Borough of Queenscliffe election 2024: Candidate survey
Find out about this year’s Borough of Queenscliffe council candidates.
Geelong
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Lucille Colombo
Age: 57
Occupation: Mother/artist/designer/small business owner
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? I would like to see local government decisions focused on benefit to the greatest number of people, that are ethical, transparent and reflective of community needs
Should council only focus on the three Rs - roads, rates and rubbish? It is possible to make decisions for a local community that is reflective of wider issues and takes them into account. Small communities are a microcosm of the bigger picture.
Do you believe Australia Day should remain on January 26? I personally would prefer the date be changed to reflect a more mature understanding of history and the impact settlement has had. The discussion needs to come from a place of empathy and compassion.
Do you think we are currently facing a climate emergency? The impact of climate change is being felt throughout the world. We are the only species on the planet that doesn’t operate within the laws of nature.
Brendan Monahan
Age: 54
Occupation: Painter
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? Provide the local services our community relies on
Maintain our parks and gardens to a high standard
Encourage tourism and events to bring people and much needed revenue to the area
Should council only focus on the three Rs - roads, rates and rubbish? The three R’s are very important, as is providing services for the community, maintaining council assets, and encouraging tourism to support the local economy
Do you believe Australia Day should remain on January 26? Yes While it is a gazetted public holiday, we should recognise and celebrate all that is good about Australia
Do you think we are currently facing a climate emergency? We should all do what we can to protect our environment. There is a lot of good things being done in this area. I think labelling it as an emergency turns a lot people off the issue though.
Di Rule
Age: 64
Occupation: Retired
Are you or have you ever been a member of a political party?If so, which one(s)? Yes, Liberal Party
What are the three key issues you are campaigning on? Tight governance and transparent budgeting. Environment and heritage protection. Funding more capital works by trimming costs and thinking outside the square to raise revenue.
Should council only focus on the three Rs - roads, rates and rubbish? Political and social issues should be dealt with at state and federal level. Council needs to focus on the basic provision of services - and protecting our beaches, parks and open spaces.
Do you believe Australia Day should remain on January 26? I don’t mind, personally. But I would represent whatever the majority ratepayers want. And they should be asked.
Do you think we are currently facing a climate emergency? The evidence is clear. We all need to understand and be mindful of our own footprint and support the transition to renewables so that we can meet our net zero emissions target.
Donnie Grigau
Age: 53
Occupation: Business Owner
Are you or have you ever been a member of a political party?If so, which one(s)? Yes, I am a member of the Liberal Party
What are the three key issues you are campaigning on? Focused on meeting our community’s needs by delivering essential services on time and within budget. Committed to conducting genuine community consultations with no predetermined outcomes.
Should council only focus on the three Rs - roads, rates and rubbish? I believe that Council should focus on completing its core responsibilities first before considering additional services, ensuring that essential needs are prioritised over wants
Do you believe Australia Day should remain on January 26? Australia Day should unite all Australians. I’m open to discussions on the date, ensuring it reflects our shared history while respecting Indigenous perspectives and experiences.
Do you think we are currently facing a climate emergency? No, I don’t believe we face a climate emergency. An emergency requires immediate action, and we can address climate challenges through careful planning and sustainable practices.”
Helene Cameron
Age: 63.
Occupation: Administration Manager
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? Community engagement and consultation.
Return to a balanced approach of local issues.
Re-generate our caravan and camping revenue.
Should council only focus on the three Rs - roads, rates and rubbish? The 3 Rs - roads, rates and rubbish, should be local governments priority. Getting back to the basics.”
Do you believe Australia Day should remain on January 26? Yes
Do you think we are currently facing a climate emergency? Yes, we are facing a climate emergency, and it needs to be addressed by all levels of government.
Isabelle Tolhurst
Age: 35
Occupation: Prior to being a Councillor/Mayor, I was a media strategist.
Are you or have you ever been a member of a political party?If so, which one(s)? I am running as an independent. I have previously been a member of the Australian Greens Party.
What are the three key issues you are campaigning on? Sustainable environment - for healthy people, property, places. Strong local economy - improvements to Hesse Street and Point Lonsdale infrastructure. Advocacy - secure more State and Federal funding.
Should council only focus on the three Rs - roads, rates and rubbish? No. Councils are required by legislation to do more than this. There is planning, climate change response, municipal community care, to name a few.
Do you believe Australia Day should remain on January 26? No. I believe we can find a better date, where all our community can together celebrate what it means to be Australian.
Do you think we are currently facing a climate emergency? Yes, and we are experiencing the impacts locally - more hot days, less rain, more coastal inundation, more flooding . Councils have a duty to respond accordingly.
Ralph Roob
Age: 62
Occupation: Strategic coastal planner
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? Transparent governance and responsible budget allocation.
Address coastal climate hazards and building resilience.
Policy development on vegetation, traffic management and infrastructure renewal.
Should council only focus on the three Rs - roads, rates and rubbish? Council also has the capacity to do more than the three Rs and in fact we have responsibilities to manage crown land reserves, facilities and needs of the most vulnerable in our community.
Do you believe Australia Day should remain on January 26? A comprehensive consultation process, led by the Commonwealth and assisted by State and Local government with careful consideration of Traditional Owners views is essential to make informed decision.
Do you think we are currently facing a climate emergency? We need to address some serious issues, particularly in terms of coastal erosion and recession as well as inundation during storm tide events. We also need to contribute towards a sustainable future.
Rob Minty
Did not respond
Ross Ebbels
Did not respond
David Orford
Did not respond
Peter Jewell
Did not respond
Originally published as Borough of Queenscliffe election 2024: Candidate survey
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