NOT sure who to vote for Ryrie Ward? 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.
RYRIE WARD
Ryrie Ward sees the biggets field of candidates, with 12 people looking to fill the gap left by current councillor Jeanette McRae, who has decided not to run again. Taking in Coldstream, Yarra Glen, Healesville, Tarrawarra, Dixons Creek, Chum Creek and Toolangi, this ward is highlighted by issues such as logging in the state forests, tourism, fire safety, and public transport.
At the 2008 election:
Registered voters: 12,035
Voter turnout: 9246 (76.83 per cent of total enrolment)
Formal votes: 8853
Informal votes: 393
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Candidates (in ballot order)
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MICHAEL MATTHEWS
Suburb of residence: Healesville
Occupation: State manager
How long have you lived in Yarra Ranges? Twelve years and would not live anywhere else.
Have you run for council/ been a councillor before, or any other level of government? I ran in the 2008 election. I also served as Board Member and Chairman of the Victorian Food & Wine Tourism Council for six years giving advice to the Minister and Tourism Victoria.
Are you/have you been a member of a political party? If yes, which party? If no, with which party do you most identify? Not a member of any party and never have been. I always have remained independent and prefer to do so to allow taking an unbiased and objective view of issues before me. As an example I worked with John Brumby when he was Minister for Regional Development and Tim Holding Tourism Minister and on the conservative side am a friend of Christine Fyffe’s and have had meetings with Tony Smith (our Federal Member). Local Council should not be about politics.
Are you or have you ever been a member of a political interest or lobby group? I have not ever been pat of any political lobby group. I have lobbied Government for better taxation and structural reform for the wine industry when on the Wine Australia Board.
If you are elected, will you commit to remaining a councillor for the whole term? Yes – I never start a process unless I am prepared to see it through.
What is your campaign budget? Who is funding your campaign? I have no set budget it is a daily proposition seeing what I can afford to do.
Who will you direct your preferences to? After much consideration I have given my first preference to David Hill as I know him to be concerned about local issues and he is an independent candidate with energy and drive. My second preference is directed to Les King who is also independent and passionate about helping the local community. I do not believe the local council should be politicised or a platform for ideologically biased agendas.
Describe your involvement in the local community. I have worked for the region as; Committee Member/President Yarra Valley Winegrowers Association, Founding Director and Deputy Chair of Yarra Ranges Regional Marketing, representing the Yarra Ranges as a Board Member and Chairman of the Victorian Wine Industry Association, representing the Yarra Ranges as Member and Chair of the Victorian Food & Wine Tourism Council, Member of Yarra Ranges Regional Marketing Finance Committee. Executive Chair of Grape Grazing, Deputy Chair of the Regional Bushfire Recovery (Marketing) Committee as well as participating in a variety of forums, committee and groups. I have also managed and worked with a range of local businesses including being General Manager of TarraWarra Estate for six years and a member of the steering committee for the TarraWarra Museum of Art. I am also Chair of Life Education Yarra Ranges.
What do you think being a councillor involves? Assessing current and future needs for our region, providing the executive with the strategic direction and policies under which they deliver on those goals. To do this a councillor must engage with the local community to take on board the views and needs of the ratepayers in the development of the strategic direction. At the same time this must be done with a framework of financial responsibility - like all of us a council must live within its means. A councillor also has a duty to protect the regions natural assets and build a cohesive, vibrant and economically strong community.
What do you think are the most important issues for your ward? There are many to name just a few:
* Ensuring, roads, footpaths, drainage and vegetated areas are maintained.
* Fixing the gateway signage to Healesville.
* Connecting the Healesville/Yarra Glen Rail.
* Addressing the needs of Yarra Glen and Coldstream communities to allow them to prosper.
What do you think are the most important issues facing Yarra Ranges?
* Building a strong economy.
* Uniting the community.
* Supporting tourism.
* Reducing debt.
* Protecting our beautiful environment.
* Making our community safe.
Where do you stand on the logging currently taking place in Toolangi? Should it be stopped or does it have a rightful place to continue? Logging can and has for decades been in our community providing employment and contributing to the local economy. It is also subject to some of the strictest regulations in the world where timber we import is often from countries with no such restrictions. Whilst some suggest that logging impacts negatively on tourism the actual figures and my own experience do not support this view. Therefore my view is that logging has a place in our region, always has and I see no reason at this time to change that. I support sustainable logging.
Is enough being done to try secure higher education in the shire once Swinburne’s Lilydale campus closes? Early days and there is a lot to consider. Swinburne owns the property and building under various titles. Whilst there is much talk about a sale of it all that would be subject to approval by the state government. I am aware there are already discussions being held to retain the site as an education facility – that would be my preferred outcome.
Should the urban growth boundary be extended further in the Yarra Ranges? What sort of development would you allow? Any extension of the urban growth boundary needs to be carefully considered to ensure we retain the environmental integrity and beauty of our region. That said I think there is scope to allow appropriate development in Coldstream such at that proposed by the Coldstream 2020 Group.
Yarra Ranges Council is looking at a $15 million bill to top up the local government super fund. Is a rate rise justified to pay this unexpected fee? No – we should not increase debt.
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DAVE HILL
Suburb of residence: Healesville
Occupation: Asphalt Works
How long have you lived in Yarra Ranges? Approx 20-plus years.
Have you run for council/ been a councillor before, or any other level of government? Honary Member Victorian Public Service Board.
Are you/have you been a member of a political party? If yes, which party? If no, with which party do you most identify? No. I think of myself as rather conservative.
Are you or have you ever been a member of a political interest or lobby group? No.
If you are elected, will you commit to remaining a councillor for the whole term? Definitely.
