October 2016 Victorian Council Elections

[Noel Tudball]

[Noel Tudball]

[Noel Tudball]

Rebekah Spelman, current Councillor and Candidate - Frankston City Council (North-West Ward) 2016 - Current Frankston Councillor since 2012.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my views.

In which Ward do you live or own property?
I live in the South Ward.
I chose to represent the North West ward because I think that the residents of South ward are well represented by the councillors and candidates who live locally.
I wanted the North West ward residents to have a strong voice on the council from someone who genuinely cares.
In a nutshell, I think the South ward doesn't need me, but the North West deserves better representation than they've had in the past.

Preferences
2 - Daniel Redman

Down's Estate Project
The community working group for the Down's Estate project (DECWG) is making excellent headway and proving that anything can be achieved when people come together.
I hope the next 12-18 months will yield a result with the buildings and the property in general that combines great community satisfaction with a fair and reasonable cost.

The working group has my support and I hope to see council officers continuing to work with the community to achieve the best outcome. I think this is a "project" that may take time and patience but the end result has the potential to be an incredible community asset.

Level Crossing Removal Project
Some of you may or may not know that when I stood for council 4 years ago, removing the level crossing at Overton Rd was one of my major platforms.

In the early days I was told that nobody wanted to touch it and it was in the too-hard basket, but in early 2013 I called for (and got) a meeting with the Minister for Transport and presented to him our case. I also spoke several times with Frankston MP, Paul Edbrooke during and after his election campaign and made sure he took the matter seriously. I was pleased to see that he did and that the State govt are acting on the level crossing removal promise.

I'm not happy, however, at the way the level crossing removals are being carried out in the South East. The threat of sky rail is hanging above us (pardon the pun) and as many of you know, I am actively against an elevated rail for Frankston.
Frankston Council were reluctant to form a position on level crossing removals for quite some time but we have finally adopted an official position that we will not accept an elevated rail in Frankston.

The fight isn't over til it's over so I hope to continue working on this issue into the future.

City Life / replacement services
The closure of City Life was very disappointing.
Unfortunately Frankston council did not have any jurisdiction over the matter. Being a State govt issue, it was left to the local MP Paul Edbrooke to find a solution and it was disappointing that he wasn't able to find any solutions save for offering the privately owned CWA building. It was also disappointing that as soon as CityLife shut its doors, funding was found to bring in an outside organisation.

I'm truly glad that a replacement service is going to fill the gap but quite honestly, City Life had a rapport with so many people and it wasn't just about serving food, it was about the relationships and the supplementary services that City Life offered. I would have liked to have seen the funding brought in to find a new premises for City Life rather than replace them with a service that can't possibly compare.

Development & 78-83 Nepean Hwy Project
I support development in our city, but not just anything for the sake of development. I want great outcomes that improve our amenity as much as possible.

It's hard as a councillor sometimes to find the right balance.
We have to listen to what the community wants, but also make a decision that will work. Often when planning applications are refused by council, the applicant goes straight to VCAT to appeal, and many times VCAT overturns our decision if it is not based on strong grounds.

I know that residents often get disappointed when they see council has approved another housing development but sometimes it really is best to approve an application with our own added conditions, than to refuse and have VCAT overturn it and give them greater scope to do what they want - we can easily end up with an even worse outcome.

As we speak, Council is working on getting stronger planning controls so that council can have greater powers to refuse and have our refusals upheld by VCAT.


I'm more than happy to discuss any of these issues and any others at any time on my mobile (see below), or feel free to email if you prefer.

If I can offer any assistance or advice to anyone thinking of standing for council I'd be more than happy to.
I will be standing again myself and I'd be very interested in meeting with community members and candidates to discuss local and city-wide issues as well as preferences and other similar parts of nomination.

Rebekah Spelman
Candidate - Frankston City Council (North-West Ward) 2016

Ph: 0427 714 370
E: CouncillorRebekah.Spelman@frankston.vic.gov.au
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebekah.spelman

VEC Questionnaire - click here to download her questionnaire

[Noel Tudball]

[Noel Tudball]

VEC Questionnaire for Candidates
Copies are linked with each Candidate's responses

https://www.vec.vic.gov.au/FrankstonElection/Candidates/#e2

August 29, 2016 News article:
"CANDIDATES for election as councillors at October’s council elections across Victoria will be encouraged to answer a voluntary questionnaire outlining candidates’ experience and suitability for public office as part of a plan to better inform voters before they cast their votes."
More at source: http://baysidenews.com.au/2016/08/29/training-targeted-councillors/
I cannot find that questionnaire anywhere - my guess is that it is part of the Candidate registration process.
Daniel Redman has provided the questionnaire and believes responses will be published on the VEC website following close of nominations - http://www.seafordcc.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=225&p=464#p462 (thank you).

