and accountable manner? If yes, why and if no, what should be improved? There is always room for improvement, but I think Council has made some huge leaps forward in the last term.
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Adrian Sowton
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CHRISTINA GLEESON
Suburb of residence: Croydon
Occupation: Police woman
How long have you lived in Maroondah? Over 25 years. I have also lived in Yarra Ranges in that time.
Have you run for council/ been a councillor before, or any other level of government? If so, please list details (where, when, length of time, etc). I did run for council in the last election but was not successful. I believe I wasn’t committed at that time, unlike now.
Are you/have you been a member of a political party? If yes, which party? If no, with which political party do you most identify? No political affiliation. Lean towards being green due to environmental issues.
Are you or have you ever been a member of an political interest or lobby group? No, but I am a supporter of Greenpeace. I believe in the protection of animals and natural habitat, so that we may leave something for the future.
If you are elected, will you commit to remaining a councillor for the whole term? That is my plan.
What is your campaign budget? Who is funding your campaign? My budget is my bank account and my fortnightly pay is providing the funding.
Who will you direct your preferences to? My cousin is currently a councillor (Paul Macdonald) and his enthusiasm is what has attracted me to the concept of giving back to the community through council participation, so he will receive a preference. Other than that, I would like to support the female candidates first and foremost. I would like to see more women on council as a better and balanced representation of the general community.
Describe your involvement in the local community. I coached junior netball for many years, as well as played both netball and basketball. I have spoken to various groups such as schools, seniors, Probus etc addressing issues of safer living and keeping safe, both in my police role and in my own time. As a full time working mum (working shift work), I didn’t have a lot of time to give outside family commitments, however now that has changed. I have more free time to hopefully contribute to the community in a positive way.
What do you think being a councillor involves? Being able to listen, to be flexible but to also have the strength to maintain and uphold core beliefs and protect the rights of the residents. Being honest and making transparent and accountable decisions.
What do you think are the most important issues for your ward? I would need to attend some group meetings to get to the grass roots problems but most wards face the same issues: safety concerns, recreation, youth activity, public transport, emergency support services including dealing with mental health issues ,emergency housing needs and domestic violence.
What do you think are the most important issues facing Maroondah? NA.
Where do you stand on building the new $46.5 million Ringwood Aquatic Centre? NA.
Ringwood’s town centre is set for a major upgrade. What features do you think should be included and what will improve the suburb? New façade along Maroondah Highway, upgrade of railway station and consideration of a city square/community meeting place.
Developers are looking to Maroondah to build higher-density housing, particularly Ringwood and Croydon. Where do you stand on this? Where should development be allowed and what areas should be protected? Maintain the green corridors and tree lines rather than roof tops.
Do you think Maroondah Council operates in an appropriately transparent and accountable manner? If yes, why and if no, what should be improved? As a novice, I do not want to be critical in an uninformed way; however since registering as a candidate I have observed people acting in what I would call a less than ethical manner, by casting unfounded inferences as to suggest untoward or underhanded behaviour by candidates. I find this very disappointing and believe some may see serving on council as their personal right, rather than the privilege it is. I think new faces and a fresh perspective could do wonders for Maroondah and the community it represents.
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PAUL MACDONALD
Suburb of residence: Croydon
Occupation: Director MacDonald Plumbing Pty Ltd
How long have you lived in Maroondah? 50 years.
Have you run for council/ been a councillor before, or any other level of government? Yes. Present Councillor for City of Maroondah, Arrabri Ward for four years. Councillor City of Croydon for three years.
Are you/have you been a member of a political party? No.
Are you or have you ever been a member of an political interest or lobby group? SCOOP – Save Croydon Outdoor Olympic Pool; South Croydon Football Club; Monastery Ridge Inc member.
If you are elected, will you commit to remaining a councillor for the whole term? Yes.
What is your campaign budget? Who is funding your campaign? Self-funded. Under $5000
Who will you direct your preferences to? The people who hold similar values to me. I have preferenced Cr Tony Dib last at No 10 as his community values are quite different to mine.
Describe your involvement in the local community.
* Eastern Regional Library Board.
* Maroondah Safety Committee.