What is your campaign budget? Who is funding your campaign? Self-funded.
Who will you direct your preferences to? Undecided.
Describe your involvement in the local community. Active with a local club that financially supports children studying who may otherwise not have the opportunity due to financial constraints.
What do you think being a councillor involves? Loads of hard work, conciliation, representation, developing strong community bonds, supporting those in need, resourcing and listening to our community, promoting our ward, setting goals for our future.
What do you think are the most important issues for your ward?
Small business opportunities, sporting facilities and clubs, viable small industry, environmental issues, councils approach towards residents, educational needs, public transport, drainage/fire/emergency supports, opportunities.
What do you think are the most important issues facing Yarra Ranges? Rates. How they impact on the local residents.
Where do you stand on the logging currently taking place in Toolangi? Should it be stopped or does it have a rightful place to continue? There are sufficient regulated controls to support both a logging industry and regrowth programs to maintain it as a valued industry within our ward.
Is enough being done to secure higher education in the shire once Swinburne’s Lilydale campus closes? I know parts are closing and in particular the 25-plus million committed by the current council to support a new swimming centre could be well redirected to Queens Park!
Should the urban growth boundary be extended further in the Yarra Ranges? What sort of development would you allow? No. The infrastructure would need considerable consideration for residential growth. There are already three plans eg 2020 vision statement, recent high density living boundaries and an older plan not yet passed up. All way too confusing. Yes to small business/industry that has not had any increase for almost 20 years.
Yarra Ranges Council is looking at a $15 million bill to top up the local government super fund. Is a rate rise justified to pay this unexpected fee? Not again. The council pulled this same lame proposal in the early 2000 years and rate payers suffered a financial cost then. Make those working at council budget properly. We can’t afford this to continue.
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MARGARET BLAIR
Suburb of residence: Healesville
Occupation: Retired Uniting Church Minister
How long have you lived in Yarra Ranges? Five years.
Have you run for council/ been a councillor before, or any other level of government? No.
Are you/have you been a member of a political party? If yes, which party? If no, with which party do you most identify? Australian Greens.
Are you or have you ever been a member of a political interest or lobby group? I find this question difficult to answer as I support the work of groups such as Amnesty International, Oxfam and the Wilderness Society but I think the answer is 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 funding a small campaign.
Who will you direct your preferences to? I have spoken to almost all of the candidates in Ryrie Ward and as a result of these conversations have decided to direct my preferences to Merryn Auldist, who is well known for her involvement in creative community projects and would serve well if elected.
Describe your involvement in the local community. I am president of HICCI (Healesville Inter-church Community Care Inc) which has over 100 volunteers and is the main provider of emergency relief and HACC (Home and Community Care) transport in the Healesville/ Yarra Glen area. HICCI also provides the weekly evening meal Dinner @ Darrons which is open to all and provides for people with a range of needs. I volunteer as a maths teacher at Worawa Aboriginal College and am an active member of the Uniting Church.
What do you think being a councillor involves? To be an active, involved presence in the area. To listen to people’s concerns and suggestions and to provide representation to council for everyone in Ryrie Ward. To be diligent and to understand the issues before the council so as to be an effective part of responsible decision making.
What do you think are the most important issues for your ward? Ryrie Ward is a beautiful area with vibrant townships that are very dependent upon tourism. A key challenge is to support local people and businesses whilst protecting the natural assets which make the area so a attractive for residents and visitors.
What do you think are the most important issues facing Yarra Ranges? There is great diversity in Yarra Ranges with different issues in different areas. Overall it is important that we have good local government which is listening to the concerns of the people, continues to develop sporting and cultural facilities, promotes business that is not in conflict with the natural values of the area and generally provides needed services.
Where do you stand on the logging currently taking place in Toolangi? Should it be stopped or does it have a rightful place to continue? This is a complex issue but with so much of Toolangi State Forest having been burnt in the Black Saturday fires it is essential that the sustainable yield be urgently reviewed. According to VicForests’ own reports over 80% of the timber they harvest becomes low-value wood chips. Most of our timber and paper requirements already come from plantations. For these and many other reasons I believe it is time we undertook long-term planning to transition timber jobs in the native forests of the Central Highlands to more sustainable jobs in restoration forestry and plantations.
Is enough being done to try secure higher education in the shire once Swinburne’s Lilydale campus closes? The closing of the Lilydale campus and the scaling back of TAFE courses is a tragedy for the people of this area. Many individuals and organisations, including the shire, are rightly working hard to rectify this situation. TAFE training is very important for individual students and also for the many employers in our region who look to TAFE graduates for trained workers in important areas such as hospitality.
Should the urban growth boundary be extended further in the Yarra Ranges? What sort of development would you allow? Development is another complex issue where individual cases need to be carefully assessed on their merits and their costs. However, overall I believe that our healthy lifestyle, with clean air and water and the tourism industry that is the main employer in Ryrie Ward, are very dependent upon the area retaining its natural attractions. For this reason I would be very reluctant to see a major extension of the urban growth boundary in our region.
Yarra Ranges Council is looking at a $15 million bill to top up the local government super fund. Is a rate rise justified to pay this unexpected fee? There are a number of new cost pressures on the council that have come from various sources including the scaling back of government funding for facilities such as libraries as well as meeting its legal obligations as an employer. I believe it is very important for the shire to target ratepayers’ funds as efficiently as possible but it is also important that the shire continues its services to the community including developing facilities, protecting our environment, supporting people in times of need and providing essential infrastructure such as roads and footpaths.
