Andrea Allen
Nepean Ward, Mornington Peninsula Shire

I have never been a member of a political party and am a completely independent candidate.

Listening to the local community's priorities and delivering them. Some of the main concerns are the standard of roads and general maintenance, including maintenance of our precious coastal infrastructure. Dealing with pedestrian safety hotspots, parking issues and preserving the character of the area are also important. Finding efficiencies that don’t impact on services also needs to be a focus given the current cost of living crisis.

My qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts/Commerce from Monash University and a Master of Taxation from UNSW. I had a 14 year career in the Federal public service including 18 months as a Departmental Liaison Officer in a Minister’s Office. This role involved acting as a conduit between the Department and the Minister’s office, similar to a Councillor connecting the local community and the Shire. Thanks to my time in the public service, I’m able to navigate bureaucracy and understand how to work within that setting to get results. I also have 5 years experience in local real estate administration, so I have some understanding of our unusual housing market. I am conscientious, pay attention to detail and like to be very thorough when making decisions.

I support the Shire's ongoing advocacy for the release of Port of Hastings surplus land. The best use of that land would seem to be for residential housing and industrial precincts, but I would like to see further community engagement to confirm that.

The most tangible way the Shire can help achieve the ambitious new dwelling targets for the Mornington Peninsula is by improving processing times for planning permit applications.

I support the redevelopment of Rosebud Hospital and attended the January rally. This issue is particularly important for our elderly residents on the Southern Peninsula. The Shire could play a more active advocacy role in this space.

My focus is very much on doing the basics such as roads and maintenance well and not straying into State and Federal government matters. I would like to see more tangible outcomes, instead of lots of strategies, policies and plans that often don't come to fruition. If elected, I will be as accessible as possible and have regular opportunities for face to face listening posts to allow everyone to have their say on local issues, raise concerns and share ideas. My qualifications and experience are a solid foundation for this role and I am able to be a full time Councillor for Nepean ward.

I would like my legacy to be that I delivered on my commitments, championed transparency, and made a difference by being willing and able to question the information provided by officers.

The relationship between the Shire and Committee for Frankston and Mornington Peninsula is important to amplify advocacy for State and Federal Government funding opportunities. If elected, my aim would be to work together with the committee as much as possible and present a united voice on issues for our region.

It would be a huge honour to have the opportunity to serve as Nepean Ward’s next Councillor and work with the local community and the Shire to achieve better outcomes in the future. I have a website that includes my contact information if anyone wants to reach out to discuss issues further. www.andreaallennepeanward.com