The constraints of canvassing under COVID-19 restrictions will make it extremely difficult for candidates and constituents to engage meaningfully. Island Voice is concerned that these difficulties will particularly disadvantage non-incumbent candidates, who are less well known to the community.
To help remedy this situation, Island Voice is providing all candidates with three opportunities to inform the community about themselves and their positions on issues. We are asking all candidates, from all wards, to participate. After all, even Councillors that do not directly represent the Island Community will contribute to decisions that affect us, so it is important to know what their thoughts and positions are.
These opportunities are:
1) To provide Island Voice with a brief (100 word) profile that will be displayed on our FB site.
2) To answer 16 questions that have been collated from the community. We believe that the answers to these questions will provide real insight into each candidate’s position on a wide variety of issues. We have asked candidates to respond either in writing or with video. We will post written responses on our Facebook site and video on our YouTube channel. We believe that using video will provide candidates with the best engagement but understand that this is not feasible for some candidates. We are asking for these responses to be supplied by the 29th Sept.
3) Island Voice will continue the tradition of a moderated ‘Meet the candidates’ session. This year it will be held online on October 1, 6.00pm – 7.30pm. The meeting will take place via Zoom and be streamed to YouTube. Details of how to login will be posted on the Island Voice FaceBook site closer to the time. Due to the problems of conducting a remote meeting, all questions will be received by email to islandvoice@islandprogress.com.au. We will be collating questions beforehand to ask on the night, these will be asked first, and if there is time we will ask some of the questions emailed on the night. Questions can be directed to individual candidates or all candidates. To be sure of getting your questions asked, please send them in early.
The questions Island Voice has asked the candidates to respond to before the ‘Meet The Candidates’ session are as follows:
- PICAL has been running an increasing number of social programs over the last year to support the community. To continue providing these services PICAL needs suitable premises, and the BCSC planned replacement premises do not fully support their programs. What is your stance on maintaining and improving social programs on PI in the next 5 years?
- Foreshore erosion is an important issue across Bass Coast. Island Voice welcomes the $1.1 million funding to combat the erosion on the Northern foreshore between Rose Ave and Coghlan Rd. What is your position on actively supporting additional advocacy and funding for a planned staged rectification project for the remainder of the Northern foreshore that is also at risk?
- How will you balance the needs of residents, who live here and pay rates, with those of tourists, who use facilities but have limited input to maintaining/developing them?
- Walking tracks along coastal areas are a valuable tourist attraction and of benefit to local residents. What are your thoughts on walking and cycling tracks in general? And in developing a round island coastal walk in particular? Would you support a staged program for a public cleared pathway along the beachside boundaries of the beach-front properties in Silverleaves, Woodlands Ave. and Coghlan Rd. as a starting point for a round Island Coastal walk?
- The council has published its pathway to zero emissions. What are your thoughts on this? What do you believe could be achieved in your 4 years of tenure/plan for PI?
- How will you promote inclusion and equity of access for all Island residents and ratepayers with regard to disability and LGBTQI?
- What is your position on introducing a maximum speed limit of 80 km on the Island and a further reduction on roads where wildlife is in abundance?
- How do you feel about maintaining the current town boundaries of Island settlements?
- What would you do to improve the streetscape in Cowes to enhance its attractiveness to businesses and users?
- What is your position on dogs on the Island, including off-leash access to beaches and enclosed dog parks?
- Please explain your thoughts on the current waste system and what improvements (if any) you think would be beneficial?
- What are your thoughts regarding the management of Air BnBs operating as businesses in residential areas?
- Do you have a business model for creating revenue for the island - instead of relying on rate increases?
- Wildlife is an important part of the environmental attractions that bring tourists to PI, yet we have no 24 hr Animal rescue/Care/rehabilitation provision. PINP make significant money from the Penguins and is in most people’s perceptions the ‘guardian’ of our wildlife. A wildlife hospital can be a tourist drawcard, vis-à-vis Healesville Sanctuary. Are you prepared to advocate strongly with PINP to establish a 24/7 Animal Rescue/Care rehabilitation for all animals across the Shire not just 'the money birds?'
- What do you think of proposed RRV road works in Newhaven? How will you personally ensure the wishes of the Newhaven community are heard?
- Where do you believe is the most appropriate location for the Regional Skate Park?
We will post candidates responses online as we receive them.