Surf Coast Shire election 2024: Otway Range candidate survey

Find out about this year’s candidates.

Picture: Alan Barber

Mike Bodsworth

Otway Range candidate Mike Bodsworth

Age: 54

Occupation: Landscape architect

Do you live in the ward? Yes

Are you or have you ever been a member of a political party? If so, which one(s)? No

What are the three key issues you are campaigning on? Unspoilt landscapes, nature and town character. Vibrant, safe, sustainable neighbourhoods with great walking and riding connections. Stable, high-performing and community-focused governance.

Should council only focus on the three Rs - roads, rates and rubbish? No. We need to nail the basics but our communities deserve more. It’s a complex and challenging time and simplistic, backward-looking slogans aren’t enough.

Do you believe Australia Day should remain on January 26? No. We should celebrate Australia on a different date.

Do you think we are currently facing a climate emergency? Yes. My view is based on the IPCC Assessment Report 6 “Summary for Policymakers”. The Local Government Act also requires councils to consider climate change.

Leon Walker

Otway Range candidate Leon Walker

Age: 44

Occupation: Owner manager cafe and surf shop and professional photographer

Do you live in the ward? Yes

Are you or have you ever been a member of a political party? If so, which one(s)? No

What are the three key issues you are campaigning on? - Sustainability communities

- Better safer accessible services, transport and amenities for our diverse communities;

- Improved communication, collaboration, outcomes among all stakeholders

Should council only focus on the three Rs - roads, rates and rubbish? No, these are the necessary basics, but we must be proactive in reaction to our communities needs and sustainable growth

Do you believe Australia Day should remain on January 26? This should not be a campaign topic for council more an individual perspective. There needs to be better mental health support and engagement to deal with these issues

Do you think we are currently facing a climate emergency? The natural climate is changing regardless and we need to work towards a sustainable future without the need for fossil fuels now and for the future

Libby Stapleton

Otway Range candidate Libby Stapleton

Age: 56

Occupation: Councillor

Do you live in the ward? Yes

Are you or have you ever been a member of a political party? If so, which one(s)? No

1. Environmental protection and climate change action. 2. Retain coastal/village character of What are the three key issues you are campaigning on? townships, while balancing need for more diverse housing choices. 3. Responsible sustainable tourism

Should council only focus on the three Rs - roads, rates and rubbish? No. Councils deliver over 100 services to help our communities thrive, and are legislated to act on climate change through the Local Government Act.

Do you believe Australia Day should remain on January 26? No. We need a date we can all agree on, which doesn’t cause such pain and suffering to First Nations people in our community

Do you think we are currently facing a climate emergency? Yes. And I’m a little shocked that we still need to be asked!

Kate Gazzard

Otway Range candidate Kate Gazzard

Age: 35

Occupation: Doctor

Do you live in the ward? Yes

Are you or have you ever been a member of a political party? If so, which one(s)? The Greens

What are the three key issues you are campaigning on? (1) Climate action and stopping gas exploration in our oceans (2) the cost of living crisis and affordable housing (3) healthy active lifestyles with improved walkways, cycling and public transport

Should council only focus on the three Rs - roads, rates and rubbish? Of course roads are essential, rates are a major funding stream and waste management is crucial especially diverting waste from landfill, but I believe council does so much more for the community

Do you believe Australia Day should remain on January 26? No

Do you think we are currently facing a climate emergency? I believe the science, yes

Originally published as Surf Coast Shire election 2024: Otway Range candidate survey