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Les King
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TOBY ECCLES
Suburb of residence: Healesville / Toolangi
Occupation: Tourism OperatorWard nominated for: Ryrie
How long have you lived in Yarra Ranges? Five 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). No
Are you/have you been a member of a political party? If yes, which party? If no, with which party do you most identify? No. I identify most with independents
Are you or have you ever been a member of a political interest or lobby group? No
If you are elected, will you commit to remaining a councillor for the whole term? Yes completely!
What is your campaign budget? Limited. Anybody who would like to hand out leaflets, please feel free to contact me. Would love a hand.
Who is funding your campaign? My family
Who will you direct your preferences to? Not entirely sure yet. Not everybody has met my expectation. [Editor’s note: Toby Eccles’s preferences were lodged with the VEC before this questionnaire was returned, and can be viewed at vec.vic.gov.au]
Describe your involvement in the local community. In the five years that I have lived in the Yarra Valley I have involved myself as a family man, a land manager and as a tourist operator. I have gained a lot of insight into the region by connecting with the community on the ground level. I realize that times are tough and that it is important to work in practical ways which support the health and wellbeing of our local community.
What do you think being a councillor involves? A councillor is one who should
~ recognize and be a spokesperson for the needs of its locals and not be there to uphold ones personal beliefs.
~ be responsibile for the maintainence of roads, footpaths etc but should also be there to protect and preserve what has been built and established by its local people concerning buildings, community programs and events.
~ recognize the hard work of the people of today and the generations that came before and therefore do what it can to preserve community industry.
~ ensure the wellbeing of its community is maintained and supported financially, educationally provided for, and personally acknowledged.
What do you think are the most important issues for your ward? What I am hearing to be the main issues of locals are
~ that the community needs to be listened to and acknowledged.
~ Rates are an issue for people,
~ the sense of safety, regarding the violence that is occurring in our townships.
~ infrastructure of footpaths and roads.
~ the protection of people’s livelihood when it comes to small business and its growth.
What do you think are the most important issues facing Yarra Ranges? I think the issue is how we support our Yarra Ranges community so that people have the courage to make informed decisions which benefit everyone. A healthy, vibrant business community does not just look after number one. Healthy competition supports its local competitor. As a Yarra Ranges local, I am running for council because I believe in uniting local business knowledge and making it work for everyone. This is important when times are tough.
Where do you stand on the logging currently taking place in Toolangi? Should it be stopped or does it have a rightful place to continue? A recent bushfire study by experts from the US and Australia have shown that clearfell logging dries out the forests as it allows the winds to penetrate the forest , as well as the regenerated forest which is pure fuel for bushfires. This concerns me in regards to the future safety of our region
What sets the Yarra Valley apart from other tourist destinations, such as the Mornington Penninsular, Daylesford, or the Great Ocean Rd, is our vista mountain range, wildlife and the opportunity for tourists to experience it.I am an Australian patriot and we have the tallest tree in the world in our back yard. What an incredible tourist product.
100% of the tourists I have spoken to have shown concern and disbelief that the Yarra Valley are destroying their forests. This is our brand which sets us apart and we are being hypocrits when we are destroying something that could sustain our entire communities future. I know because I talk to hundreds of tourists each year.
Is enough being done to try secure higher education in the shire once Swinburne’s Lilydale campus closes? No! This is such a disappointing issue. How are we to educate our young people, or even those who want to change fields to support our local industry. Townships remain vibrant when tertiary institutions are present. Bendigo and Ballarat are primary examples of this. I as a councillor will do what I can to ensure that the Lilydale campus remains as a facility for education.
Should the urban growth boundary be extended further in the Yarra Ranges? What sort of development would you allow? Do we want to become the outer suberb of Melbourne? Do we want our vineyards and wineries to be surrounded by suburbia? Would urban growth support our region as a tourist destination? I put that question out to the people of Ryrie. Isn’t it for the community to decide?
Yarra Ranges Council is looking at a $15 million bill to top up the local government super fund. Is a rate rise justified to pay this unexpected fee? No! A rate rise is justified when the rate payers experience the benefits of the tax they have paid. I believe that this currently is not the case. More transparency is needed so that ratepayers know exactly what is happening to their money, and even though this is made available, I think it is in the best interest of council to support this process even more. People are feeling the pinch and a hike in rates say to the community ‘we don’t care where you are at, we want more money’. It is time for a change!
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BOB CURTIS
Suburb of residence: Yarra Glen
Occupation: Vigneron
Ward nominated for: Ryrie
How long have you lived in Yarra Ranges? I have been a resident of Yarra Glen for the last 20 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 not run or held office before.
Are you/have you been a member of a political party? If yes, which party? If no, with which party do you most identify? No on the first count, my views are liberterian, I strongly believe in individual freedoms, small govt and the right to live your own life with minimal interference. The nanny state of absolute control must be defeated.
Are you or have you ever been a member of a political interest or lobby group? I feel so strongly about the dreadful direction this council is taking our shire I was compelled to join the ratepayers association and campaign against the green majority within our council.
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 will fund my own budget, I expect costs of around $1000
Who will you direct your preferences to? People of like mind, those who are tired of the environment being an excuse. To halt meaningful developments that will ensure employment in the coming years.
Describe your involvement in the local community. I am the past president of the Yarra Glen chamber of commerce, chairman of the smaller wineries group and past board member of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong tourist association.
What do you think being a councillor involves? It involves representing all people and their interests in a balanced and measured way.The ratepayers must be the first priority of council, not some international green agenda that is being thrust on ratepayers by a single interest group who represent only a small percentage of constituants.
What do you think are the most important issues for your ward? The right to build a home on your own land must be respected. The current council is denying this right thereby devaluing land by up to 75% yet they are rating the land owners as if they have an as of right to build, this is fraud.