[Noel Tudball]

[Noel Tudball]

[Noel Tudball]

​Lillian O'Connor Candidate - Frankston City Council (North-West Ward) 2016 - Has not previously been a Frankston Councillor.

​Thank you for giving me an opportunity to share and voice my position on the issues highlighted by the committee. My answers on these issues are below:

In which Ward do you live or own property?
I live in Seaford. Been here for most of my life. Couldn't imagine being elsewhere.

Down's Estate Project
​I am very pleased that Frankston Council recently approved DECWG to start work on the community use project at Down’s Estate in Seaford. I know this has been a long time in the making. This is a great result for DECWG and the broader community. I would be delighted to work with DECWG on this project going forward.

Level Crossing Removal Project
​The level crossing at Seaford Road is a very congested crossing. Rail under the road would be a much better option for the local residents who live along the rail line (particularly those in Levuka Street). It will be important to also make sure that significant replanting takes place after the crossing is removed, in order to maintain the ‘green feel’ of this area.

City Life / replacement services
​It is unfortunate that the City Life meal service ended. Citylife was providing a very valuable service – providing meals to so many vulnerable people in the local community. I will make sure that a meals service is maintained for the broader community. I know that meals are being provided at the Seaford Community Centre once a week. I would like to see this continue where demand for meals is evident.

Development & 78-83 Nepean Hwy Project
​Our local area is an oasis. We live here because of the coastal feel and the proximity to the beach and wetlands. Any development in the area needs to be carefully balanced and take into account the views of the local community. The development at 78-83 Nepean Hwy has been opposed by many local residents. I believe it is an overdevelopment and not in keeping with the local area.


I would love to hear your views, issues, concerns or anything that affects you. I am passionate about Seaford and the community itself. My contact details are below. Please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards,

​​Lillian O'Connor
Candidate - Frankston City Council (North-West Ward) 2016

Ph: 0474 097 877
E: lillian4frankston@outlook.com
"​Vote for Lillian O'Connor. Together, we will make a difference."

VEC Questionnaire - click here to download her questionnaire

[Noel Tudball]

[Noel Tudball]

Russell Morse, Candidate - Frankston City Council (North-West Ward) 2016 - Has not previously been a Frankston Councillor.

Russell Morse responded by sending me his flyer.
Click here to view a scan of Russell Morse's Flyer (Use "Back" in your browser to return to this page)

Russell Morse
Candidate - Frankston City Council (North-West Ward) 2016

Ph: 0407 882 431

VEC Questionnaire - click here to download his questionnaire

[Noel Tudball]

Candidates statements ...... which will be included in the ballot pack mailed to enrolled voters from Tuesday 4 October.

Statements - Frankston North-West Ward Candidates.pdf

(673.28 KiB) Downloaded 5184 times

Statements - Frankston South Ward Candidates.pdf

(663.66 KiB) Downloaded 5181 times

Statements - Frankston North-East Ward Candidates.pdf

(655.05 KiB) Downloaded 5156 times

[Noel Tudball]

Brad Hill, Candidate - Frankston City Council (North-West Ward) 2016 - Was previously a Frankston Councillor from 2008-2012.

Thanks for the opportunity to respond Noel.

In which Ward do you live or own property?
I live in South Ward, in central Frankston - Foot St. precinct. I've always run in NW ward, I feel a closer affiliation with people in the Pines and northern half of our city than I do to those in South Ward - I grew up in a household that wasn't well off, and that's where my heart is. I served as councillor on NW ward from 2008 to 2012.

Preferences
I'd say to people to do their homework - consider carefully, don't believe everything you read and vote accordingly. I think James Dooley has done a good job in difficult circumstances and would like to see him returned. Happy to hear from anyone who'd like to discuss further.

Down's Estate Project
The site has been vacant and derelict for far too long and needs to be dealt with. There is a great oppurtunity to turn the site into something beneficial for the whole community and all options should be explored with local involvement.

Level Crossing Removal Project
Frankston Council has already voted to opposed rail over road - and I have no intention of moving to change that if elected.

City Life / replacement services
Sadly City Life has thrown in the towel. Focus now needs to be on those they served and ensure they are catered for. Council can't do that alone and needs work in hand with the state government to make that happen. We have seen instead a confrontational approach and that does not help those in need.

Development & 78-83 Nepean Hwy Project in particular
We have to face the fact that we live in the real world higher density is inevitable - it is supported by both major parties and that won't change. Rather than fight a battle we can't win (and lose), our efforts must therefore go into ensuring such developments are in the right areas. Frankston is the regional hub, Seaford is a seaside village and should remain that way.

