Anthony Marsh
Briars Ward, Mornington Peninsula Shire

No. None. Never!

If I had to pick one word, it would be FOCUS. Local Infrastructure Spending – Commit more budget to better maintain Council infrastructure (incl. community facilities, coastal infrastructure, footpaths, etc.) and local roads across the Shire. We must also demand better value for money in service delivery across Shire services and capital projects. Cost of Living – Be more considerate of current economic circumstances when making decisions about user fees, rates, paid parking, property levy, etc. Our residents and businesses have had to do more with less (be more efficient with their money) and tighten the belt over recent years – the Council needs to do the same. Every cent we raise through rates, user fees, and other revenue sources takes money from our community. All Council spending needs to be evidenced by a great return on investment for our community. Protecting Peninsula Character – The Mornington Peninsula / Mount Martha is an incredible place to live because of our amazing beaches, green wedge and mix of rural and beach character. It's our responsibility as a Council to protect this character while accommodating appropriate development and supporting our local economy. This requires a combination of sustainable development, much more efficient planning (our biggest lever in the local economy), and more pride in keeping our townships clean, tidy and welcoming.

I have been a Councillor for the past four years and was Mayor in 2021/2022. With a background in engineering, technology, and consulting, I've worked across small and large companies, start-ups, government, and the military. I was a Commissioned Officer in the Royal Australian Air Force, have an MBA from the Melbourne Business School, and have completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors course. As a Councillor and Mayor, I applied my leadership and commercial experience to improve Council governance and the overall function of the Council, making us more effective, efficient, focused and transparent. I understand that the role of a Councillor is to provide governance oversight and, where appropriate, to scrutinise reports, something often overlooked or misunderstood. I will continue to demand transparency, balanced reports, and genuine engagement with our various stakeholders.

Yes, absolutely!

The Council already claims to have sufficient supply in adopting the C219 Planning Scheme Amendment. Moving forward, it will be critical that we process planning applications efficiently, provide clear guidance to applicants, industry, and the community, and avoid misguided taxes, which only serve to limit supply and exacerbate the problem.

Yes, absolutely! The Council needs to continue its advocacy to government (and opposition) and to work with all stakeholders in a collaborative and open manner to bring this project to life..

I have shown that I am an effective Councillor and Mayor with a deep understanding of the local government environment, effective working relationships with our local state and federal MPs (both sides of politics), the ability to apply critical thinking and independent judgement of officer reports and to represent the community on local issues. I am apolitical and balanced, with an eye for detail and an unrelenting desire to get the best outcomes for the peninsula. I don't have any political ambition and am genuinely here to serve the community. I get things done!

I want the Mornington Peninsula to be where we all love to live, work and play. It will maintain its incredible character, be surrounded by a well-maintained coastline, supported by quality and cost-effective Council infrastructure, and be home to many thriving businesses and a happy and healthy community. The Council will be highly efficient, effective, outcome-focused, and respected by the community. Our economy will be robust and diverse, with abundant opportunity.

The relationship with CfMP is vital. I was instrumental in the Council becoming a CfMP member during the current term and have maintained excellent relationships with the board and many CfMP members. We must work together and provide a clear message to the State and Federal governments to grow our region. I will continue to support CfMP and the collaborative relationship with the Council into the next term.

No time to waste - Let's get on with it!