Rates are a massive issue. they have increased at 2 to 3 times CPI and are set to increase 28% over the next few years while debt is set to increase 8000% over the same time frame. The shire will either be bankrupted or rates will put you out of your home, I believe the later motive is most consistent with this councils agenda.
A staff audit must be first priority and all departments not related to core municipal government should be eliminated thereby reducing costs and passing these benefits onto the ratepayers.
Financial management must be closely monitored and any project that requires the debt level to be blown out by $8000% must be shelved. The world is looking over a financial cliff that is going to claim many countries and we are not far from the edge of the same cliff, debt expansion to this level in these times is utterly irresponsible.
What do you think are the most important issues facing Yarra Ranges? The same as what face our ward plus the size and diversity of the shire presents its self to be split into more homogeneous areas so rural residents and suburban ones are more effectively accommodated with policy decisions.
Where do you stand on the logging currently taking place in Toolangi? Should it be stopped or does it have a rightful place to continue? This is a good example of our shire getting involved in an issue that does not concern the vast majority of residents. The state government controls logging in the state forests and a court case has already found against the council and therefore the contractors working in the coup should be let earn their living which is legal and approved by the state and the courts.If the councillors feel so strongly then they should pay the loggers out of their own pockets to stay out of forest. Then we could admire true conviction.
Is enough being done to try secure higher education in the shire once Swinburne’s Lilydale campus closes? From what I have heard the campus is not done with yet so whatever has been done must be successful. Council must be very careful not to get too financially involved as education is a state matter Personally I am for keeping the campus open and I am a little concerned we haven’t had the closure fully explained.
Should the urban growth boundary be extended further in the Yarra Ranges? What sort of development would you allow? The right to build on land you own must be upheld. Further urban growth will not be necessary in the foreseeable future but if demand calls for responsible growth the n I would consider it favourably,particularly where towns like Coldstream desperately need a n increase in population to be sustainable.
Yarra Ranges Council is looking at a $15 million bill to top up the local government super fund. Is a rate rise justified to pay this unexpected fee?
Not at all.We all took a hit on our super so why should shire staff be indemnified by rate payers.If I have misunderstood this question and the 15 million is not to replace looses, rather to make up for an unfunded liability , then not only am I against the rate rise I would demand the sacking of those responsible for not putting the super away for the workers and then bring the workforce back in to line with revenues received.
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FIONA McALLISTER
Suburb of residence: Healesville
Occupation: Workplace Psychologist
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). No. But I spend a lot of time through my business working with councils across the state and have done so for the past 12 years to help council’s improve their performance and do a better job for their communities. This work involves working with councillors, senior officers and staff and has given me the opportunity to see great things being done in other councils. My work also means I have a strong, up to date understanding of local government finance, governance, policy and strategy development and most importantly how real consultation with the community occurs.
Are you/have you been a member of a political party? If yes, which party? If no, with which party do you most identify? No. I am a truly independent candidate not affiliated and not aligned with any party, industry sector or association. I am sincerely committed to seeking the views of and representing all individuals and communities if elected to council.
Are you or have you ever been a member of a political interest or lobby group? No, but I know very well how local government should work through my own work with councils.
If you are elected, will you commit to remaining a councillor for the whole term? Yes, I am fully committed to serving at least one full term and I do understand the significant dedication and amount of time required in the role.
What is your campaign budget? Who is funding your campaign? I am providing all the funding for my own campaign and do not have a budget as such. I have prepared leaflets and flyers myself with the support of my husband and my expenditure depends on what I have available week to week.
Who will you direct your preferences to? I have chosen to direct my first 2-3 preferences to other candidates who have similar views on the major issues facing our shire and who I believe have the leadership capability to be part of the changes that need to take place: Brett Whelan and Jane Judd, then Di Moore. I have not made my decision based on political views, affiliations, deals or promises and this will be apparent on the ballot forms when they are received by voters.
Describe your involvement in the local community. CFA Volunteer, Fire Safe Kids, Habitat for Humanity, Good Friday Appeal collector, support for neighbours during and following Black Saturday, YRC Bushfire Recovery Community Advisory Committee, hosted International Women’s Day Event for Yarra Valley Community and participation in a range of other activities.
What do you think being a councillor involves? Actively representing all communities within the ward and across the shire (listening, consulting, involving and acting) in terms of priorities and issues, feeding back information from council to ensure the communities in my ward are kept informed and advocating on behalf of the community. Reading all the material generated by council officers and having an informed opinion on each matter.
What do you think are the most important issues for your ward? Community consultation, planning reform, road and infrastructure improvements, controlling rates increases, the community setting spending priorities, bushfire protection and safety, health and wellbeing with a strong focus on recreation and inclusion of people with disability.
What do you think are the most important issues facing Yarra Ranges? Same as the above for Ryrie Ward but add: budget priorities, securing state and federal government funding for infrastructure projects, getting council officers to be community-focussed, securing Lilydale TAFE site for education.
Where do you stand on the logging currently taking place in Toolangi? Should it be stopped or does it have a rightful place to continue? Council has a limited role to play, however it could try to resolve local disputes on issues such as logging and I commit to working with each group to try to achieve this.
Is enough being done to try secure higher education in the shire once Swinburne’s Lilydale campus closes? The closing of the Swinburne Lilydale campus is a terrible blow to our shire. The knock-on effect of this closure will be felt widely in our shire whether it be lack of critical skills and staff available for employers, lack of affordable education and training options (and therefore job options) for our young people and potential loss of young people in the shire. While the decision is out of council’s hands they must play a lead role in advocating to ensure future use of the site is appropriate and ideally offers education opportunities as well as in supporting all affected industries within our shire.