Brad Hill
Candidate - Frankston City Council (North-West Ward) 2016

Ph: 0425 884 066
E: fairdealforfrankston@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FairDealForFrankston/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brad.hill.au

VEC Questionnaire - click here to download his questionnaire

[Noel Tudball]

Claire Houston, Candidate - Frankston City Council (North-West Ward) 2016 - Has not previously been a Frankston Councillor.

Hi Noel

Thanks for the opportunity to express my opinions on the local issues you have raised. The SCC is a vital and valuable link for Seaford residents, which I have supported since its inception in 2012 when we used to meet at Belvedere Community Centre.

In which Ward do you live or own property?
I live in Seaford in the North West Ward of City of Frankston. I love the area - the village feel, the abundance of trees and wildlife and proximity to the beach, creek, wetlands and parks of which the north-west ward has an abundance. I wish it to stay that way and certainly not be ‘jammed in’ with overdevelopment and loss of the reasons our area is so special. I particularly want to see the Seaford village remain just that - a very special village with two storey height restrictions.

Preferences
As far as my preferences go, I believe both our present and also any former Councillors have made enough of a mess of things. Gross overspending and waste, rates that are higher than many other Councils yet we see less return for our investment, a $37 million debt, constant infighting and personality clashes for which ratepayers are 'picking up the tab’ for tribunal costs. Frankston Council became the laughing stock of many other Councils when they withdrew from the Municipal Association of Victoria due to ‘sour grapes’.

Down's Estate Project
I congratulate the SCC and the Down’s Estate committee for their untiring efforts to prevent this fabulous piece of our history being destroyed. I wish to see it retained and renovated with an ultimate functioning role. I am aware there are many volunteers extremely keen to get started on bringing it back to working order and open to the public for all to enjoy. If elected to Council this would be one of my priorities to fastrack this happening, as the longer the Estate remains ‘in limbo’ the further it falls into disrepair. Enough of Council sitting on its hands, this issue needs action.

Level Crossing Removal Project
This project will - I have no doubt - be an uphill fight to get the result the community wants. Rail under road is what the residents want and I will fight for that result, whether I am elected to Council or not. We must keep pushing for the outcome we want and not buckle to the pressure that will be placed on us to have skyrail. Skyrail will be an ugly blight on our landscape however the LXRA try to paint it otherwise.

City Life / replacement services
It was extremely disappointing to follow in the media, the pressures put on this amazing service to our most vulnerable citizens and its eventual forced closure. I am disappointed that Frankston Council did not do more to support the service as the crisis unfolded - after all they will inevitably be left with the impact of such a loss. If elected to Council I would work with the necessary parties - State and Federal governments and volunteer organisations, to set up an alternative arrangement that will work for everyone in general and the vulnerable users of this service in particular.

Development & 78-83 Nepean Hwy Project
Should this development go ahead, this will be the precedent to open the doors for more outrageous overdevelopments in our area. Unfortunately we, the people that actually live in the area, are the ones detrimentally impacted by such developments. Our creek is impacted, our roads are impacted and our environment is impacted. Such developments need to be located in areas which are planned for by our Council. And history does not look kindly on Council’s planning. The South East Water building is a case in point. Such an unappealing and bulky building should never have been approved for our foreshore/creek frontage. Why weren’t Councillors more diligent in assessing the design of this eyesore? For decades we have complained about the Peninsula building (now Quest apartments) and now, apparently having not learned anything from history, Council have allowed yet another eyesore to be built. If elected to Council I will, without fail, be overseeing design of all new or rejuvenated large-scale buildings in Frankston.

It is time for a new set of Councillors who know why they were elected - to serve the community - Vote for fresh energy and dedication to the job. Vote 1 -Claire Houston

Should anyone have any questions I am available on 0428 318 316.

best regards
Claire Houston
Candidate - Frankston City Council (North-West Ward) 2016

Ph: 0428 318 316
E: clairehouston@optusnet.com.au
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/claire.houston.92

VEC Questionnaire - click here to download her questionnaire

[Noel Tudball]

Click here for more information on the results on the VEC website

We look forward to working with our new Councillors (as well as continuing with the re-elected ones).

Congratulations to the successful candidates and commiserations & thanks to the other people who stood for their community. We hope the result doesn't mean you fall out of public life and that after a suitable interval, you find other roles that appeal.

Successful candidates:

North-West Ward
BOLAM, Kris (1st successful)
O'CONNOR, Lillian (2nd successful)
AITKEN, Glenn (3rd successful)


North-East Ward
MAYER, Sandra (1st successful)
O'REILLY, Michael (2nd successful)
HAMPTON, Colin (3rd successful)


South Ward
CUNIAL, Brian (1st successful)
McCORMACK, Quinn (2nd successful)
TOMS, Steve (3rd successful)

[Noel Tudball]

Latest news about the foibles of the Proportional voting system - http://baysidenews.com.au/2016/11/21/luck-draw-council-candidates/