Nepean Ward
Mark Davis

BIO

Mark has been a local ratepayer and community contributor for over 30 years and as a Father of two adult daughters, he is a committed family man. He is a keen volunteer in the community, holding positions of Vice President of the Sorrento Portsea RSL, integral member of the formation of the Tomkatz Music Committee, dedicated to local musicians and President of the Mornington Peninsula Beach Box Association.

These positions have given Mark insight to the community issues and needs, and a deep understanding of the role of Council and how they can best service the community.Mark has spent his professional career working with multinational organisations to start up businesses. he specialises in reviewing current business models, project planning, defining budgets and clear delivery on time. He holds a Masters in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Limiting excessive Council expenses; reducing rates and fee is a focus for Mark.

The current Council budget for 12 additional Staff and high allocation of legal fees are two key areas he will review to keep rates and fees low. Nepean Ward provides 20% of the Budget revenue yet less than this is spent in the Ward. Mark will campaign to change this, assisting small businesses to grow, promoting local services and providing greater employment opportunities.COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of recreation and exercise and Mark aims to provide a focus on local pathways and access to sporting facilities by improving walking tracks, netball courts and cricket nets.

Alongside this he commits to maintaining an awareness of the delicate ecosystems on the Peninsula by ensuring spider crabs continue to migrate and prosper, implementing bag limits without the waterways being overfished. Mark will provide a fresh approach and be a Councillor who will ensure wide and active communication, consultation with the community.

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

I have attended or watched 90% of the last two year's Council meetings. Principally in my role as President of the Mornington Peninsula Beach Box Association.
A key frustration is the Council and Council Offices do not engage with the community. Policy or initiatives are created without checking or testing to see if the Policy or initiative is workable. Leading to frustration and a loss of valuable time.
Budget management. Poor management of expenses. Expected budget challenges in next 4 years.

Legal fees
Seven Solicitors are regularly engaged by the Council.
Excessive expenses. Staffing, Swimming Pool naming rights ($200,000+) etc
Growing Staff numbers. A further 12 budgeted for this year.
Additional Fees created to meet expenditure in Budget. Green Wedge Fee raising of License Fees. Waste Service Charge increases.
Perception the Community serves the Council when the Council needs to serve the Community.
Invest and support small business leading to greater employment opportunities.
Invest in recreation and sporting facilities.
Welcome and grow tourism.
Improve public transport. Regularly and cross Peninsula services.

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

People management skills, problem solving and goal setting. The ability to work within a team of diverse individuals to achieve a common goal.

LinkedIn: Mark A Davis: Highlights my education and various corporate management and project skills. Providing more than 30 years operating in various corporate environments. Managing and recasting Budgets. I expect the Council’s budget will come under intense pressure over the next 4 years. Revenue and expenses.

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

The Baxter Rail project is in principle a favourable project. Linking community with reliable public transport is a key platform for this Council. However, it will need to be evaluated on a cost/benefit analysis.

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?

I consider this program as essential to the revitalisation of the MP. The Council needs to actively consult with small businesses to ensure they receive support and consultation that will boost their needs.A key improvement for Council, I will encourage and build is greater linkages with our small business community. There is consistently Policy produced that has been formulated in isolation without the input and consideration of small business.

Small businesses need to feel appreciated and valued by the Council. Presently there is little support or favourable opinion towards Council by the small business community. We need to build more employment opportunities.

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?

We need to consider both sides to this question. Comparing Sorrento to Queenscliff there is a distinct disadvantage in terms of the Car Ferry and demand for our retail and commercial product. However, Unfortunately the damage has now been experienced. Hopefully we can get back to normal by late October in terms of freedom to move beyond 5klms. The 5km restriction is the main cause for concern.

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?

If elected I will not support the current approach to enforcement. I believe once a prosecution proceeds to VCAT the possible short-term resolution is highly unlikely and will become very costly to ratepayers.The best approach for Council is to engage with the party in question to reach an out of court resolution.Too many disputes are directed to VCAT. Many can be resolved through consultation and dispute resolution.MPS to date has proven to be reluctant to consult and resolve disputes.

I will take action to reduce unnecessary costs and reduce Rates and fees.

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?

Is managing the economic recovery. Revenue should be expected to be cut. Reduced rates and fees to be collected. Reduce Council expenses. Pro-actively revive the community , economy and employment. Housing and accommodation for the homeless and families will be critical.

Why should ratepayers vote for you?

I will listen and consult with the community. Issue policies that are considered and beneficial. Provide a broad and experienced corporate background and experience. Approachable with a proven track record of delivering results for the community. Experienced at dealing and negotiating with Councillors and Council Officers.

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

Rebuilding the Council from the dire economic effects of COVID-19 Providing the community with a revived social, employment and small business network operations. Maintaining our environment and providing a social and recreation presence for all ages to continue to enjoy.

Any final comments?

Council needs to connect and provide services to the community. Council needs to be there to serve the community. the best way to achieve this is to engage and listen to the communities needs. Our agricultural sector provides 10% of the States needs we need to ensure the community is aware of this and supports our local businesses.

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Nepean Ward Mark Davis