City of Melbourne Lord Mayor by-election candidate survey
MANY Melbourne Lord Mayor by-election candidates are still a mystery to inner city voters, so the Herald Sun asked contenders where they stand on four big issues. Here are the results.
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CAMPAIGNING for the Melbourne Lord Mayor by-election is well underway, but many of the candidates are still a mystery to inner city voters.
Fourteen people are vying to replace Robert Doyle as top dog at Town Hall, and preference flows will be crucial in deciding the May 11 poll that is being held by postal vote.
The Herald Sun conducted a survey of all candidates, with all but three responding. Here are the results:
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MICHAEL BURGE, PSYCHOLOGIST
What’s your plan for rough sleepers/homeless?
I would like to establish co-ordination between council, government and institutions and Services such as the Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul, Red Cross and the RSL Association.
As many of the homeless are returned defence force personal suffering PTS Disorder and are in dire need mentally, physically and emotionally, the RSL buildings around Melbourne could provide comfortable over night facilities and a safe environment.
I would also like to start an opportunity shop to raise funds from donated goods to specifically target homeless people. This facility might also offer employment opportunities or retail training outcomes, for example to help restore confidence.
Do you in general support the council’s redevelopment plan for Queen Victoria Market?
I do not support the current plan to redevelop the market, but would like to orchestrate a complete review including parking and refurbishing. I would like to have sole trading protected in legislation. The sole traders are the soul of the market.
Do you believe alcohol should continue being served for councillors and staff directly after council meetings?
No. I am not against drinking alcohol but there is a time and place for drinking alcoholic beverages. This is not best practice. It suggests an attitude of entitlement to use tax payers’ funds, to pay for the alcohol, which is usually much more expensive than tea or coffee for example. People are getting really fed up with councillors using excessive tax payer funds for these occasions.
Should cars be banned from more CBD streets?
I would like to see an extension and enhancement of the Bourke St Mall to Russel St; and be be open to other locations following community consultation.
SALLY CAPP, PROPERTY COUNCIL EXECUTIVE
What’s your plan for rough sleepers/homeless?
Early in the campaign I released a comprehensive homelessness policy that takes a multi-pronged approach to the issue through initiatives such as: the construction of four new Common Ground-style homelessness facilities; programs to get the homeless into employment; and lockers to ensure the homeless can keep their possessions safe.
Do you in general support the council’s redevelopment plan for Queen Victoria Market?
Yes - but it also needs investment to ensure is remains a world class market loved by locals and visitors alike. If elected I’ll ensure that there’s much better consultation with stallholders and other key stakeholders so we get the best outcome. I also believe there is an opportunity to retain the unique character of the markets in the process.
Do you believe alcohol should continue being served for councillors and staff directly after council meetings?
No
Should cars be banned from more CBD streets?
I don’t support a ban. We need more options for pedestrians and cyclists but you don’t need to ban cars to do that. Initiatives like my proposal to build a new linear park on top of rail lines between Fed Square and Etihad Stadium are the best way to make Melbourne a more welcoming place for all modes of transportation.
ROHAN LEPPERT, GREENS COUNCILLOR/MUSIC TEACHER
What’s your plan for rough sleepers/homeless?
One of the main reasons people become homeless is because Governments have not invested in long-term public and affordable housing. We need a Lord Mayor who supports planning rules that bring about long-term affordable housing, not just short-term fixes to a crisis situation. A Lord Mayor can and should co-ordinate Melbourne’s homelessness services more efficiently so everyone gets the support they need.
Do you in general support the council’s redevelopment plan for Queen Victoria Market?
It is very important that the Queen Victoria Market remains a gritty, lively, fresh-food and affordable market. On Council, I have consistently voted to make sure we protect the heritage of the market and it doesn’t turn into just an up-market food-hall. I support a new large inner-city park on the current carpark, but have concerns about other aspects of the plan, and if elected I will meet with all traders within 3 months to ensure any changes genuinely consult the traders, local community and shoppers.
