Josie Jones
Nepean Ward, Mornington Peninsula Shire

No.

Environmental Stewardship and Coastal Protection: The Shire's unique coastal and marine environments need thoughtful stewardship. This includes addressing ineffective beach management practices, such as mechanical beach raking, which I’ve proven to be harmful to our coastline. We need to shift towards sustainable management practices and continue advocating for policies like the single-use plastics ban. Youth Engagement and Employment Opportunities: It’s crucial to create more opportunities for young people to stay, grow, and thrive on the Peninsula. We should focus on skill development, local job creation, and programs that encourage youth to be involved in environmental and community stewardship. Road Maintenance and Traffic Management: There is a need for consistent road maintenance and improved traffic management to ensure safer travel and better connectivity for residents and visitors. This includes addressing the gap between council planning and the contractors responsible for service delivery. Community Inclusion and Engagement: Fostering an inclusive community is essential. We need better consultation processes that genuinely consider community feedback and ensure transparency in decision-making. This extends to supporting small businesses, creating volunteer opportunities, and providing spaces for people to connect and contribute. Coastal Character and Sustainable Development: Protecting the coastal character and ensuring development aligns with the Peninsula’s unique identity is a key priority. This includes monitoring planning applications to prevent overdevelopment and preserving green spaces and unmade roads that contribute to the Shire’s natural appeal. Climate Change Resilience: Building resilience against climate change impacts is critical, from managing the seasonal rise of tides and seaweed accumulation to supporting biodiversity initiatives and coastal restoration projects. We need to ensure that council plans incorporate long-term strategies that protect the natural assets of our community.

If elected to the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, I will bring a unique blend of leadership, environmental advocacy, and creative problem-solving to the role. With over 14 years of volunteer service on the Peninsula and 25 years in graphic design and creative direction, I have a proven track record of taking complex challenges and creating effective, community-driven solutions. Key Skills and Experience: Environmental Advocacy and Policy Influence: My work has led to the successful introduction of the single-use plastics policy with the council and the implementation of sustainable beach management practices, such as the Beach Hand Bin project, which earned me the Australian Good Design Award. I also stopped the use of mechanical beach raking after proving it was ineffective and harmful. Community Engagement and Public Speaking: I’ve spearheaded numerous community initiatives, from litter prevention campaigns to educational events, engaging people of all ages to take responsibility for the places they love. I know how to bring people together, listen to their concerns, and advocate for their needs effectively. Strategic and Creative Thinking: As a small business owner and creative director, I have developed strategies that blend sustainability, community values, and innovative solutions. I bring a fresh perspective to problem-solving and have experience working with councils, businesses, and environmental groups to drive results. Transparency and Accountability: I’ve always been transparent about my work and its outcomes. If elected, I will ensure that council decisions are communicated openly and that residents have a clear understanding of how those decisions impact their community. Improving Governance and Functionality: I will advocate for a more streamlined approach between council officers and contractors to ensure better service delivery and accountability, particularly in areas like road maintenance and waste management. Additionally, I will push for stronger community consultation processes, where residents feel heard and valued, and their input is genuinely reflected in council decisions. My goal is to foster a culture of collaboration, where council operates with integrity and efficiency, aligning resources and policies with the true needs of the community. By doing so, we can enhance the functionality of local government and build trust between council and the residents it serves.

I believe that any re-zoning decisions should be made with careful consideration of the impact on our community, environment, and local economy. While I support strategic planning to address housing needs and retain high-tech manufacturing jobs on the Peninsula, it’s crucial to maintain a balance that protects the unique character of our region and prevents overdevelopment. Re-zoning surplus Port-zoned SUZ-1 land could provide opportunities for job creation and economic growth, but it should be approached with a comprehensive assessment of environmental impacts, infrastructure capacity, and community feedback. I would advocate for a transparent process that involves all stakeholders and ensures that any development aligns with our long-term vision for sustainable growth and environmental stewardship. My priority is to ensure that we make decisions that benefit the community as a whole and preserve what makes the Mornington Peninsula such a special place to live and work.