Should the urban growth boundary be extended further in the Yarra Ranges? What sort of development would you allow? I do not believe extension of urban growth boundaries is the solution to population growth and affordable housing but do believe that Yarra Ranges Council does play a key role in tackling and resolving these issues. What I do think is the more important question is: Is the current approach at the officer and policy level to planning within our shire having a strong negative impact on our communities, sustainable growth, the local economy, and our physical and natural environment? Yes! I support development and appropriate controls but ones that are based on commonsense, allow for considered urban growth and are applied consistently.
Yarra Ranges Council is looking at a $15 million bill to top up the local government super fund. Is a rate rise justified to pay this unexpected fee? The unfunded super shortfall is an issue being faced by council’s across the state. Certainly the amount levied against each council is different but so are the strategies being used by councils to ‘top up’ the super fund. I have spoken to other councils where they are managing to find the funds through greater efficiencies or by identifying projects that can be delayed to ‘free up’ funds. Why wouldn’t this be a conversation that is had with the community? I do not attribute the shortfall in the super fund as a fault of council but do think that there are a range of options that could be considered rather than rate rises being the default position.
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JANE JUDD
Suburb of residence: Chum Creek -Ryrie
Occupation: Manager
Ward nominated for: Ryrie
How long have you lived in Yarra Ranges? I moved to Healesville in 1986- 26 years ago
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). No
Are you/have you been a member of a political party? If yes, which party? If no, with which party do you most identify? I am not a member of a political party but I was a member of the ALP some years ago.
Are you or have you ever been a member of a political interest or lobby group? No
I have been a member of a number of groups/networks promoting social justice and human rights. This naturally follows from my areas of work. I endorse social justice principles because of positive community values promoted by my family upbringing, my catholic education and in my studies in social worker and education. I am also interested in how we manage social issues which impact on our society. Access to health, education, employment, housing, transport, basic human needs equality. How we respond to human rights issues are signposts to the underpinning values of the society in which we live.
If you are elected, will you commit to remaining a councillor for the whole term? Yes, but naturally, the caveat being if I became unable to fulfil the role.
What is your campaign budget? Who is funding your campaign?I am funding my own campaign budget and it is very modest budget.
Who will you direct your preferences to? My preferences are available on the VEC website. Brett Whelan has my second preference. I focussed preferences on a group of moderate candidates. We all value commonsense.
Describe your involvement in the local community. In1986s I advocated to Healesville Council for a range of child care service joining the Shire Community Services Committee with Joyce.
In 1989, I formed the Healesville Action Group (HAG) to improved public transport to Badger Creek, increase youth services (ROK) using the Memo Hall and to advocate for community health funding for the Healesville community.
Between1987-1995 as Manager of Yarra Valley Family Services, we recognised the impact of poverty and isolation and built volunteer services when there was no funding available. Volunteers developed extensive emergency relief program, with the local Bakers Delight in Chirnside Park, augmented by collections of food, donated each Sunday at local churches across the valley.
By 1993, the YVFS Christmas shop program in Castella St was well stocked by the Kmart wishing tree and community donations.
The last 10 years I have served on a range of committees including the Councils Health and Wellbeing Committee.
What do you think being a councillor involves? Being a councillor requires enthusiasm, commitment and energy. Most importantly it provides me with an opportunity for my efforts to make a difference. It’s about working together to implement a united vision in the Council plan, ensuring accountability to residents, while advocating and lobbying State and Federal Governments for resources to meet the community’s legitimate needs. I would seek to promote a collaborative approach to working with Council staff and other Councillors, aiming for a people focussed, commonsense approach to decision making. As a councillor my role would be to listen, engage in genuine consultation, as widely as practicable, identify the options, mirror the range of community opinions and consider which option will deliver the most positive outcome possible, in the best interests of all.
What do you think are the most important issues for your ward? I would need to consult with members across Ryrie to answer this question. Generally speaking, residents have raised issues as parents, workers and residents. As parents they want accessible education pathways, local and sustainable employment, a safe community for their daughters and wives to live and thrive in. Women and older residents need to feel safe. Our older residents need developers to build a variety of affordable residential living options, which promote independence and social connectedness. As a health professional, we need a growth in primary care services, purpose built community health service facilities, improved access to acute and chronic care services..
What do you think are the most important issues facing Yarra Ranges? Finances, Planning, Community Services and Facilities. To address these issues we need to Review Council Plans – seek agreement between Councillors, community and Council staff on a vision of
Where are we now?
Where do we want to be?
How we are going to get to where we want to be?
This includes reviewing existing plans which address social, health, environment and capital works plans. Council needs to be supported to work toward an agreed operating budget and work to secure more Federal/State funding.
Planning needs to meets community needs, balancing the here and now with future needs- e.g. reviewing Council procurement practices to maximise the economic benefits of supporting our local businesses and industry. This can increase local employment and strengthening local economies.
Support Council officers to address interface Council issues, to improve access to health services and improve youth, family, and health and wellbeing issues.
If elected, I look forward to working with Council staff on these issues.
Where do you stand on the logging currently taking place in Toolangi? Should it be stopped or does it have a rightful place to continue? This is a highly emotive question. I am not sure I know all the facts and figures. I understand why the image of a clear felled coup is highly emotive, especially after the fires. Clear felling looks ugly in a tourist area.
However, these points have been made to me in discussions.
1. Timber Logging is a legal business, managed by Vic Forest in accordance with the law.
2. Harvesting, is currently across 5000 hectares of 7.6 million hectares of native forest.
3. Access is closely regulated with a world class regional forestry plan endorsed by a wide range of stakeholders.
4. The protesters actions, invading the coup, are illegal under OH&S law.
5. Logging is part of our local economy with positive economic benefits to our local businesses.
6. Logging families have contracts to meet bills to pay. - No harvesting means no income. Having an income is a basic need we all should understand.
