Cerberus Ward
Lisa Dixon

As a full time, independent and passionate Councillor, I am able to dedicate my time to the Cerberus residents and Council, through listening, consultation and advocacy. I propose to make council more relevant to its community through better transparency, representation and accountability whilst building on better relationships. 

Over many years I have continued to be involved and committed to the Peninsula. As a constant observer at council meetings, learning and picking up many skills. Through my established excellent networks, I feel confident that my advocacy will continue to better represent and serve my community. .

As an employee of the Committee 4 Greater Frankston for the last 3 years and having been a part of the process in achieving the $225 million commitment funding for this extremely important project, yes I fully support and commit to the ongoing process ahead of us. It is absolutely imperative to maintain momentum.

Being a past and present small business owner myself, I shall hold the council accountable on its commitment to honour the Small Business Friendly Program.

Through my involvement with Western Port Tourism I have watched tourism business’s struggle with this disadvantage for years. So yes whether elected or not I shall continue to support this injustice as a Councillor or in my continued role with Tourism. 

Again my husband and I have experienced firsthand being taken to VCAT on several occasions by the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council. From my personal experience Compliance seems to be the first avenue sought. Then upon trying to mediate, the response is - see you in VCAT as we will win. In our case they lost. There needs to be better communication, consultation and discussion undertaken with planning and (specifically permits) department first, compliance and VCAT should be the last resort. 

Council will need to action what state and federal governments are offering. Then from a local perspective we need to drive, support, assist and action our findings through delivering solutions that are most relevant in our region. 

 As a proven committed ratepayer in both Watson and Cerberus Wards, for the reasons listed above and my long record in working with tourism, my many years of involvement in the WCCI Chamber of Commerce and having advocating experience with the C4GF, I feel I am more than qualified to represent my ratepayers as their Councillor. I would be truly honoured.

I would like to feel that I had made a change in the present arrogant attitude of the council operations. I see this being achievable through questioning present processes, better transparency, more inclusive consultation and discussion. Once this has enabled change at this level, I believe the ratepayer will develop better trust in their council and reap the benefits of this through actions being delivered. In the immediacy of now, I want to see a well constructed covid action plan and support businesses re-opening. Health and well being (mental) given priority to families, students, covid born babies every support they need. Until we can move onto a “new normal” taking everyone with us together on the journey it will be more difficult to reestablish our economy. Hopefully in four years time I can look back and see how far we have come.

Thank you for your time and I look forward to working with you in the future.