I believe in keeping Phillip Island a special place for you. So whether you’re raising a family, pursuing a lifestyle work balance away from the big smoke, or whatever your aim in deciding to live here, I want Phillip Island to be the best place for you to live.
I believe in efficiency in local government, if it needs to be done then get it done! I don’t like wasted time, money, or resources. I intend to keep local council decisions and operations honest.
I’ve been a resident of Phillip Island for nearly 30 years; schooled here, worked here, and, for the last 14 years, owned and operated an outdoor activity business. I understand first hand the complex issues of running a business in a seasonal location. As we move out of COVID lockdown, our future direction will require leaders with skin in the game; if I make a bad decision in council, it’ll hurt me as much as you!
My background involves a diverse range of skills and experiences: Bachelor of Fine Arts from Monash University; Tour Guide in remote top end indigenous areas; local instructor of Surfing, Kayaking, Snorkelling and Mountain Biking; local safety officer for the annual Great Victorian Fish Count; parade ranger for the Phillip Island Nature Park; and lover of anything outdoors. For me as a family man, passionate surfer, diver, artist and business man; my wife and I are so fortunate to bring up our kids in this truly special place and I ask for your support to enable me to represent you on council.
Questions 1 thru 15 are from BCRRA and 16 thru 34 are collated from the community questions received. Candidates were asked to respond to all 34
- Why do you believe the community should vote for you?
If you want someone to demand measurable benefits from the council regarding how your rates are spent I’ll be strongly on your side. I abhor inefficiency and waste. - What are your strengths in working with people?
My whole life has been spent working with people. When I was young I volunteered at local youth camps. I’ve worked across tourism as a parade ranger, tour guide and outdoor adventure activity instructor. I’ve owned and operated my own outdoor adventure activity business since 2006. Our main clients are school groups and at peak season I employ up to 13 staff. Finding a balance between the needs of all parties has been a learnt process bordering on a fine art! - If elected, how will you demonstrate that you stand at the front of the community rather than standing beside the bureaucracy?
In running my own business few things bug me more than unnecessary and inefficient bureaucracy! Cut out the fat, red tape and unnecessary extras. - What considerations, inclusions or deletions will you take when forming your new Council Plan?
I’ll wait to see if I get in before forming an exact plan, however my guiding principle will be efficiency, community values, and a commitment to keeping our coastline the special place we all enjoy living in. - How will you demonstrate that you remain focused on financial discipline at Council.
I detest government inefficiency, especially when they’re spending other people money (in this case yours and mine!) Anyone who’s had to navigate the difficulties and financial pressures of running their own business develops a keen eye to spot where people are playing loosely with money. Measurable accountability across council spending would be a key focus and I’d love the time to speak with your members to gauge their concerns. - Is Council’s 4 year Strategic Resource Plan together with the 10 year financial plan appropriate to meet the future needs of The Bass Coast Shire Council and its Ratepayers?
Not sure but would be very happy to sit down with your organisation and discuss. - Will you be prepared to challenge the system (council officers and fellow councillors) to keep your constituents well informed.
That’s why I’m running! You need to know what’s happening with your money and why the rates are set where they are: is it fair?; are we being overcharged? These questions need examining and I intend to do so if elected. - Will you take action to investigate the 10 year Waste Contract details in the first 12 months of your term as a councillor? Will you review the contract model settings and make findings
publicly available?
If your organisation is happy to help me in the process I’ll make it an election promise. - Will you support continued live streaming of open Council Meetings and availability of a publicly available video archive?
It’s not an issue I’ve thought at any length about and I’d hate to make a promise without hearing both the pro’s and con’s. However, it sounds like a very reasonable request with the aim to keep council honest and accountable to those that pay their wages via rates and taxes. - Will you take action to review the Governance Rules Policy in the first 12 months of your term as a councillor including community consultation?
Not sure but would be very happy to sit down with your organisation and discuss (pre or post election). - Will you take action to Review the Media Engagement Policy in the first 12 months of your term as a councillor including community consultation?
Not sure but would be very happy to sit down with your organisation and discuss (pre or post election). - If elected, what commitment will you make to improve Council engagement with the wider community and build community engagement with your local ward?
Not sure but would be very happy to sit down with your organisation and discuss (pre or post election). - How will you ensure that the CEO and officers genuinely and respectfully answer all public questions with a sincere response that address the core of each question?
Not sure but would be very happy to sit down with your organisation and discuss (pre or post election). - Do you believe that keeping any increases to rates, fees and charges within the State Government Rate Cap or below the CPI increase is paramount for Council?