Do you believe alcohol should continue being served for councillors and staff directly after council meetings?
As a Councillor, I supported the review into Council’s policies and will support its outcomes.
Should cars be banned from more CBD streets?
Some streets are no longer safe for pedestrians and cars at the same time. I support revitalising some areas as pedestrian malls, which will benefit businesses and reduce overcrowding, such as Little Bourke St east of Swanston St and Elizabeth St between Flinders St and Bourke St.
ALEX MACDONALD, HORSE CARRIAGE OPERATOR
What’s your plan for rough sleepers/homeless?
Increase accessibility of better crisis accommodation
Do you in general support the council’s redevelopment plan for Queen Victoria Market?
No, I do not support the current plans to redevelop. My view is to refurbish the current sheds and not to put the basement car parking which was rejected by Heritage Victoria for good reason.
Do you believe alcohol should continue being served for councillors and staff directly after council meetings?
No.
Should cars be banned from more CBD streets?
No, more alternative routes around the city need to be planned for.
GARY MORGAN, POLLSTER
What’s your plan for rough sleepers/homeless?
As Lord Mayor I will increase employment opportunities throughout the city and encourage businesses to find employment opportunities for Melbourne’s less fortunate where possible. Australian call centres should be located in Melbourne – not India or South East Asia
Do you in general support the council’s redevelopment plan for Queen Victoria Market?
No – I will make sure Melbourne keeps its real market. The current plan as conceived is a property developers “dream” with little thought given to the needs of local stakeholders including stallholders and residents. The current plan will demolish the heritage aspects of the Queen Victoria Market and turn it into a mini-Queen Victoria Chadstone.
Melbourne needs to retain the unique cultural heritage of the Queen Victoria Market through measured and urgently required improvements – better storage, bathrooms, etc.
Do you believe alcohol should continue being served for councillors and staff directly after council meetings?
No. The disgraceful situation that developed during this council term would not have occurred without the regular drinking sessions and the relaxed standards of behaviour that followed.
Should cars be banned from more CBD streets?
No. What is needed is state-of-the-art traffic controls for reduced car and bike traffic congestion and safer travel.
KEN ONG, BUSINESSMAN AND FORMER COUNCILLOR
What’s your plan for rough sleepers/homeless?
There needs to be a co-ordinated approach from the city council, state and federal agencies and housing agencies providing housing support services. In the short term, need to provide emergency housing shelters and shared facilities managed by reputable housing agencies to give safe environments with medical, food and psychological support services. CoM can help manage this. For the long term, require permanent housing built by State and Federal funds, and CoM co-ordinate programs for pathways out of homelessness through training and re-skilling to get employment, stronger family support services as well as proper mental health assistance. Council can co-ordinate and part-fund these programs. Due to land and property limitations, long term housing should be in State or Federal Government owned land.
Do you in general support the council’s redevelopment plan for Queen Victoria Market?
I support the Munro site redevelopment which will provide a community hub, child care services and 400 car parking spaces.
I do not support the excavation under Sheds A and B and the displacement of the traders in those sheds. This excavation is a deviation of the original proposal and I believe needs further analysis and consultation.
My alternative plan is to use the existing open car park and build one level on top of it, less the part for the Franklin St extension. This will become a covered car park and should provide at least 400 spaces plus new modern storage areas including refrigeration facilities. Above this covered car park, create the new public event space, capable of deep root planning and extra parking if required, with a ramp entry from Peel Street. In addition, clearly marked areas for loading/unloading, as well as clearly marked pathways for forklift movements. Implement strict times for movement of goods from stores to stalls and vice versa.
For sheds A and B, enhance with weather protection as well as heating and cooling infrastructure. This way, all the requirements and objectives can be met. Adequate car parking, safe storage and loading and unloading, better safety for public and improved amenities for traders and customers at a more cost effective way.
Do you believe alcohol should continue being served for councillors and staff directly after council meetings?
