Anglesea by-election to see who replaces Libby Coker

THE Ballot packs for next week’s Surf Coast Shire council Anglesea Ward byelection have now been mailed out.

Returning Officer Noel McPhee said people should vote as early as possible.

“With the whole election being conducted by post, it’s incredibly important voters complete and return their ballot material as soon as possible to make sure their vote counts.” Voting is compulsory for people who were on the state roll for this election at 4pm Friday July 5.

People who fit this criteria but don’t vote may be fined.

Voters in Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, Fairhaven and surrounding communities should check the mail this week for their by-election ballot packs.

Ballot papers must be in the mail or hand-delivered to the election office by 6pm Friday August 30 or they won’t be counted.

If you haven’t received your ballot pack by Wednesday August 21, phone 1300 010 148 during business hours to arrange an alternative.

Candidate profiles are listed below in ballot order.

Paul Barker is an endorsed candidate for the Liberal Democrats.

He is advocating for less government interference and more personal freedom, wanting Surf Coast Shire council’s focus to be on the necessities.

“I think the Surf Coast council should concentrate on the four Rs – roads, rubbish and reducing rates.

“I believe councils make too many rules and regulations that end up interfering in our lives. If you’re sick of high rates and the nanny state, then I am your candidate.”

Mr Barker says that as a sky-diving instructor, he knows how to manage risks.

Mr Barker also feels that Surf Coast residents have been leading environmental awareness and action and says he is keenly aware of these issues.

Mr Barker says there are a number of reasons he is with the Liberal Democrats, but its largely due to their stance on lowering taxation and limiting the invasiveness of government.

“It is the principles of liberty that guide my decision-making, so when you vote for me in this by-election, you know I will be your voice for spending restraint and greater transparency of council activities.”

Tony Revell is looking to balance addressing concerns about the community and environment, while still ensuring healthy economic performance.

He describes his approach as being “sensibly progressive”. “My platform is for a sensibly progressive future and, as an independent candidate, I will apply the skills and experience required to champion the concerns of the people of Anglesea and Aireys Inlet.”

Mr Revell believes his experiences in running businesses and having been a member of a school council provide him with the right knowledge to be a Surf Coast Shire councillor.

As a volunteer CFA firefighter, administrator of the Anglesea Community Rock Choir and a regular with the Anglesea Cycling Club, Mr Revell is an active member within the community.

He sees the main issues Anglesea and Aireys Inlet face as maintaining the unique character of the area, protecting the environment, economic prosperity through supporting local businesses, appropriately using Alcoa sites, and the wellbeing and quality of life of the residents.

Mr Revell says these issues are unique to the area and that the people of the ward would then best be served by electing a local resident.

“My operating style is to consult and listen. As a councillor, I will ensure the Surf Coast council is accountable and represents the people of these towns.”

Raylene Fordham is a small business owner who wants to keep the small town feel of Anglesea and Aireys Inlet.

Ms Fordham says she has shown a clear commitment to the Anglesea community in the 11 years she has lived there.

“I am an active member on the Anglesea Community Network and the local trader association, as well as a volunteer Director on the Community Bank Board, which has branches in Winchelsea, Anglesea and Lorne.”

Ms Fordham also recently worked with businesses and a local sculptor on the streetscape beautification project in the main shopping village.

She says, “If elected I will continue to listen and encourage conversation throughout the community”.

Ms Fordham says the environment is also very important to her, as she sees there being a strong relationship between place and wellbeing.

“Most mornings you can catch me walking the beach and river in Anglesea, with my well-known dalmatian, Duke, which is an enjoyable hobby of mine and also a terrific way to start each day”.

Andrew Peter Arnold says he sees his role as being a conduit for the community who is fully transparent.

“I believe as residents we need a clear vision to show us a picture of the way our home will look in the years to come and to make sure the decisions we make now are the ones that will benefit the generations to come.”

Having two children, both having attended Anglesea Primary School, Mr Arnold is particularly mindful of these future generations.

He feels that having his children attend the school has given him a great insight into the community’s concerns and wants.

Mr Arnold says the day to day issues are extremely important, due to their long-term impact.

He also says, “Anglesea needs a strong voice in council that will make sure we, as a community are heard”.

As a prominent voiceover artist, and co-owner of Realtime Casting, the first online casting platform showcasing professional voice actors to businesses and producers, Mr Arnold feels he has this strong voice.

Mr Arnold asks that you preference him first, Alex Marshall second, and Harry Rosson third.

Alex Marshall believes that a councillor’s first responsibility is to empower their community.

Ms Marshall has recently been leading the Surf Coast Climate Emergency Declaration campaign and was previously involved in campaigning for Independent Candidate Damien Cole at the recent federal election.

She says her experiences campaigning have left her annoyed with those in charge.

“It’s both frustrating and unjust that so many of those who are elected as community representatives, put in little to no effort to genuinely try to represent the community.

“I’m not one to complain about something unless I’m actively doing something to change it, so I decided to nominate to become the community representative that I and many others want to see.”

Ms Marshall has a Certificate IV in Disability Studies and is currently studying commerce at Deakin University in Geelong.

She believes in a triple bottom line of economic, social and environmental prosperity.

“If a proposal doesn’t make sense economically, socially or environmentally, I won’t support it.” Ms Marshall asks that you vote one for her, and then preference Harry Rosson and Peter Andrew Arnold

Harry Rosson is standing for the Greens.

Mr Rosson’s great grandmother, Edna Bowman was one of Anglesea’s early environmentalists, and he says her legacy has had an impact on him.

“I grew up surfing our incredible coast and hearing stories about Edna lying down in front of bulldozers back when they cleared the land for the Alcoa power station.”

Yet in addition to his heritage, Mr Rosson says his training in economics and finance means he is well equipped for the area’s most pressing issues.

“Today, our magnificent coastal region faces its biggest challenges ever; from climate change, population pressures, pollution, threats to biodiversity and the continued threat of ill-advised oil and gas exploration.”

Mr Rosson says he will advocate local action on climate change, such as meaningful renewable targets, and supporting community action to future proof the region.

Additionally, Mr Rosson says he will put community interests and sustainability first when considering new developments, and will also explore options of waste management, regional tree planting initiatives, and renewable energy infrastructure.

Mr Rosson also says that “as a representative of the Greens on the council I will never be swayed by vested interests and will stand up for the local residents”