* Bayswater Nth Community renewal committee.
* Town planning panels.
* East Ringwood restructure plan.
* Heathmont restructure plan.
* Involved in the development of Croydon’s waste management and recycling program.
* Past member of Save Croydon Outdoor Olympic Pool (SCOOP).
* Monastery Ridge Inc member.
* Past member of the Cheong Park committee of management.
* Foundation member of the Maroondah Festival.
* South Croydon Youth Club and Basketball.
* A foundation, life member, past President of the South Croydon Football Club.
* Junior and senior player of the South Croydon Football Club.
* Past player of South Croydon Cricket Club.
* Maroondah Relay for Life.
* Supporter of Maroondah’s art facilities – Karralyka Centre, Maroondah Federation Estate and Art Gallery and the Wyreena Community Arts Centre.
* Save the parkland at Taylors Road, Croydon.
What do you think being a councillor involves? A Councillor needs to listen to the community and advocate on its behalf. A Councillor has to be a team person and work with his fellow councillors and council officers and implement what the majority of the community wants and not listen to the minority. A councillor needs to be honest and fair; transparent; respectful; financially responsible and have good family values and be connected to his or her community. Also:
* Respect for the law.
* Respectful of our environment.
* To have respect for people from all walks of life.
What do you think are the most important issues for your ward?
Try and control the over development of residential areas that the State Government is forcing upon us.
* Local traffic management issues
* Continued support for community groups
* Community safety
* Continue building footpaths for community safety
* Implementing Council’s Youth Plan
* Implementing Council’s Business Plan
* Implementing ‘Jobs for me in 3153’ program to place people in employment locally
* Improve facilities at Cheong Park Basketball and Calisthenics.
* Improve the facilities at the HE Parker Reserve, Heathmont
* Tarralla Creek wetlands project
* Maroondah Hospital lack of car park which causes staff to park in residential streets in Arrabri creating parking issue for local residents.
What do you think are the most important issues facing Maroondah?
* Building of the new Library Cultural Learning Centre.
* Building of the new City Square, Ringwood.
* Building of the new Ringwood Regional Aquatic Centre.
* Changing government policy so that Councils do not have to top up the shortfalls in the Defined Benefits superannuation scheme.
* Maroondah needs strong financial management skills to oversee council’s future budgets.
* Keeping rates at CPI levels.
* Strong leadership to stop the State Government’s proposed changes to planning zones.
* Pensioners that are rate payers should have $100 discount on their rates.
* A rail trail cycle path to link Ringwood to Lilydale and the Warburton trail.
* The O’Shannassy cycle path from East Ringwood to Mt Evelyn.
* Lack of parking at Heathmont, Ringwood, East Ringwood and Croydon stations.
* Lack of parking at Maroondah Hospital.
Where do you stand on building the new $46.5 million Ringwood Aquatic Centre? I am pro the new aquatic centre and support it being financially and environmentally sustainable and also accessible for people with disabilities. Having a regional centre that has an interest for everyone not just minority groups. The centre can be built within the budget, which will not cause any increase to future rates.
Ringwood’s town centre is set for a major upgrade. What features do you think should be included and what will improve the suburb?
1. Features should include a new library, culture and learning centre that is future proofed. Council service and enquiries area. A Town Square with an entertaining area and large screen, stage, water features, children and family area to include an educative play area for children.
2. El fresco style cafés, restaurants and high quality shops that link to the station.
3. New station and bus transit area.
Developers are looking to Maroondah to build higher-density housing, particularly Ringwood and Croydon. Where do you stand on this? Where should development be allowed and what areas should be protected? High density development should stay in the existing high density development zones that were to appease the State Government. I say NO to high density outside these zones.
Do you think Maroondah Council operates in an appropriately transparent and accountable manner? If yes, why and if no, what should be improved? Council has made improvements in some areas but it needs to go to the next level where the public can have access to all Council briefing meetings (Assemblies), the public should be excluded from ‘in camera’ items ( for eg when it is of a commercial confidentiality nature ie: legal matters, staff matters, personal matters, investigations etc)
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TONY DIB
Suburb of residence: Croydon
Occupation: Self employed
How long have you lived in Maroondah? I have lived in Maroondah for 17 years.
