Surf Coast candidates quizzed in online forum

CANDIDATES running for election in the Surf Coast Shire’s Torquay, Anglesea and Winchelsea wards have headed online to face questions from the voters.
The 3228 Residents Association (3228RA) organised the two forums, which were moderated by 3228RA’s Damien Cole and John Foss, respectively, and livestreamed on the Surf Coast Times Facebook page.
The first forum featured nine of the 10 candidates standing across the Anglesea and Winchelsea wards – Libby Stapleton, Tony Revell, Mike Bodsworth and Liz Wood from Anglesea (Raylene Fordham was an apology); and Kirsty Metcalf, Heather Wellington, Adrian Schonfelder, James McIntyre and Tony Phelps from Winchelsea.
The second forum forum featured all 10 candidates standing in Torquay – Maurice Cole, Amber Potter, Kate Gazzard, Martin Duke, Paul Barker, Rose Hodge, Rob Bullen, Monica Winston, Liz Pattison and David Bell.
Among other questions, candidates were asked to each list three important issues for their ward and the Surf Coast more broadly. In response order, their answers were:

Mike Bodsworth
Community empowerment, including how it relates to the Anglesea Futures process
Addressing the risks of over-development, as there’s been an inadequate risk vs benefit analysis
Responding to climate change.

Tony Revell
The economic and social challenges arising out of COVID-19
Better managing the visitor economy and encouraging visitors to spend more time here, not just during summer
Ensuring that development does not become over-development and affect our quality of life.

Libby Stapleton
Over-development of the coast
Advocating for more responsible tourism and exploring options to change the culture
Nurturing and protecting the local environment.

Liz Wood
Planning and managing growth across the shire
Sustainable tourism
Climate change and protecting the environment.

James McIntyre
Transparency, accountability and strong leadership
Planning, and how it should respond to the needs of the local community.

Kirsty Metcalf
Well-informed planning
Retaining our landscape and its uniqueness
Fire preparedness and response.

Tony Phelps
Over-development and development in the wrong places against community wishes
The idle Winchelsea Tea Rooms and BP service station should be used
COVID-19 – gathering ideas on how to minimise impact and maximise opportunities.

Adrian Schonfelder
People – you need the right people to advocate for funding for the constituency
Environments – drainage, Barwon River flow, Lake Modewarre, more bike lanes
The economy – more money needs to be spent on roads, especially the Princes Highway/Cape Otway Road intersection.

Heather Wellington
Planning, including protecting the environment
Strategic planning and development, including assessing the impact of development in Torquay and Jan Juc
The need for a strong council that sets the direction, sets the leadership and holds the organisation to account.

David Bell
Climate change – a problem that affects everything we do
The changing nature of tourism and creating a thriving industry inland
Elevating the creative side of the shire.

Rob Bullen
Big corporations are starting to insource, we should encourage them to set up here
Transparency and improved decision-making at the council
Preserving and maintaining the amenity and environment of the Surf Coast.

Rose Hodge
Supporting our community after COVID-19
$30 million available for the Torquay North pool – do we build it or walk away?
Advocating for growth in the arts sector.

Amber Potter
Health and wellbeing
Getting planning right
Environment and long-term sustainability.

Maurice Cole
Holding an impact study into lifestyle, culture, economy and environment in Torquay
Protecting Bells Beach from developers, viewing platforms
Trust in the council and council officers has been lost.

Martin Duke
Creating jobs for the future
Looking after the environment and improving it for everyone
Social issues, including mental health.

Paul Barker
Putting downward pressure on rates
End wasteful spending and engage in smarter spending
Improving council transparency

Kate Gazzard
Climate change and the climate emergency
Environmental protection locally
Healthcare, mental health and physical health.

Monica Winston
Addressing the climate and ecological situation
Localise our goods and services
Planning reform.

Liz Pattison
Business recovery from COVID-19
Preserving our unique township and coastal environment
Maintaining a healthy and connected community.

Both forums can be replayed on the Surf Coast Times Facebook page – facebook.com/surfcoasttimes.