Local government can play a pivotal role in balancing housing supply needs with maintaining the unique coastal character of the Mornington Peninsula. To support the Victorian Government’s ambitious housing target of 31,000 new dwellings by 2050, the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council must engage in thoughtful planning and development that aligns with the principles outlined in the Plans and Places strategy. This strategy focuses on directing housing growth to areas with established infrastructure and services, such as town centers and areas close to public transport, while protecting green wedges and preserving the Shire’s natural landscapes. By adhering to the Shire’s Housing and Settlement Strategy 2017–2036, we can ensure that new housing is delivered in appropriate locations that meet the needs of our growing community without compromising environmental values or local character. Key actions that local government can take include: Incentivizing High-Density Development in Designated Areas: Encouraging higher density and mixed-use developments in activity centers like Hastings, Rosebud, and Mornington can increase housing supply while minimizing pressure on low-density residential areas. Protecting Environmentally Sensitive Areas: Ensuring that new developments avoid green wedges and environmentally sensitive zones is essential to preserving the Peninsula’s biodiversity and coastal character. This includes maintaining strong planning controls and applying zoning overlays that restrict inappropriate development. Supporting Affordable and Social Housing Initiatives: Council can collaborate with housing providers, developers, and state agencies to facilitate affordable and social housing projects, ensuring that new housing caters to diverse community needs. This could involve rezoning surplus or underutilized land specifically for affordable housing projects and partnering with developers to include affordable housing as part of new developments. Improving Infrastructure and Transport Connectivity: Addressing infrastructure gaps, such as roads, public transport, and amenities, will support the sustainable growth of housing supply. Enhancing connectivity within and between town centers will make these areas more attractive for new residential developments. By implementing these actions, the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council can contribute to achieving the state’s housing targets while preserving the qualities that make the Peninsula a desirable place to live. My focus, if elected, would be to ensure that growth is managed sustainably, with a commitment to community inclusion, environmental stewardship, and strategic planning based on long-term needs.

Yes, I absolutely support efforts to redevelop Rosebud Hospital. Improved healthcare facilities are critical for the well-being of our community and ensuring that residents have access to quality medical services locally. By working collaboratively, council can strengthen the case for funding and ensure that redevelopment is not only a priority for state and federal governments but also a well-supported community initiative. Local government has a tangible role to play in advocating for funding by facilitating engagement with the community, providing letters of support, and backing campaigns like Sue’s with data and strategic alignment to council’s broader health and community well-being goals. Council can also leverage its position to build relationships with key stakeholders, including state and federal representatives, ensuring the community’s voice is heard and that this project remains on the agenda at all levels of government. By integrating these efforts into council’s strategic plans, we can demonstrate a unified approach that showcases the true value and necessity of the Rosebud Hospital redevelopment for our growing community.

Ratepayers should vote for me because I have been a dedicated advocate for this community since I moved here 14 years ago. I have consistently worked to protect and enhance the unique character of the Mornington Peninsula through hands-on initiatives, policy influence, and strategic planning. From stopping mechanical beach raking and proving its harm to our coastlines to introducing the single-use plastics policy, I have shown that I’m not just a voice—I’m a person who takes action and delivers results. I’m known for being hard-working, approachable, and relentless in getting things done. Whether it's bringing stakeholders together for community-driven projects, volunteering for litter collection events, or pushing for policy changes, I don’t give up until I see meaningful outcomes. My commitment to our environment, youth, and local economy stems from a genuine passion for making this community a better place for everyone. I’m running for council because I believe that the best way to create lasting change is by having people in leadership who are already actively working for the community. I want to bring my proven track record of advocacy, problem-solving, and collaboration to the council to ensure that the voices of residents are not only heard but also translated into positive action for our future.

My legacy at the end of your four-year term would be centered around having made a tangible difference in environmental stewardship, youth engagement, and fostering community inclusion. I want to be remembered for championing sustainable practices that protect the Mornington Peninsula's natural beauty and character while enhancing community wellbeing through strategic policies and practical solutions. My legacy would also include ensuring that community voices are not only heard but actively integrated into council decision-making, creating a more connected and engaged community. Ultimately, I want to leave behind a council that is more transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of its residents, having set the foundations for long-term sustainability and shared success in the region.

The relationship between the Mornington Peninsula Shire and the Committee for Frankston & Mornington Peninsula is incredibly important, as it fosters collaboration on key regional issues that impact both areas, such as economic development, infrastructure, and sustainability. A strong partnership ensures that we have a united voice when advocating for funding and policy changes at state and federal levels. As a councilor, I would focus on maintaining and strengthening this relationship by actively participating in joint initiatives, attending committee meetings, and fostering open communication channels. I would look for opportunities to align council strategies with the committee’s goals to drive shared outcomes that benefit our community, particularly in areas like job creation, business support, and regional planning. By working together, we can ensure that our collective efforts are strategic, effective, and beneficial for the entire region, addressing challenges and capitalizing on opportunities in a way that no single entity can achieve alone. My goal would be to build a collaborative framework that supports our shared vision for a thriving and resilient Mornington Peninsula and Frankston region.

My final comment is that creating meaningful change requires all bodies—council, community groups, and external organizations—to work together in a more cohesive and transparent manner. We need to establish better systems that encourage collaboration and open communication, ensuring that everyone is informed, accountable, and working towards the same goals. This means changing the way we do things. We need to break down silos, embrace more inclusive consultation processes, and implement transparent decision-making that builds trust across the community. By fostering these connections and improving how we communicate, we can develop stronger, more effective strategies that serve everyone in the Mornington Peninsula. Together, we can create a council that truly reflects the needs and values of our community.