Have you run for council/ been a councillor before, or any other level of government? Yes, I am a current councillor. I have been an elected official and serving our community proudly since 2005. I was also mayor of Maroondah in 2008 and 2011. This has been a highlight of my council career to date.
Are you/have you been a member of a political party? If yes, which party? If no, with which political party do you most identify? Yes, I am a member of the Australian Labor Party.
Are you or have you ever been a member of an political interest or lobby group? No, I have never been a member of a lobby group.
If you are elected, will you commit to remaining a councillor for the whole term? Yes, I intend to serve my community for the full term.
What is your campaign budget? Who is funding your campaign? I am a self-funded candidate with a budget of approximately $10,000.
Who will you direct your preferences to? My preferences are available for the public on the VEC website.
Describe your involvement in the local community. I am involved through my council service of approximately six years.
What do you think being a councillor involves? Being a councillor is a massive personal commitment. It means that you are in the public domain each and every day your serve the residents within your electorate.
What do you think are the most important issues for your ward? It is about listening to the public and their issues, injecting council funding into the community and ensuring that we have a safe and friendly place to live. Make Ringwood East and Heathmont rail stations safe, and create additional parking for the local shopping centres.
What do you think are the most important issues facing Maroondah? The most important issues in my opinion are: Getting Ringwood Central up and running is a big focus for me. Lobbying the state government to begin the Ringwood station upgrade. Keeping council financially sustainable.
Where do you stand on building the new $46.5 million Ringwood Aquatic Centre? It is a great infrastructure improvement. It will be the best in the Eastern region, and located in the best municipality in the state.
Ringwood’s town centre is set for a major upgrade. What features do you think should be included and what will improve the suburb? The current plan that I have attributed to is the best I have seen. It rivals the great hubs across the world. The facilities will include a modern library, art gallery, water features and cafes and restaurants.
Developers are looking to Maroondah to build higher-density housing, particularly Ringwood and Croydon. Where do you stand on this? Where should development be allowed and what areas should be protected? We have a master plan for Ringwood and Croydon, we set guidelines for developers. Any submissions outside these guidelines will be opposed. I do not want to see this community turn into a concrete jungle.
Do you think Maroondah Council operates in an appropriately transparent and accountable manner? If yes, why and if no, what should be improved? Absolutely.
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Erin Prater: Declined to participate
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Mireille Chalhoub
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CON PARTHIMOS
Suburb of residence: Kilsyth
Occupation: Learning Specialist
How long have you lived in Maroondah? I have lived in the Maroondah electorate for the past six years approximately. I grew up in the northern suburbs, and have thoroughly enjoyed my move to the Eastern suburbs. I believe that Maroondah is a great place to live and raise a family.
Have you run for council/ been a councillor before, or any other level of government? I have never run for council election previously. This is my first nomination. I feel that now is the time for change. We need to be more professional and strategic if we are to progress as a community. Maroondah is a great place to live, however we must look to the future. Young blood and fresh ideas are required.
Are you/have you been a member of a political party? If yes, which party? If no, with which political party do you most identify? I am not affiliated with any political party. I am an independent candidate.
Are you or have you ever been a member of an political interest or lobby group? I have never been involved in a political lobby group; professionally I have had exposure to high level executives within multinational organisations where my negotiation and stakeholder management skills were tested on a daily basis.
If you are elected, will you commit to remaining a councillor for the whole term? I am totally committed to this electorate and the constituents. If elected I will most definitely serve my full term.
What is your campaign budget? Who is funding your campaign? I am self-funded in relation to my campaign. My budget for the election campaign is quite modest when compared to other candidates within my ward and other wards.
Who will you direct your preferences to? I have not yet negotiated my preferences. I will read the statements and promotional material of each candidate within my ward, and then make contact with a shortlist of candidates. I want to ensure that I am directing my preferences to worthy candidates who share my vision and passion for Maroondah.
Describe your involvement in the local community. I have an affiliation with numerous local sporting, community groups and my children’s schools within the Maroondah electorate. I am a passionate supporter of the Make a Wish foundation. I believe they do some great work for our sick children.