7. Workers and families should not be depicted as heartless environmental vandals.
8. The environmentalist believes passionately in protecting the natural environment, the flora and fauna. The media has encouraged us to think locally act globally.
9. When the bushfires came, it was the dozers and the harvesters that were on the front line clearing access and saving our town. They are like the CFA, our front line. Volunteers who did it for love not money.
Is enough being done to try secure higher education in the shire once Swinburne’s Lilydale campus closes? We need to do whatever we can to lobby for Swinburne campus to remain open in Lilydale. It is a fantastic educational asset. The Swinburne Board does face harsh economic reality with the massive State Government funding cuts to TAFE. Our local members need to get a reprieve from this decision for us. Swinburne was built with tax payers/government funding, after significant lobbying from local communities, concerned about the minimal opportunities for tertiary education in the Yarra Ranges Council area. I don’t have an understanding of the layers of advocacy or action being undertaken as it affects so many stakeholder groups, but we must try to reverse this decision- a decision underpinned by economic rationalist principles. Swinburne campus is being seen as a real estate asset that can be cashed in and not for its intrinsic value to our community and young people’s futures.
Should the urban growth boundary be extended further in the Yarra Ranges? What sort of development would you allow? I am unable to respond in an informed way to this question. This is an area I am interested in. I am aware of proposed changes to the green wedge zones. I believe there a review of sorts happening at the request of State Government regarding the 2020 planning framework. There is an overarching Regional planning framework. I think the community expects commonsense in planning decisions, with people s needs coming before drip zones of trees.
Yarra Ranges Council is looking at a $15 million bill to top up the local government super fund. Is a rate rise justified to pay this unexpected fee? I am unaware of the detailed legislative framework regarding super liabilities of Council. As Councillors we need to ensure Council meets its statutory responsibilities, whatever they are but a loan on which interest needs to be paid should be a place of last resort. Before this step is taken, a through and comprehensive review of the current and proposed financial position of the Council is necessary, before this question can be answered definitively. We run a balanced family budget and lived within our means, I saved for things I want and distinguish between wants and needs. We grew up on the concept of deferred gratification. I am sure all councillors will follow due diligence and sound governance principles in deliberations over YRC budget review processes, aligning Council revenue to match expenditure, where responsible and practicable to do so. In principle, increasing revenue streams is preferable to raising rates, fees and charges.
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BRETT WHELAN
Suburb of residence: Tarrawarra
Occupation: Company Director
Ward nominated for: Ryrie
How long have you lived in Yarra Ranges? I have been volunteering in the Ryrie ward for six years and my work here inspired me to, with my young family, move here within the last year. My wife and I are looking forward to raising our children in this beautiful region.
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). No
Are you/have you been a member of a political party? If yes, which party? If no, with which party do you most identify? No
Are you or have you ever been a member of a political interest or lobby group? No
If you are elected, will you commit to remaining a councillor for the whole term? Yes, I am committed to continuing to contribute to our community and definitely will, if elected, remain a councillor for the whole term.
What is your campaign budget? Who is funding your campaign? My campaign is self-funded.
Who will you direct your preferences to? In Ryrie there are a couple of informally aligned groups of candidates. I have avoided preferencing any members of these groups and have deliberately preferenced truly independent, community focused candidates such as Jane Judd and Fiona McCalister
Describe your involvement in the local community. I have been involved directly in the rebuilding effort and turning around the fortunes of the Yarra Valley Railway. I hold the position of Vice President.
I have also been involved with:
• Yarra Glen & District Township Group
• Healesville Chamber of Commerce
• Yarra Glen Football Club
• Yarra Glen & District Historical Society
Through volunteering I have strong links to other community groups, local businesses, and State and Federal Government.
What do you think being a councillor involves? I established a successful business that grew to employ over 30 people. I would like to bring the skills gained through business to provide our community with a balanced approach to Council. I have a strong commitment to working with diverse community groups (township, sports, arts, environment) to meet their needs. I will take a considered position that balances outcomes for all.
What do you think are the most important issues for your ward?
Action. Balance. Community.
Yarra Glen, Dixons Creek, Steels Creek
• Public toilets in Yarra Glen
• Yarra Glen Recreation Reserve oval upgrade
• Dixon’s Creek Reserve provide lighting
• Yarra Glen car parking strategy
• Yarra Glen Memorial Hall community meeting room access
Healesville, Chum Creek, Badger Creek
• Healesville public swimming facilities upgrade
• Queens Park improvements
• Constructions and upgrading of footpaths
• Upgrading of roads
• Swinburne - develop strategy to create training opportunities.
Coldstream, Yering, Gruyere
• Increase business for Coldstream traders
• Improvements to streetscape
• Footpaths to Coldstream
• Halley Supple Reserve oval improvements
What do you think are the most important issues facing Yarra Ranges? I am concerned about the huge debt council is facing. I will drive council to efficient and appropriate expenditure of your rates.
There is a lack of a common sense approach in decision making including planning and this leads to poor policy.
Localising the economy and providing real opportunities for vocational training are critical for our area’s future.
We need to work on fostering and enabling community connectedness for all residents, particularly focusing on youth, seniors and the socially disadvantaged. This will drive improved health across our community and deliver positive social and economic outcomes.
Where do you stand on the logging currently taking place in Toolangi? Should it be stopped or does it have a rightful place to continue? Sustainable, renewable and well managed logging does have a place within our community.
Is enough being done to try secure higher education in the shire once Swinburne’s Lilydale campus closes? Through my volunteering in the area I am involved in providing vocational education opportunities. I am passionate about ensuring these opportunities remain within our region and am extremely disappointed and frustrated by the current situation. I will strive to secure higher education and training opportunities within Yarra Ranges.