Yes. - Would you be in favour of regular virtual community connection sessions in lieu of the previous model used by Council?
Yes. - Why are you standing as a Councillor?
Quite simple to serve the community with the following 3 principles: Efficiency, community cohesion and keeping the place we choose to live special. - Do you live in the ward you seek to represent, and why should we vote for you?
Yes. If you want to promote business in balance with our pristine environment, support family and community values, and would like to see efficency in local government, I’m here to serve you. - Council recently commenced Live Streaming meetings (for a trial period). They also recently adopted policies defining Council engagement with social and other media. How do you feel about these?
I think live streaming is a great idea. I’m unsure of the policies and would need to take time to read and digest before coming to any conclusions. - How would you improve Council engagement with the wider community and build community engagement with your local ward?
Not sure but would be very happy to sit down with your organisation and discuss (pre or post election). - Public Transparency and good Governance are at the core of BCRRA’s purpose. Council has recently adopted new policies covering Governance Rules and Public Transparency.
I strongly support transparency and look forward to researching these policies if elected. - Do you feel there is a need to review these policies, and if so when should this be done?
Not sure but would be very happy to sit down with your organisation and discuss (pre or post election). - What role do you feel community consultation has in reviewing these policies?
Taking community consultation then acting accordingly is fundamental to good decision making and fair outcomes. - What measures would you put in place to demonstrate honesty and transparency in your decisions and spending of ratepayers’ money?
I would want benefits to be measurable and rates to be fair. However, if elected, i would need to take time with interested parties such as yours to develop measures and look forward to doing so! - Do you think ‘The Fair Go’ rate cap is better or worse than limiting rate rises to CPI?
Not sure but would be very happy to sit down with your organisation and discuss (pre or post election). - Bass Coast Shire has budgeted for a significant amount of Capital Works in the coming years. How do you feel about the level of borrowing necessary to deliver these?
I’m very concerned about borrowing money that my kids and grandkids will be responsible for paying off in the future. Capital works need to be justifiable and not just someone trying to leave their mark, implement their big idea, or make a name for themselves. - What is your opinion of Council’s current financial position? And of the outlook projected in the Long Term Financial Plan?
Not sure but would be very happy to sit down with your organisation and discuss (pre or post election). - What is your opinion of the 10-year waste contract agreed by the last Council late in 2016?
Not sure but would be very happy to sit down with your organisation and discuss (pre or post election). - And what do you think of the (uncapped) charge for waste services being separate to the general rate charge?
Sounds a bit like double dipping to me? - What is important for you about township boundaries and character within the shire?
We live in one of the best places on the planet. Community cohesion, business / development, and environmental concerns need to work together in symbiotic relationship to benefit all who choose to make this special place their home. - What is your feeling about the condition of council owned roads and footpaths and bike paths?
I run Cycling tours as a part of my business. The condition seems good in the bike paths we use. The roads are in variable condition depending on where you live. There has been much concern regarding dust over the summer months from areas with gravel roads. Outside this the road system seems fair but happy to engage further with you on this issue. - What are your views on the level of importance of art, culture, and indigenous recognition in the Council framework?
Mixed to say the least! I studied fine art at Monash university receiving a Bachelor in fine art and design. I have spent time working in and around remote indigenous communities in the top end. When I was younger I lived in Latrobe Valley which has a significant indigenous population. As a rule I’d prefer to see people within the community spearheading art initiatives, with the blessing and guidance of council, but independent of financial dependency on the council. We’ve all seen public art we hate and wondered why our tax money was spent on it! The question of indigenous recognition is way to complex for me to answer adequately as I have very mixed feelings on this issue which would need a nuanced open discussion for me to form my ideas. - Statistically, one in four Bass Coast Residences has a dog. How do you feel about existing restrictions in place? What, if anything would you change?
Not sure but would be very happy to sit down with your organisation and discuss (pre or post election). - What would you like to see BCSC do to address Climate Change?
My business and lifestyle depend on our natural environment. I want to pass on the heritage of our beautiful home to future generations as good, if not better, than the condition we now enjoy. I see it as my personal responsibility and a priority of good stewardship. However, I’m unsure how, at a local government level, we can address climate change and would be very happy to sit down with your organisation and discuss (pre or post election). - How do you rank the importance of tourism against local amenity?
Is this a necessary dichotomy? I think they can work together as opposed to each other.
Questions 35 thru 88 are ALL community questions exactly as we received them.
Candidates were given the option to reply to as many or as few as they wished.
(Questions 16 – 34 above were collated from these)
- What topics or subjects do you consider very important for the Councillor Induction Training workshop?
