Ashleigh Hoult
Derinya Ward, Frankston City Council

No

As a candidate for the Frankston City Council, I see several key issues that need addressing to ensure our community thrives: 1. Changing the Perception of Our Community: Frankston has immense potential, but it often suffers from outdated perceptions. By leveraging my background in PR and Marketing, I aim to work with the council to rebrand Frankston, highlighting its vibrancy and beauty. This will not only boost community pride but also attract visitors and new residents. 2. Increasing Employment: Job creation is crucial for the well-being of our residents. I plan to promote local businesses and attract new opportunities to Frankston, ensuring that more jobs are available for our community members. This will involve supporting existing businesses and encouraging new enterprises to set up in our city. 3. Business Growth: A thriving business community is the backbone of a prosperous city. I will advocate for policies that support business development, making it easier for businesses to start, grow, and succeed in Frankston. This includes providing resources, reducing red tape, and fostering a supportive environment for entrepreneurs. By focusing on these areas, I believe we can address the key issues facing Frankston and build a brighter future for all residents. Your support in this journey is crucial, and together, we can make a significant positive impact on our community.

I hold a Bachelor of Communications in Public Relations and have successfully run The PromoDonna, a sales and lead generation business, for 13 years. The global sales training I also deliver equips me with media relations and public speaking experience, key attributes for effectively connecting and engaging the local community, whilst also being able to advocate for them and the changes they want made.

As a candidate for the Frankston City Council, I wholeheartedly support the FMAC. This significant project is essential for shaping the future of our beautiful city. By leveraging my PR and Marketing expertise, I will work diligently to showcase Frankston’s vibrancy and attract further private and public investment into our city center.

Local government plays a crucial role in fostering economic growth and job retention in Frankston City. Here are some strategies that can help: 1. Promote Local Businesses: By supporting and promoting local businesses through marketing campaigns and community events, the council can help increase their visibility and customer base, ensuring they thrive and continue to provide jobs. 2. Incentives for New Businesses: Offering incentives such as tax breaks, grants, and streamlined permit processes can attract new businesses to establish themselves in Frankston. This can create more job opportunities for residents. 3. Skill Development Programs: Implementing training and skill development programs tailored to the needs of local industries can ensure residents have the skills required for available jobs, reducing unemployment and underemployment. 4. Infrastructure Improvements: Investing in infrastructure, such as better transportation links and modern business facilities, can make Frankston more attractive to businesses and easier for residents to commute to work. 5. Collaboration with Educational Institutions: Partnering with local schools, TAFEs, and universities to align educational programs with the needs of local businesses can create a pipeline of skilled workers ready to enter the job market. 6. Community Engagement: Engaging with the community to understand their needs and concerns can help the council implement policies that directly address job retention and creation. By focusing on these areas, the local government can create a supportive environment for businesses and ensure residents have access to employment opportunities close to home.

Local governments can play a pivotal role in achieving the Victorian Government's housing targets for Frankston City by 2050 through several practical measures: 1. Streamlining Planning Processes: Simplifying and expediting the approval process for new housing developments, can encourage more builders and developers to invest in Frankston. 2. Zoning and Land Use: Revising zoning laws to allow for higher density housing in appropriate areas can maximise land use and accommodate more dwellings. 3. Infrastructure Development: Investing in essential infrastructure such as roads, public transport, and utilities can support new housing developments and made them more attractive to potential residents. 4. Affordable Housing Initiatives: Partnering with developers to include affordable housing units in new projects can ensure a diverse range of housing options for all income levels. 5. Community Engagement: Actively involving community in planning decisions can help address concerns and gain support for new housing projects. 6. Sustainable Development: Promoting sustainable building practices and green spaces can enhance the quality of life for residents and make new developments more appealing.

Ratepayers should vote for me, because I bring a unique combination of local roots, professional expertise, and a clear vision for Frankston’s future. Born and raised in Frankston, I have a deep understanding of the community’s needs and potential. My successful career in PR and Marketing equips me with the skills to effectively promote and enhance the city’s image, attract new businesses, and create job opportunities. My commitment to transparency, accountability, and progress ensures that I will be a dedicated and responsive Councillor. By focusing on changing perceptions, increasing employment, and supporting business growth, I aim to create a vibrant and prosperous Frankston. My passion for serving the community and my practical plans for its development make me an ideal candidate to lead the Derinya Ward towards a brighter future. Vote for me to ensure a thriving and sustainable Frankston for all residents.

If elected, I would want my legacy to be one of transformative impact and lasting positive change for Frankston. Here’s how I envision it: 1. Revitalized Community Image: Four years down the track, I will have successfully changed the perception of Frankston, showcasing it as a vibrant, beautiful, and thriving city. My PR and Marketing expertise will have played a key role in highlighting the best of what Frankston has to offer. 2. Economic Growth and Job Creation: Through my efforts and those of the Council, Frankston will have seen significant economic growth, with new businesses established and local businesses thriving. This will have led to increased employment opportunities, ensuring residents have jobs close to where they live. 3. Support for Local Businesses: My advocacy for policies that support business development will have created a more prosperous environment for local entrepreneurs and business owners, fostering a strong and resilient local economy. 4. Community Engagement and Trust: I will have built a strong connection with the community, ensuring their voices are heard and their concerns addressed. My commitment to transparency and accountability will have earned the trust and respect of the residents. 5. Sustainable Development: I will have promoted sustainable practices and infrastructure improvements, contributing to a more livable Frankston. My legacy will be one of dedication, progress, and a deep commitment to the well-being and prosperity of Frankston and its residents.

The relationship between Frankston City and the Committee for Frankston & Mornington Peninsula is crucial for fostering regional collaboration and achieving shared goals. This partnership can drive economic development, enhance community well-being, and address regional challenges more effectively. As a Councillor, I would focus things such as regular communication, collaborative projects, shared resources and transparency and accountability to foster a strong, collaborative relationship with the Committee for Frankston & Mornington Peninsula. And based on this, we could then work together to create a more vibrant, prosperous, and sustainable region for all residents.

Voting for me, Ashleigh Hoult, means choosing a dedicated, passionate advocate for Frankston’s future. With my deep roots in the community and professional expertise in PR and Marketing, I am committed to driving positive change, supporting local businesses, and creating job opportunities. It would be an incredible honour to serve as your Councillor for Derinya Ward, working tirelessly to ensure our community thrives. Together, we can build a vibrant, prosperous Frankston that we can all be proud of. Your support means everything to me. Thank you!