Yes. I believe in responsible consumption of alcohol by our elected representatives.
Should cars be banned from more CBD streets?
No. I do support partial time-based closures of some streets to allow more pedestrians to move around more safely. These include Flinders Ln, Little Bourke St and Little Lonsdale St, similar to Little Collins St within the retail core and hospitality areas. One other possible closure is the eastern side of Elizabeth St between Flinders St and Flinders Ln. Finally, I would like to see our footpaths widened in our smaller busy pedestrian streets and remove one side of on street parking.
NATHALIE O’SUGHRUE, MOTIVATOR/WELFARE WORKER
What’s your plan for rough sleepers/homeless?
In my conversations with those friends that sleep rough they have mainly all stated they do not feel safe in the crisis accommodation due to drugs and violence stemming from mental health issues and others.
There are many who have also stated they need help getting back on their feet and employment is something they need in order to do that.
I currently work for a mental health provider dealing only with high risk/high needs clients, and the way the industry has set KPIs and policies does not show a cohesiveness between providers. They need to be reviewed from State level to ensure all providers are genuinely able to work together and minimise the issues on the streets.
More accommodation is simply a band aid approach and not a sustainable or reasonable solution.
Do you in general support the council’s redevelopment plan for Queen Victoria Market?
This is not a yes or no answer. In my conversations with residents, business owners and also the CEO of the QVM, I have come across a discrepancy between the information I am given. I believe someone is attempting to take advantage of my lack of experience in council and pull the wool over my eyes. This has led me to believe there needs to be a review of the plans and complete transparency (with no conditions attached). I cannot and will not give a final answer as to my position until I reviewed all of the facts. I have spoken to the people and something does not add up. Please do not mistake my lack of experience for foolishness.
Do you believe alcohol should continue being served for councillors and staff directly after council meetings?
I believe during meetings definitely no but is there any difference between drinks after the meetings and drinks after work at any office on a Friday afternoon? I think if there is alcohol involved, I would assume that as adults they should know how to behave and understand what is deemed appropriate behaviour. Once again, I feel as though there is information I am not being given and therefore once I have reviewed the issues, I will be better informed to make a decision.
Should cars be banned from more CBD streets?
Yes. As discussed at the Carlton Residents Forum, Ken Ong gave a great example of how most commuters walk around the city and that the foot traffic will increase the shopping in the stores and restaurants. Good for business. This will also minimise the complaints about the lack of parking available and the cost of said parking.
BRUCE POON, ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVIST
What’s your plan for rough sleepers/homeless?
First, do what is possible from a city perspective to fix the underlying drivers of homelessness and rental stress in general. Not all of this can be achieved within the city, given that it requires state and federal action as well. My plan to move to site value rates is one of these things that can be done to drive unused property into production.
Second, provide alternative accommodation and services to assist those who find themselves in this predicament. We need to build crisis accommodation, low cost residential housing, and encourage a range of types of accommodation being built. We also need to provide crisis care services in the city, social worker and counselling assistance, as well as working with the homeless and their representatives themselves to develop solutions.
Third, having provided a range of other solutions, camping and begging on city streets needs to be discouraged/prevented. This will require some time to organise, as well as additional training and support from the community.
Do you in general support the council’s redevelopment plan for Queen Victoria Market?
Yes, in general I support it. While it is expensive, we have an opportunity to renew and improve the market facilities, gain a new park for Melbourne and keep this facility and tourist attraction thriving. The business case and consideration of this project has already been extensive. Delay and review by a new lord mayor is likely to introduce further delays and costs to the detriment of the project and city.
Do you believe alcohol should continue being served for councillors and staff directly after council meetings?
No (and I don’t drink!).
Should cars be banned from more CBD streets?
Yes. The master plan should probably be to move to just a few key roads being used by cars, with lots of other streets becoming walkable. This cannot be done overnight. It should start with some of the “little” streets, such as Lt Bourke, Lt Lonsdale, etc, and the use of different time zones (as is already done with some streets being walkable during the day).