Unsure. - Do you live in the ward to which you seek to be elected?
Yes. - I would like to know what you are standing for.
To serve our community, promote business in balance with our pristine environment, support family and community values, and efficiency in local government. - I would like to know who will stand up for the local people of this area
Me if you elect me. - On what matters are you standing for council?
To serve our community, promote business in balance with our pristine environment, support family and community values, and efficiency in local government. - What is your number 1 priority for the council?
Economic efficiency with measurable outcomes. - Are you now, or have you ever been, affiliated to a political party? If so, which one?
Yes I’m currently (an unendorsed) Liberal member - Will your loyally be to the Ratepayers first and foremost as it is the Ratepayers who will be
voting for you to represent them?
One of my reasons for standing is as a concerned ratepayer. - Given the current inadequate four days notice for publication of the detail of items for decision at council meetings, would you vote to extend this to one week extra (as per the previous council)?
Unsure. - How will you focus on building community engagement?
Open door policy for people to contact me and I love to sit down and discuss issues face to face over a coffee! - If elected, will you work closely with the various Ratepayers and Residents associations, including attending their meetings (face-to-face or online)?
Love to!! And look forward to if you elect me. - What capability and experience do you have to manage the CEO in order to bring improved transparency, financial discipline, and genuine community engagement to Bass Coast Shire?
Running my own business for 14 years, making ends meet, plus feeding my family and paying my staff out of my own pocket has given me the courage and understanding necessary to do exactly that. - Will you support all council meetings being fully open to all ratepayers and video cast all council meetings?
It’s not an issue I’ve thought at any length about and I’d hate to make a promise without hearing both the pro’s and con’s. However, it sounds like a very reasonable request with the aim to keep council honest and accountable to those that pay their wages via rates and taxes. - Will you support the continuance of live streaming of Council Meetings?
As above. - Being an Elder of the LGBTIQ community – what do you intend to do to you show your support to us [reminding everyone that we make up approx 15% of the community]?
Unsure, but to be honest it’s not within the scope of my election parameters. - Are you prepared to join in with and work with a local LGBTIQ group and help suggest and work through ideas and processes?
Unsure, but to be honest it’s not within the scope of my election parameters. - How will you demonstrate transparency in your decisions and spending of rate payers’ money?
I’ll tell you where it’s being spent and ideally I’d like to see rates reduced as I assume past councils have been a bit too flippant with our money. - What measures would you put in place to ensure transparency to the ratepayers of council decisions
As above. - Will you take action to review the Governance Rules Policy before mid term of your councillor period and set a review period of 4 years and seek public comment?
Unsure. - Will you truly promote and conduct an open and honest council
That’s of utmost importance to me. - What is your measure of Performance for the CEO and Mayor of council at this time?
This is something I’ll be looking into if elected but see it as unfair to comment without taking appropriate time to research. - Do you support maximum CPI increase in rates each year, including waste charges?
I’d prefer it to be below CPI unless an increase at the maximum end of CPI can be justified. - The Strategic Resource Financial Plan and the Budget are extremely important to Ratepayers and the operations of Council. What concerns have you with the current finances of council?
This is something I’ll be looking into if elected and would require appropriate time to research. - What steps and actions will you take to ensure Councils Capital Works Projects listed in the budget are achieved during the budget year and is councils Investments in the best interest of ratepayers?
This is something I’ll be looking into if elected and would require appropriate time to research. - Are there any plans to extend the cycle path networks in the Bass Coast area?
I’m not aware of anything currently in the pipeline but would love to see cycle paths extended. - Do you believe that P.I is getting a fair share of council services.
This is something I’ll be looking into if elected and would require appropriate time to research. - Do you support all Phillip Island beaches being dog friendly, on lead, all year round, and the 3 off lead beaches being off lead all year round?
No not all beaches. For example, Summerland beach at the Penguin Parade should be permanently off limits under all circumstances. Outside of this we need to balance the needs of all residents wishing to enjoy our beaches with or without dogs. - Do you support giving responsible dog owners more opportunities to walk their on-leash dogs on Bass Coast beaches? Do you support having designated off-leash beach areas in each locality?
Happy to look into it if I’m elected. - Do you support the duplication of the bridge from San Remo?
Unsure; it would require appropriate time to research if elected. - Do you support the introduction of more off lead beaches on the island?
I don’t think so but very happy to discuss further to get a better handle on the issue. - Is there a focus on improving art & culture and indigenous recognition?
