Briars Ward
Steve Holland

In no particular order: (1) transparency in decision-making, general operations and revenue raising; (2) balancing business/industry needs and green wedge protection with our “metro” classification; (3) small business and tourism support for a post-COVID-19 recovery; (4) the speed and cost of planning applications on the Mornington Peninsula and associated conflicts with State Government planning schemes; (5) the need to re-focus on quality basic service delivery, from waste/recycling to footpaths and roads, aged care and disability support and early childhood services; and (6) more and higher quality community infrastructure, particularly for young people.

I’m a lifelong Mornington Peninsula resident with extensive knowledge of our community. I am also a small business owner who understands the needs of small business. Most of my clients are small businesses and that is where my policy passion lies.

After I graduated from Peninsula Grammar, I completed a Bachelor of Communication at RMIT University with a focus on broadcast media, politics, economics and business.

In addition to my small business experience, I've been an active, grassroots member of the Liberal Party for over a decade. I'm passionate, articulate, decisive and candid. I have a steadfast commitment to my values and principles, as well as an eye for detail and excellent negotiation and communication skills.

I have been on the record in support of the rail electrification and track duplication project (to Baxter at least) for many years. I am disappointed that the State Labor Government has not committed to funding or delivering this project.

As a small business owner myself, surrounded every day by fellow small business owners, I will be doing everything I can to support small business.

Yes, I believe the State Government should reclassify the Mornington Peninsula as regional, the same as Greater Geelong. This has been an issue even prior to the COVID-19 crisis. There will need to be proper provisions in place to ensure our green wedge zones remain protected. Many of our roads and footpaths will benefit from regional infrastructure grants and our local businesses will benefit from tourism grants and payroll tax discounts that only regional areas can access.

Successive State Governments have centralised planning schemes and controls, removing power from the community and Local Government. My general view is that planning decisions should be made by decision-makers who are as close to the community they will impact as possible, unfortunately that is at odds with the current State Government.

I am concerned about the expense of litigation and although this is often out of the hands of elected councillors, I will do my best promote transparency and shift the culture. Under the law, elected councillors cannot personally direct council officers or instruct them on how to exercise their delegated powers. We must act only via the CEO.

I have a long list of businesses and organisations that have been adversely impact by the Shire’s approach to enforcement. I do not want these businesses to close and will do what I can to ensure their continued operation.

Council will need to re-focus on critical frontline services including aged care and disability support, as well as a plan to improve the quality of local community infrastructure. This would include footpaths, roads, walking/cycling tracks, sporting and other community facilities. With a booming population, the council needs to get ahead of the curve. With COVID-19 restrictions, ratepayers have really noticed the state of disrepair in our community or in some instances, the complete lack of infrastructure/facilities all together.

 In supporting business, council should consider a rate freeze and fee waivers. They will also need to expedite the permit process for outdoor/footpath trading to accommodate social distancing requirements. I believe we will see a shift to “shop local” and council should doing what it can to facilitate this – for example with a categorised and highly filterable directory where people can find a local source for goods, food and services.

I’m a passionate, decisive, lifelong resident and small business owner who cares greatly about the future of our community. I will be an outspoken advocate for all Mt Eliza, Mornington and Mt Martha residents and will ensure council’s priorities reflect the community’s priorities.

I would like to have achieved all the goals I have articulated in this survey and in my campaign. I also hope that I will be able to ensure that the Shire’s priorities reflect the community’s priorities.

My ultimate overarching aim is to ensure that our young people inherit an economy, community, culture and environment better than what we ourselves have inherited. This view is what drives my decision-making.