Nepean Ward
Susan Bissinger

Covid 19 – I would encourage Council to provide positive information so people can transition & learn to live with the virus & not be so fearful. A lot has been lost due to “Covid Fear” and restrictions that have encouraged spying & reporting on neighbors - we need to mend rifts associated with this (I’ve got some ideas) Loneliness – Loneliness has always been an issue on the Peninsula especially when people are living on their own. I would encourage Council to set up and/or expand community groups to encourage same sex gatherings (more comfy for some) and also mixed gatherings, when able to do so. Also encourage street parties etc

Businesses – we must support our local businesses & help them rebuild – I would encourage Council to pare back every single fee and charge, and provide necessary upgrades to shopping areas. It needs to consider more “pedestrian only” area in streets near shops and cafes where food can be consumed. It will be annoying for cars, but is a worthwhile sacrifice.

Infrastructure – In Nepean Ward (& the Peninsula) I would encourage Council to prioritize footpaths, bike lanes, roads, infrastructure in both our townships & on the beach – future proofing our area for years to come. 

Project Budgeting – Council needs to end overspends, and make sure all council projects are best prioritized & best use of resources.

Council Budget – Hopefully there wont be a budget like the recent one, with ridiculous overspends, no belt tightening ...so out of touch with local communities. I would suggest that Council costs need to be cut by trimming it down – it seems there are more departments and more employees and yet no net gain. Savings could assist ratepayers and businesses, the majority could fund worthwhile projects.

Inclusivity – this should be considered every single time someone goes to repair steps, or even sketch a plan – it can be a beautiful addition to our street/beach scape and shouldn’t ever look or feel like an afterthought. 

Preservation – keep our green areas maintained, ensure adequate covenants cover necessary areas

Beach erosion – do something sooner rather than later, it’s only going to get worse and we’ll all end up like Portsea with no beach. There is a different solution for different areas, so too many to mention.

Planning – domestically: stop inappropriate ugliness  Commercially: make sure all projects ultimately benefit the community. Stop the circular “Masterplan” town planning that a total waste of money.

Waste – ensure “waste to energy” plants go ahead quickly using either pyrolysis or combustion technology, there are plants operating successfully worldwide and are desperately needed here.

Emissions – As they have signalled a Climate Emergency, the Council must ensure it is most compliant in emission reduction, and that all new technology is considered.

With 25 years in the construction industry, I have extensive experience in project prioritization, allocation of funds and resources, I’ve also worked as a procurement manager in both commercial construction and fitout companies. I rely on my ability to consult, collaborate and persuade to get projects over the line, on time and on budget. I have great negotiation skills, and am a lateral thinker with problem solving capabilities, I think this sets me up well for anything the role of Councillor can throw at me, chances are I’ve faced a lot worse.

This looks like a great project to me, but I am an outsider on this and would really have to see if there are hidden issues and also what the broader community thinks

This is a great incentive to get small business involved in Council works, of course there will be issues with capacity, pricing and compliance that will have to be considered, but it is something that can be negotiated and sorted out. I would suggest that maybe jobs can be broken down into smaller ones and micro managed or even a couple of small businesses could combine resources in a tender situation.

There is absolutely no doubt that Mornington Peninsula has been unfairly treated in this situation, I think MP should not be part of Melb Metro for many reasons not just the restrictions. Whilst there is the “MP shouldn’t be part of the Melb metro” issue (which I support), a question should also be asked “why did zoning stop being classified by shire as numbers are still allocated that way”. The Premier who has total control of Victoria at the moment, has made it very clear that he will not change the zone borders and has recently doubled down on this. Unless he is deposed by his own party, I can’t see this getting over the line until there is a new leader or govt in place, therefore I think it may prove to be a waste of Council resources with no positive outcome to overly prioritize this issue in the short term. Also I’m not sure whether people issuing writs and class actions have fully considered that the super expensive defense lawyers employed 24/7 by the current state govt will be paid for by Victorians, not the political party at which they are aimed.

There needs to be a complete audit on the entire planning department. I have had personal experience that left me with no doubt as to what is going on, and it needs to be stopped. The council should not be fighting against its own ratepayers and forcing them to go to VCAT – in some cases to simply preserve their own title boundaries.

We need to provide positive information so people can transition & learn to live with the virus & not be so fearful. We’ve lost a lot of ourselves due to “Covid Fear”, crippling restrictions, and being encouraged to spy & report on neighbors, we need to mend the rifts within our community using a number of easy solutions. We need to also address the increased loneliness, by setting up and/or expanding community groups to encourage same sex gatherings (more comfortable for some), and regular mixed gatherings (when allowed). Business: Businesses need significant concessions on every single thing they pay to Council, and in some cases have fees waived altogether. Side streets near shopping strips should be closed and made into outdoor eating areas with large potted plants, umbrellas, tables and seating. Sure it will be a pain for drivers, but overall a small price to pay. Sporting Venues: Sporting Clubs who share facilities should be able to charge car parking during busy times of the year when the grounds aren’t being officially used, and be able to hold other fund raising events on Council grounds. They should also have more input into improvement plans, and work with their own draftsman to come up with a suggestion to put to council, rather than Council working out what they may or may not require.

I am honest, reliable, tenacious, resourceful, open to ideas & suggestions, a lateral thinker, constructive, Optimistic and outgoing. But the real reason ratepayers should vote for me is because I listen, and have the experience and skills to identify issues and help provide solutions. As a Project Manager, I never failed to deliver on a project, and I won’t let them down.

Tangible improvements to the look, feel & function of our local communities including improved infrastructure, integrated inclusivity and cost effective Council projects that future proof our beautiful part of the world. I would like to see a happier, better serviced community where everyone is part of something bigger.