Seawinds Ward
Debra Mar

BIO

As a local media reporter involved in several diverse community groups, I am at the forefront of issues that concern local communities.

Life on the Peninsula will be difficult for many post COVID-19. There are many challenges ahead so I want to re-engage with communities, support small business and reach out to those who need jobs.

I am officially endorsed by Ratepayers Victoria and supported by Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association, McCrae because my values align with their core values - low rates, ratepayers money is spent appropriately and more accountability.

As your Councillor I will advocate to support disengaged youth and elderly communities; speak up to inappropriate big business interests, proper land re-zoning and planning in line with character of townships; preserve green wedge, green fields, native bushland and wildlife; place initiatives for small businesses and tourism; improve roads and safety, traffic management and footpaths; engage with young teens to encourage open dialogue; build safe BMX tracks; ensure local school recreational needs are met and promote non-partisan discussions and decisions.

I am standing as an independent. I am a member of BERG and MP Koala Conservation group. I support Save Westernport, Save Arthurs Seat and Beach Patrol Safety Beach/Dromana.

Our Peninsula needs protecting. I want to preserve our way of life. I believe the way forward is to ensure your Council provides adequate support for you and your family’s wellbeing.

I will be your ‘Eye on the Peninsula’ for the best interest of our communities.

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

Protecting the Green Wedge, bushland and wildlife. Revisit policies to ensure these areas are protected adequately.

Over-development. Consider what is being proposed and ensure the development is appropriate that will be benefit the community.

Housing. Commit to appropriate housing for the homeless and vulnerable through the relationship the shire has already formed with the Affordable Housing Alliance and other groups.

Small business survival especially post COVID – write up a road map out that includes incentives to ensure their survival; tourism and marketing campaigns to entice tourists and to work along side local business organization to support businesses.

Balancing the budget. Scrutinize money expenditure and apply for grants.

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

Local media and involvement of several diverse community groups and organisations. Corporate experience in marketing and management and was a small business owner.

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

I support the rail project to meet demand of population growth and public transport connectivity.

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 support the Small Business Friendly program to form a cooperative relationship. Liaise with the Traders Assoc. with a view to council supporting small business needs where appropriate.

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 were only disadvantaged due to the COVID lockdown boundaries. We still have to analyze the advantages and disadvantages for the Peninsula being under the metro and regional status, ie grants, taxes, jobs and infrastructure funds. The shire needs to exploit every possibility and opportunity before a decision is made. We also need to do proper diligence and complete a cost business analyses across the board to ensure it makes good economic sense.

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?

Put pressure on government planning to respond to community needs not developer needs.

We cannot keep going to VCAT on cases we know we will lose but we need to counter governments over-ruling of our planning and to be more responsive to community not governments.

Put the community first, not the developers. Community wants population density control, appropriate infrastructure and appropriate environmental sensitivity.

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?

Liaise with business groups like Traders Association to respond to their points of view on the road map out.

Why should ratepayers vote for you?

I’ve done ‘the necessary work’ through being part of several diverse community groups and organisations and a news reporter for local RPP FM radio that has brought me to a place where I understand community needs. I am an independent thinker who listens with a non-partisan approach. I stand for community, conservation and small business.

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

To uphold diplomacy, democracy and decency.

Any final comments?

The way forward is to ensure your council provides adequate support to your community with commonsense advocacy to governments coupled with the resources to effect change.

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Seawinds Ward Debra Mar