I studied fine art at Monash university receiving a Bachelor in fine art and design. As a rule I’d prefer to see people within the community spearheading art initiatives with the blessing and guidance of council, yet not specifically council directed. I have spent time working in and around remote indigenous communities in the top end. When I was younger I lived in Latrobe Valley which has a significant indigenous population. The question of indigenous recognition is way to complex for me to answer adequately as I have very mixed feelings on this issue which would need a nuanced open discussion for me to form my ideas. - Preamble: Phillip Island has an unacceptable problem with excessive rubbish during major
tourist season as a small red bin, and large yellow bin pickup once/fortnight is far less than
required for such an increase in population with excess rubbish demands during the festive
season. Please note, this will not increase the amount of rubbish collected, it will just save
residents trying to store rubbish or being required to pick up rubbish dumped around the
island.
Question: Will you assist Phillip Island residents and business owners by doing everything you can to ensure there is an appropriate increase in rubbish collection (both red and yellow bins) during peak holiday seasons?
Very necessary! - What emphasis will be put on maintaining the roads in the council? In particular the streets in residential towns
Unsure; it would require appropriate time to research if elected. - What is your policy regarding dogs and dog friendly areas, especially relating to beaches?
It’s necessary to strike a balance with all beach users and management authorities. - Why have you been against some of the developments that have been put forward, namely the United service station in Inverloch which would have without question resulted in cheaper fuel which would have ultimately been of benefit to the large number of retirees in the area?
I’m not against the development and would like the opportunity to look further into this (if elected). I’m all for cheaper fuel for all residents: families, retirees, and business owners, and not sure what business the council has in rejecting this development? - Would you support adding more / adding to playground areas?
Unsure. - Do you believe that Business is getting full support of council.
I run my own business and have been pretty happy that the council leaves me to work unhindered. In terms of business support, it really depends from business to business and I’m not sure I can answer this question adequately without hearing directly from this with concerns. However, I’d look forward to doing so if elected. - How do you propose that Council promotes community connections to facilitate the interaction of individuals and groups and to provide role models for healthy, active, and positive living?
Generally speaking, I believe this should be done by people, organisations, and groups within the community with the blessing of council. - How should Council support programs to counsel the community in general and individuals on mental health problems and the abuse of drugs and alcohol?
A big problem that’s very close to my heart. I’ve seen friends destroyed by drugs. I’ve also see friends work through their issues with drugs and alcohol. I’ve walked along side many very close friends as they face the hopelessness and despair of severe mental health issues. The council needs work in conjunction with organisations that have a measurable history of success and compassion. - What would be your attitude to the coordinated development of the arts (particularly music, art, and dance), in the Shire?
Go for it! - What do you propose to do about the erosion along Silverleaves foreshore area?
Unsure; it would require appropriate time to consult those concerned and time to research if elected. - What will you do to reduce carbon emissions in Bass Coast?
Unsure; it would require appropriate time to research if elected. - Will you support (or possibly increase) the current council targets and community aspirations for greenhouse gas emission reductions?
- What are the principles that guide you to ensure that the environment of Phillip Island and the entire Bass Coast Shire is adequately protected from industrial and residential development?
- The Albert Ruttle wetlands is a 22 acre community reserve in Inverloch, which has been enjoyed by residents for more than 25 years. Via a planning loophole it is now in private ownership as two housing blocks. What action would you take to ensure the council applies the development plan overlay and returns this unique wetland to the community as a public reserve?
Unsure. - What is your priority on protecting local ratepayers’ and residents’ rights first and tourism second?
I think they can work together for the benefit of all who live here and don’t need to be opposed interests. - Will you ensure local By-Laws are applied to tourists in the same way they are applied to local residents?
Sounds fair. - Will you promote infrastructure needs e.g. footpaths etc. ahead of infrastructure for tourism.
Unsure; it would require appropriate time to research if elected. - What is your vision for Tourism development?
Tourism is the lifeblood of our community. Business and development in balance with our pristine coastline is a win win. - How will you reduce increasing urbanisation on Phillip Island?
Unsure. - What is your view on the density of housing development on Phillip Island?
Unsure. - Do you agree that the proposed development at 92 Norsemens Road Coronet Bay is inappropriate in scale for the location and does not meet the requirements of land titled Rural Activity Zone?
Unsure. - Given the more than adequate supply of residential land within the shire, will you hold the town boundaries where they are (or reduce them where they are inappropriate)?
Unsure; it would require appropriate time to research if elected. - Will you fight and oppose foreign takeovers of land and environmentally damaging developments?
As to the first part of the question, I’m unsure; it would require appropriate time to research if elected. I would oppose anything that is environmentally damaging.
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