Briars Ward
Despi O’Connor

BIO

I will be the voice of common sense on the Mornington Peninsula. Being an active community member and long term resident, I am passionate about where I live and the people that I live amongst. I want to nurture and strengthen this community now and long into the future.

A vote for me is a vote for an unaffiliated, unbiased and a common sense approach driven by community voice. As a teacher my job demands I get the best outcomes for all in my care. My 30 years of voluntary community service as an educator, president and committee member, across multiple community groups, has refined this skill set. I have proven myself to be an effective contributor through careful listening and a willingness to find solutions to problems. A genuine care and respect for others underpins my results.I will oversee a balanced approach to sustaining our wonderful environment, with sensible development and opportunities for recreation.

I have always led within our local community through responsible and ethical action. I am exceptional at hearing all sides of the story and negotiating a quality outcome for all. I look to empower and represent our local community within council and be an active part of the leadership that drives sustained improvements in post COVID times.

What do you see are the key issues facing the Mornington Peninsula and how do you envisage contributing to a resolution?

Protection of our environment - protect our green wedge from over development, caring for the spaces we have and moving to a sustainable peninsula through innovation.
Recovery post COVID for our communities and business groups - working in collaboration with businesses and communities to create and maintain sustainable employment now and into the future.
Fiscal responsibility - saving money within the budget, spending wisely and ensuring external funding and support is pursued to complete projects.
Social issues including mental health, homelessness and economic disadvantage - making sure services are available and accessible for our citizens.
Connecting and collaborating with our youth to our older population to provide meaningful spaces for them all to access and enjoy - safe paths and trails, meeting places, playgrounds and skate parks.

What skills/experience will you bring to your role as a Councillor that will benefit the Mornington Peninsula community?

Teacher
Worked with shire in a voluntary position to bring about change in infrastructure to support safe travel to school
Have been a council officer (Baw Baw Shire)
Worked in not for profit industry - YMCA managerial role
Founder of Mount Martha Basketball Club
Chief instructor Mount Martha Life Saving Club
President and Secretary of kinder committee

What is your view on the Baxter Rail project that has a $225 million commitment from the federal government?

Would be a great initiative to provide better transport options and decrease emissions.

What will you do as a candidate to ensure that the Mornington Peninsula Shire honors its commitment to the State governments Small Business Friendly Program?

This has already been signed so the incoming councillors will be obligated to ensure the program is fulfilled within 12 months. To me it’s a non-negotiable and rightly so.

Do you believe the Mornington Peninsula is disadvantaged by being considered part of metropolitan Melbourne and not being able to access the same benefits as Geelong who are considered a regional council, and do you believe this should be a priority of a newly elected Mornington Peninsula Council?

It’s definitely going to be on the table for the new council. There is more to it than just a switch. It will require a fair bit of work around the planning scheme which is also a state level decision. It will be up to council to esure that the MP ends up with the best result for the people, businesses and our precious environment.

The current Mornington Peninsula Council has recently taken an approach to enforcement that has seen a significant increase in prosecutions at VCAT and the Victorian Magistrates Court at great expense to ratepayers, and in relation to VCAT- very low success rates. If elected will you support this current approach to enforcement and if not how do you propose Council can create a more harmonious productive relationship with ratepayers?

My approach will be one of collaboration and negotiation. I honestly believe that sitting at the table with open hearts we can find solutions together.

The newly elected Council will have significant work to do in response to the COVID-19 recovery phase— what do you believe the best way the Council can assist the community and business?

Once again this is all about collaboration and working together, listening and working together.

Why should ratepayers vote for you?

Nurture - connectedness within and between communities, provide a voice for all citizens and champion volunteer groups and innovation across our shire.

Strive - to increase community collaboration, protect our green wedge, champion innovation and support those experiencing disadvantage in our communities.

Strengthen - shire services through a responsible budget that is transparent. Increase the support for economic development that will build on the peninsula's strengths from villages to farm gates, innovation and tourist opportunities.

If you are elected, what would you like your legacy to be at the end of your four year term?

Community consultation strategy rolled out to ensure the voice of the community is heard in all areas.

Briars Ward
Despi O’Connor

What do you see are the key issues facing the Mornington Peninsula and how do you envisage contributing to a resolution?

What skills/experience will you bring to your role as a Councillor that will benefit the Mornington Peninsula community?

What is your view on the Baxter Rail project that has a $225 million commitment from the federal government?

What will you do as a candidate to ensure that the Mornington Peninsula Shire honors its commitment to the State governments Small Business Friendly Program?

Do you believe the Mornington Peninsula is disadvantaged by being considered part of metropolitan Melbourne and not being able to access the same benefits as Geelong who are considered a regional council, and do you believe this should be a priority of a newly elected Mornington Peninsula Council?

The newly elected Council will have significant work to do in response to the COVID-19 recovery phase— what do you believe the best way the Council can assist the community and business?

Why should ratepayers vote for you?

If you are elected, what would you like your legacy to be at the end of your four year term?

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Briars Ward Despi O’Connor

What do you see are the key issues facing the Mornington Peninsula and how do you envisage contributing to a resolution?

What skills/experience will you bring to your role as a Councillor that will benefit the Mornington Peninsula community?

What is your view on the Baxter Rail project that has a $225 million commitment from the federal government?

What will you do as a candidate to ensure that the Mornington Peninsula Shire honors its commitment to the State governments Small Business Friendly Program?

Do you believe the Mornington Peninsula is disadvantaged by being considered part of metropolitan Melbourne and not being able to access the same benefits as Geelong who are considered a regional council, and do you believe this should be a priority of a newly elected Mornington Peninsula Council?

The newly elected Council will have significant work to do in response to the COVID-19 recovery phase— what do you believe the best way the Council can assist the community and business?

Why should ratepayers vote for you?

If you are elected, what would you like your legacy to be at the end of your four year term?

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Briars Ward
Despi O’Connor