Should the urban growth boundary be extended further in the Yarra Ranges? What sort of development would you allow? I support appropriate development. I am a strong supporter of our agricultural and farming sector and believe it is a core part of Yarra Ranges diversity. I will strive to protect the stunning environment we all enjoy as home.
Yarra Ranges Council is looking at a $15 million bill to top up the local government super fund. Is a rate rise justified to pay this unexpected fee? This is a critical issue for me and I have strong views on the matter. I will bring my experience and expertise from business to apply sound financial management. I will drive council to efficient and appropriate expenditure of your rates.
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MERRYN AULDIST
Suburb of residence: Healesville
Occupation: Lead Tutor, Social Enterprise, Morrisons Mt Evelyn
Ward nominated for: Ryrie
How long have you lived in Yarra Ranges? I started working in the Yarra Ranges 6 years ago in community development, community engagement and education roles. More than a year ago I sold up and moved here because I absolutely love it. My enthusiasm and commitment to represent the community of Ryrie is strengthened every day in all we have to offer the people who live and work here as well as those who visit.
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). No I haven’t
Are you/have you been a member of a political party? If yes, which party? If no, with which party do you most identify? I have never been a member of a political party. I make my decisions based on each individual situation.
Are you or have you ever been a member of a political interest or lobby group? No I haven’t
If you are elected, will you commit to remaining a councillor for the whole term? Absolutely Yes
What is your campaign budget? Who is funding your campaign? I am funding my own campaign. You won’t see any posters or bumper stickers. You will see me, or email me on merrynlistens@gmail.com . Talk to me, ask me anything and tell me what you need me to hear. If elected I will continue to listen and to act for the best interests of our community, by establishing regular opportunities to engage with as many people as possible.
Who will you direct your preferences to? At the time of writing, these details had not yet been finalised.
Describe your involvement in the local community. I began working at the Healesville Living and Learning Centre six years ago. I have worked with the HCCI and the community with graffiti related issues and community murals. I am currently teaching in a program that includes students from Ryrie (as well as other parts of the Yarra Ranges) who are at risk of disengaging from mainstream education. I am also working on a social enterprise project that will soon become available to individuals and groups in Ryrie.
What do you think being a councillor involves? Being a Councillor involves a commitment to understanding the important issues of the community they represent and subsequently advocating for these through Council. Councillors also need to identify unique opportunities as they arise and position their community to best maximise and benefit from these. Finding out about what our community feels and needs is paramount. This will involve creating opportunities to engage with and listen to the community and individual residents of Ryrie. This can be achieved by setting regular and frequent opportunities to listen to people and groups as well as being available on email and some online social networking.
What do you think are the most important issues for your ward? Initially bringing fresh ideas and enthusiasm to our community is really important. I believe that we should place significant value on community safety, the environment, young people, the arts, our rich cultural heritage and the needs of our broader community. I have been a farmer, a teacher, an artist and small business owner. We need to strategically plan a future for Ryrie that maximises upon our current strengths and plans for a sustainable and positive future.
What do you think are the most important issues facing Yarra Ranges? I believe that the important issues in Ryrie also reflect the issues of the Yarra Ranges. We are the largest (geographically) Council area in Melbourne. We have 55 townships that focus on tourism, the environment, small businesses, the arts and a lifestyle centred around a beautiful rural setting. We need to care for vulnerable and isolated people in the community, the environment, young people, domestic violence, homelessness, housing affordability, drug, alcohol and gambling issues.
Where do you stand on the logging currently taking place in Toolangi? Should it be stopped or does it have a rightful place to continue? This is something that needs to be carefully considered. We have few natural forests left and those we have need to be protected. Sufficient land has already been allocated to logging. These areas need to be replanted and logged at the trees regrow. We need to protect the natural assets that remain.
Is enough being done to try secure higher education in the shire once Swinburne’s Lilydale campus closes? I am personally and professionally committed to life-long learning and ‘learn local’ strategies for our young people and our adult learners! Learning is for everyone. Many people do not have the capacity to travel more than an hour to and from an educational facility. Local Government needs to be committed to providing accessible education for everyone.
Should the urban growth boundary be extended further in the Yarra Ranges? What sort of development would you allow? We need to get the balance right and be able to provide for our children and grandchildren. During this process we need to hold on to what we value yet allow for some growth. We live in in small rural towns amongst farms that provide a considerable amount of what we value (open spaces and farmland) not to mention why we live here (fresh air and space). Well that’s why we live here isn’t it? But we also want to create space for our children and our grandchildren. It is important to get the balance right. Let us consider our choices and consult everyone every step of the way.
Yarra Ranges Council is looking at a $15 million bill to top up the local government super fund. Is a rate rise justified to pay this unexpected fee? Current regulations require Local Government to show the balance of superannuation as a positive balance in their accounts. State and Federal Government are not required to do so. We should assert changes to these regulations.
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LORRAINE LEACH
Suburb of residence: Healesville
Occupation: Retired
Ward nominated for: Ryrie
How long have you lived in Yarra Ranges? 37 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 ran in the 2001 Federal election and the 2002 State election.
Are you/have you been a member of a political party? If yes, which party? If no, with which party do you most identify? I was a member of the Greens
Are you or have you ever been a member of a political interest or lobby group? No.
If you are elected, will you commit to remaining a councillor for the whole term? Yes - absolutely
What is your campaign budget? Who is funding your campaign? N/A. Myself
Who will you direct your preferences to? Toby Eccles, then Margaret Blair.
Describe your involvement in the local community. I have lived and worked in Ryrie Ward since 1975 and been actively involved within local communities as a primary producer, small business proprietor and volunteer for most of that time.
