NOT sure who to vote for Walling 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.
WALLING WARD
Incumbent councillor Len Cox is the shire’s longest-serving councillor with 30 years under his belt. He’s showing no sign of stopping any time soon and will be running again.
At the 2008 election:
Len Cox elected unopposed.
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Candidates (in ballot order)
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LISA Di BATTISTA
Suburb of residence: [Editor’s note: Question left unanswered]
Occupation: Social Statistician
Ward nominated for: Walling
How long have you lived in Yarra Ranges? Approx. 14 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.). This is my first opportunity to serve as councillor.
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 have not been a member of any political party.
Are you or have you ever been a member of a political interest or lobby group? Is every candidate not in this election part of his/her own lobby group?
If you are elected, will you commit to remaining a councillor for the whole term? Yes, this term and beyond.
What is your campaign budget? Who is funding your campaign? Minimal, my campaign is self- funded.
What do you think being a councillor involves? Considering the needs and wants of the community.
What do you think are the most important issues for your ward? Unjustified Rate hikes, it’s simply out of control and there has been ample time to moderate this. Retirees in our community having been fighting for years for relief, Peter James, residents finance advocate for the Walmsley Friendship Village at Kilsyth said, "For six years, Walmsley village has been pursuing Yarra Ranges Council, unsuccessfully, on rates justice because of the dramatically escalating Council rates, well above CPI. Council has been stubbornly resistant to our representations. We therefore look forward to an enlightened approach from the newly elected council."
Families are also struggling. This is a disgrace. I acknowledge also that much volunteer and labour and considerable local business sponsorship goes into community projects to keep costs to a minimum, but why the unjustified rise? We need to work together for change. We deserve a better deal.
What do you think are the most important issues facing Yarra Ranges? There are many important issues, further education for our current and future generations, with summer around the corner bushfire safety.
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 sustainable logging should continue, to help with local employment. If it is no longer sustainable it should stop.
Is enough being done to try secure higher education in the shire once Swinburne’s Lilydale campus closes? I believe so; Council has made it clear to the state Government that a potential sale would not be supported.
Should the urban growth boundary be extended further in the Yarra Ranges? What sort of development would you allow? Yes, it should be extended, in localised areas to provide for a reasonable supply of housing and land for employment.
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? Unfortunately, Council appears obliged to make the payment.
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Len Cox
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