Hudson hawkish on community engagement

AFTER eighteen years on the City of Ballarat council, Cr Des Hudson is seeking another term representing South Ward.

Despite a clear record of electoral success, he’s keen to make sure he doesn’t lose touch with the people who do, or don’t, vote for him.

“It is a privilege to be the one who’s putting your hand in the air and voting issues 105,000 residents of Ballarat, or the 150,000 people from the regional perspective,” he said.

“I always take that role really seriously and that passion is still there, it’s never faded.”

Something else he’s taking seriously is the challenge around the municipality’s executive leadership.

After the State Ombudsman’s report was handed down in May, council sacked then CEO Justine Linley and appointed Janet Dore into an acting role.

Now the next group of elected officials will decide who leads the bureaucracy going forward.

“The CEO is charged to mobilise the organisation to carry out the vision of council, and we need to make sure that the search is as far and wide as possible.”

Watching Cr Hudson in the chamber it’s clear he places a focus on community and that comes through on the issues he speaks out on.

“Council needs to be about the people it represents,” he said. “I guess I try and look for what is the benefit to the local community in terms of what we’re doing.

“Things such as sport and recreation for me have been a no brainer. A healthy community that comes and participates and can play sport can really be positive for mental health and that sense of engagement.

“I know that not everyone chooses to play sport, so there are other things, like cultural institutions. Whether it’s in the arts or through theatre or wherever, when people are able to come and do things, that’s what driving me to provide support.”

When focusing on South Ward, Cr Hudson wants to keep building on many of the things already achieved.

“We’ve done some really good recreational projects in the last four years,” he said. “Upgrades at Marty Busch Reserve, lighting at the BMX track, new change rooms coming at the netball facilities, a $1.7 million spend at St Georges Reserve and Royal Park, and new change rooms at Mount Clear.

“It’s been great to see the real momentum in terms of sport and recreation, but there’s still some projects that need attention, like Marty Busch number 2. So we need to keep going in some of those areas.

He’s also keenly watching urban sprawl in the Ward.

“I’m certainly mindful of the green belt between Mount Helen and Buninyong and that’s preserved. There’s always pressures around over-development and keeping developers at bay.”

Running as a Labor Party endorsed candidate, although not factionally aligned, Cr Hudson said the move was more about being open and honest with voters around political allegiances rather than seeking to control council from a power block.

“It’s really about transparency,” he said. “There is a misconception that the party is funding our campaigns, that couldn’t be any further from the truth.

“I’m happy that people are knowing who they are voting for.”

And knowing how voting blocks play out in local government is something he has experience in.

For the least two terms Cr Hudson has entered the chamber faced with a majority grouping on the other side of the political spectrum and each time he’s watched the collations rise, fall and then tear themselves apart.

“Ultimately nine people have to come together,” he said. “You’ll agree on somethings and disagree on others, but where there are too many of the one view, that’s a risk because sometimes egos will take over, or someone’s competing to be the lead.

“It will invariably fall away. I’ve seen it over the last two councils. For me it’s about being patient and working with everyone.”

Now firmly in ALP ranks, Cr Hudson actually started off as a member of the different political party.

“I was a former member of the Liberal Party and stood for pre-selection in Ballarat West many years ago,” he said.

“I was not successful, and in what I guess was a knee jerk reaction and a dummy spit and rang the successful candidate and said I’ll stand on your most popular booth and give out your opponent’s how to vote cards.”