What do you think being a councillor involves? Consultation with local communities and working with Council to ensure inclusive, fair and just decision-making that will enhance the economy and environment of Ryrie Ward and be complementary to the whole of our diverse region for a genuinely sustainable future.
What do you think are the most important issues for your ward? Health, public transport, road and footpath maintenance, recreation, security, police presence, clearfell logging in native forests, log trucks on roads not designed for constant heavy transport, with consequent extreme road deterioration that is a burden for council and ratepayers.
What do you think are the most important issues facing Yarra Ranges? Education, health, public transport, recreation, public safety, unemployment, affordable housing, urban sprawl. Lack of State government funding and support for public transport, education, health and affordable housing.
Where do you stand on the logging currently taking place in Toolangi? Should it be stopped or does it have a rightful place to continue? The current clearfell logging of publicly-owned native forests is both economically and environmentally unviable and unsustainable. The resource of suitable timber is rapidly dwindling due to decades of over-logging and bushfires. An immediate return to selective logging only for high value products is essential if local jobs are to be preserved in this small sector that represents just 20 percent of the overall timber industry. Industrial scale clearfell logging in native forests for low value woodchips is disastrous for both our economy and our environment.
Is enough being done to try secure higher education in the shire once Swinburne’s Lilydale campus closes? As this issue is currently in a state of extreme uncertainty, with various suggestions and offers being put forward, I believe it is premature to form an opinion.
Should the urban growth boundary be extended further in the Yarra Ranges? What sort of development would you allow? No. The fertile soils of the Yarra Ranges are crucial for food production, which forms a major part of our local economy. I believe it would be a grave mistake to sacrifice them for continuing urban growth.
Yarra Ranges Council is looking at a $15 million bill to top up the local government super fund. Is a rate rise justified to pay this unexpected fee? Because I am not privy to the financial records of Council, I am unable to say whether or not a rate rise is justified to pay this unexpected fee. However every employer, including Council, must honour its legal obligations in regard to superannuation. I appreciate this matter is of great concern to ratepayers and, if elected, would be in a realistic position to investigate and respond to this issue.
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DI MOORE
Suburb of residence: Healesville
Occupation: Retired former councillor, parent, law- clerk
Ward nominated for: Ryrie
How long have you lived in Yarra Ranges? 35 years
Have you run for council/ been a councillor before, or any other level of government? [Councillor Shire of Healesville, 1988 –1994. Shire of Yarra Ranges 1997 –2005 Mayor 2001 – 2002
[Candidate state government Seat of Evelyn unsuccessful 1996
[Candidate Shire Yarra Ranges unsuccessful 2008
Are you/have you been a member of a political party? If yes, which party? If no, with which party do you most identify? ALP
Are you or have you ever been a member of a political interest or lobby group? As a Councillor or an individual lobbyer
If you are elected, will you commit to remaining a councillor for the whole term? Have always and will continue to be committed to the whole job
What is your campaign budget? Who is funding your campaign? Campaign budget $2,500 completely self-funded
Who will you direct your preferences to? Jane Judd
Describe your involvement in the local community. My involvement in local community since we came to Healesville 1977 until now is too long to list and combines personal and Councillor activity, however some of the areas are Save the Healesville Train 1980 –84 Secretary. Healesville Adult Day Care Centre its sometime Chair and long time member of Committee of Management now part of EACH - Board Member of EACH 1998 – 2007. As a Councillor and an individual being crucial to the attainment of at least 4 different groups of social housing. Sometime Board Member Eastern Regional Library, many, many committees of council. As Mayor hosting one of the first sustainability conferences held by local government and presenting papers on the subject. In the past three years as a community member involved with the fire recovery programme, the “fire ladies” coffee morning programme, “Rocky Road Singers”, HICCI Volunteer Driver, attending “Dinner at Darrons” on a regular basis, and my life long sport of tennis as a player. Being well known and I believe respected, my record stands and shows my commitment, endeavour, capacity and experience worthy of your support.
What do you think being a councillor involves? Being a Councillor involves dedication, common sense, commitment to your community and to you governance role. This duality and how you manage it is crucial to the job!
What do you think are the most important issues for your ward? The most important issue for this ward of Ryrie is the same as for the whole Shire. The need to be sustainable’.
What do you think are the most important issues facing Yarra Ranges? [Editor’s note: left unanswered]
Where do you stand on the logging currently taking place in Toolangi? Should it be stopped or does it have a rightful place to continue? Where I stand on logging in Toolangi at the moment is two fold’, it like everything else need s to be sustainable. Sustainability in my opinion shouldn’t be seen as something independent but an integrated approach of social, environmental,economic and cultural aspects [in no particular order] considered in conjointly as ‘return on investment’. As a council, Toolangi is as I understand it, no longer part of Yarra Ranges Council. My personal stance is there-for not relevant.
Is enough being done to try secure higher education in the shire once Swinburne’s Lilydale campus closes? With regard to Swinburne campus and the use of it after its closure, I believe much good work is being done by council and others to ensure higher [tertiary] education remains in the Shire.
Should the urban growth boundary be extended further in the Yarra Ranges? What sort of development would you allow? The answer to this question is much more complex than the question makes out. I would certainly be looking carefully into any application brought to council if I again became a councillor
Yarra Ranges Council is looking at a $15 million bill to top up the local government super fund. Is a rate rise justified to pay this unexpected fee? The issue of the Local Government Super Fund is one levelled at local government by the current state government as I under stand it, and is unfunded because of its intrinsic nature. As local government had to meet similar costs at the time of amalgamation in 1997, I cannot see how it can escape this payment this time around but I certainly will be looking into the matter if elected.
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