What do you think being a councillor involves? Being a councillor is a great honour. With this honour comes the responsibility for my fellow constituents, and neighbours. It involves scrupulous and stringent fiscal planning in relation to council budget and spending. The effective planning and prioritisation of council, state and federally funded projects within the Maroondah City. Most importantly I believe the role of each councillor is to be an advocate for each and every resident. This is achieved by understanding the needs of the electorate, and listening to the people. It is about local issues that require action and understanding.
What do you think are the most important issues for your ward? There are a number of issues faced by my electorate. The most urgent of these are as follows (in no particular order);
1. Financial stress due to economic climate conditions worldwide.
2. Public transport and infrastructure.
3. Kindergarten/childcare facilities and costs.
4. Sports facilities/parklands.
5. Perceived excess spending of council – which leads to rate hikes well above CPI.
What do you think are the most important issues facing Maroondah? I believe that we have severe infrastructure issues, and unless we begin to lobby state and federal governments for assistance now, then our already overcrowded transport and neglected stations will become hazardous. There is also a need for additional parking at our premium stations (Croydon, Heathmont and Ringwood predominantly) to accommodate for the growth of our fabulous community. If we are serious about our impact on the environment, then we must encourage more people to utilise public transport. This in turn has a flow on effect to ensure our bus services meet the needs of our community.
As stated above, our community is being impacted by financial pressures. As a council we must look at ways to assist through community projects, which will select skilled labour from within our electorate rather than externally. We must also be conservative in our spending so that savings can be passed back to the community through minimal rate increases, ideally CPI should not be exceeded.
Where do you stand on building the new $46.5 million Ringwood Aquatic Centre? I believe that the adopted 'Plan 3' was a knee-jerk reaction to pressures from the diving community and the management of the Ringwood Aquatic centre. Council in my opinion did not fully investigate all options in order to make an informed decision. Where is the environmental impact statement? Was this provided to residents nearby? How is it plausible for a proposal to be given to councillors with only four days' notice? This decision should have been delayed and a new consultation period begun. The outcome would then have been one of an informed decision rather than a push through spend of $46.5m which we will all now need to cover through rate hikes. I question whether this is the right economic climate to be spending $46.5m.
Ringwood’s town centre is set for a major upgrade. What features do you think should be included and what will improve the suburb? I believe that the upgrade to the Ringwood town centre is long overdue. The buildings within the centre are an eyesore in many cases. We need a hub to showcase our beautiful city. I would like to see a community focussed area being developed. This includes a 'cafe' culture to attract members of our community. It must be a safe haven for our children and a place where people can gather and socialise on a personal level. Restaurants, cafes and boutique stores would be a great fit for the 'hub'. Effective transportation to and from the centre is a must. It must be easily accessible by public and personal modes of transport. It should be a place where we can go on the weekends and relax with friends.
Developers are looking to Maroondah to build higher-density housing, particularly Ringwood and Croydon. Where do you stand on this? Where should development be allowed and what areas should be protected? Any parkland and local community centres must be preserved. As with growth in our community, there is a need for affordable housing. High-density over population is not always the answer. I believe that we must plan effectively, and minimise the number of high-density developments. Each request must be evaluated on its merit, and an environmental impact assessment should accompany each proposal in my opinion. The developer must prove that the proposed development will be carbon neutral and low or no impact on the surrounding infrastructure or environment.
To answer directly I am in principle opposed to high-density developments, but will assess each application with an open mind, and listen to the feedback of the affected residents through collaboration prior to making any decisions / recommendations.
Do you think Maroondah Council operates in an appropriately transparent and accountable manner? If yes, why and if no, what should be improved? I believe that there is much to be learnt from the current Maroondah councillors. There have been many instances were decisions have been made without sufficient consultation. This is both frustrating and concerning for all Maroondah residents. I believe that the lines of communication must be open and remain open for the duration of the councillor’s term. Each decision that has a major impact on constituents i.e. council rate rises, spending on major projects and high-density developments must be done in consultation. Council spending of late has been excessive and frivolous to be quite frank. There needs to be a change. The council must be conservative in this economic climate. Over spending and decreases in state and federal funding only signify rate rises for each and every household.
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