Nepean Ward
Mechelle Cheers 

• Economic and social fallout of COVID – balancing the resources that will be needed to bring the Shire back to economic prosperity without cutting infrastructure programs and community services.
• Ensuring those most in need and minority groups are cared for including; the availability of social housing, public transport, inclusive/all abilities foreshores and other public spaces such as sports grounds.
• Decision on the Mornington Peninsula Shire becoming a Region or remaining part of Greater Melbourne – before a final decision is made, a detailed analysis of the pro and cons will need to be undertaken including consequences such as potential loss of the green wedge and payroll tax increases.
• Issues around State (and/or Federal) Government decisions that impact on our coastal, rural and farming lifestyles, on biodiversity and the natural environment. Such as the AGL Crib Point Gas Import Project and the proposed Hillview Quarry. Similarly, the need to maximise State and Federal infrastructure funding and for much needed public transport services.
• Impact of climate change on our coastal and land environment – the challenge will be resourcing the implementation of the strategies in the Council’s Climate Emergency Plan including those associated with zero-waste.

As it is not always easy to see yourself as others do and to answer a similar question from the electoral commission, I asked a wide cross-section of people what attributes they believed I possessed. Some of the feedback I received is included below:

A team player and effective leader with a good sense of humour. Local knowledge and an experienced community advocate. A science and university career that developed analytical, problem solving, lateral thinking and communication skills. Experienced in policy development and strategic planning. Is ethical, knowledgeable, committed, not easily intimidated  and determined to get results.

An additional public transport on the Peninsula is always welcome. Rail is a very efficient way to commute to work. While I welcome the Baxter development, I would have preferred to see a rail line going from Mornington to Frankston to the City. Such a transport link would make a huge difference to attracting young people to the southern part of the Peninsula .

As the Council has already committed to the program, I would continue to support it. The small business friendly charter is an excellent set of principles.

In principle I totally agree that the Mornington Peninsula Should be an autonomous region. However, it is not as simple as a straight separation from Melbourne as there are issues around keeping the green wedge intact and the increase in payroll tax – a potential burden on struggling businesses. In short it needs to be examined very, very carefully before a decision is made.

I believe it is essential for the Mornington Peninsula to have planning regulations quite separate from those of Greater Melbourne. It is why a large percentage of planning cases are lost at VCAT. If we don’t soon have a strong independent planning framework, we really will look like boring Melbourne suburbs!

I would want to fully examine the available information on the type of Shire cases that are failing at VCAT to determine if it is a Shire issue or one of tension between State regulations and Council regulations or an issue related to being part of greater Melbourne.

In the absence of any real knowledge of the issue I can’t comment further.

Council will need to be effective in its lobbying for State and Federal funds and to ensure ‘the shovel’ ready ‘ projects it presented to the State Government are funded and implemented. It will also need to work in partnership with business and community to address specific township needs. In particular, listening and acting on feedback.

While Council will need to have business recovery strategies it will also need to specifically address areas like the Nepean Ward where many businesses in the hospitality area won’t recover. Already we are seeing for lease signs in what were on thriving café locations.

Lateral thinking is going to be needed as standard strategies may not work in this current COVID environment. Issues related to mental health will also need to be address with Councillors working with Shire officers and Community representatives to put in place support programs

Council will need to really assess what can be done in the area of high unemployment particularly those like the Nepean Ward that are dependent on seasonal tourism.

Community needs to be given hope and have confidence that Council will truly act on their behalf.

My attributes listed above show I have the necessary skills to fulfil the Councillor Role. As a community advocate I know my way around Council so understand Council policy and processes. I also have the ability to form collegial relationships across a diverse range of people. Most of all I am totally committed and passionate about the southern end of the Peninsula.  I do want to ensure businesses and communities, have a voice that is acted upon.

My vision for the Nepean Ward is that post COVID, a return to prosperous businesses and healthy communities. Community voices acted on, with residents, Councillors and officers working in partnership. Peninsula planning regulations independent of the Melbourne Planning scheme. The Climate Emergency Plan implemented to conserve biodiversity, coastal and hinterland environments. Less spent on consultants, more on community services. More all-ability public spaces. Increased awareness of Indigenous cultural heritage.

Please make your vote count and vote 1 Mechelle CHEERS and remember to number all the boxes!