KATIE SFETKIDIS, ARTIST
What’s your plan for rough sleepers/homeless?
Homeless people and rough sleepers need to be treated with dignity, we need to be supporting this community, not trying to break it apart. I plan to work with organisations and the community to continue providing services such as food, bedding, showers, laundry services and menstrual products for women. Providing support for the homeless also requires support from other levels of government and I am committed to working with all levels of government to raise awareness of broader issues related to homelessness such as affordable housing and better access to mental health services.
Do you in general support the council’s redevelopment plan for Queen Victoria Market?
There are many positive aspects to the current plan, in particular I support the inclusion of a new green space and the creation of a pedestrian friendly shopping space. I am committed to working with Heritage Victoria, traders, residents and customers to find a solution that can retain social and cultural heritage of the market, and can also adapt to meet contemporary needs of shoppers and traders.
Do you believe alcohol should continue being served for councillors and staff directly after council meetings?
No.
Should cars be banned from more CBD streets?
Yes. I think cars should be banned inside the Hoddle Grid. Traffic and parking are already major issues within the CBD and creating a pedestrian zone will help alleviate this by encouraging people to use public transport. The introduction of our new Metro system will also provide more public transport options for those wishing to travel to the city. I think we should create a number of parking options on the fringe of the CBD including the use of the MCG carpark. Current pedestrian only areas such as Bourke Street and Swanston Street have proven to be successful in providing a safe and vibrant space where pedestrians and shoppers can move around freely as well they provide more spaces for cultural activation of the city through our lively busking scene. I would welcome an expansion of this type of public space.
SALLY WARHAFT, ACADEMIC AND BROADCASTER
What’s your plan for rough sleepers/homeless?
Low-cost long-term housing with wraparound support. You can’t have one without the other. What do we know about homeless people in the CoM? Most have come from elsewhere. They are coming for the services. These services must be replicated along with housing options outside the city. Crisis accommodation and lockers, while essential, are not a solution to homelessness.
Do you in general support the council’s redevelopment plan for Queen Victoria Market?
Absolutely not. I propose a complete review of the Doyle-era development — a project which I believe will destroy the character of this beloved institution, visited by 10 million people a year, at a cost of $250 million. The market needs support and investment but not this.
Do you believe alcohol should continue being served for councillors and staff directly after council meetings?
Yes, but they must pay for it themselves like everyone else does if they want a drink after work.
Should cars be banned from more CBD streets?
No.
JENNIFER YANG, FORMER MANNINGHAM MAYOR
What’s your plan for rough sleepers/homeless?
I will do more than build lockers, I will build a new crisis accommodation centre for women and children in the heart of the City of Melbourne. The new Centre will be named in honour of Father Bob Maguire.
According to experts, this is a particularly vulnerable category of homeless people who need accommodation so as to stabilise prior to being transitioned into permanent housing.
Supported by the Salvation Army, this initiative will also see support services provided onsite, with a particular focus on family violence intervention and providing education continuity during periods of family turmoil.
The proposed site for the refuge is a seven-storey council building at 602 Little Bourke St.
Do you in general support the council’s redevelopment plan for Queen Victoria Market?
Unlike other candidates, I’m taking the time to listen to all stakeholders. The first challenge of good representation is properly understanding the problem. I’ll be announcing my plan to get the Queen Victoria Market proposal back on track over the coming days.
Do you believe alcohol should continue being served for councillors and staff directly after council meetings?
No. Under my proposal, alcohol will be banned for all councillors during business hours for two years. I will also return safety for women at Town Hall by strengthening sexual harassment and anti-discrimination policy. I would also film council proceedings to stop men behaving badly and institute a blind recruitment trial.
Should cars be banned from more CBD streets?
I will always seriously examine any proposal to improve ease of use across the CBD for pedestrians, cyclists, public transport users, motorists and delivery vehicles.
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