David Gill
Coolart Ward, Mornington Peninsula Shire

No, not a member of a political party or affiliated with a political party. Have only run for election at Council level. I have always stood as a completely independent candidate with no vested interests.

What will ruin the Mornington Peninsula is the takeover by Council by political groups or others forming voting blocks that will prevent the judgement of issues on merit. Key issues include local economic recovery, helping businesses, spending ratepayers money more efficiently, back to being declared regional not metropolitan which has badly affected our local economy and protecting coastal and hinterland village character. Protecting our Green Wedge and farming businesses is also a priority for me. A huge concern is the under-funding of roads. Local ratepayers cannot afford the neglected renewal of roads due to decades of under-funding by the State Government. This is the underlying cause of the formation of potholes which can only be temporarily fixed by fill. There are many other community concerns including road safety, loss of trees, mobile internet coverage, planning permit issues, public transport and homelessness though some are not directly Council responsibility we can still raise matters with other levels of Government on behalf of our local community.

I have experience as a local Councillor, background in planning and understanding of Acts of Parliament. I have strong business and advocacy skills which help negotiate best outcomes on behalf of our community. I have always been involved with community groups including homeless advocacy, foreshore committees and president of a local community association. Elected Councillors need more control over Council officers in order to influence favourable outcomes for our community. The State Government has increased the influence of unelected officers.

Yes, I have led the Council efforts to achieve this result. Achieving agreement from the Port Harbour Trust and hoping to convince Governments to assist the Mornington Peninsula which suffers economically from a shortage of low scale industry and lack of affordable housing

We can do this by examining planning overlays that make obtaining housing permits in residential areas difficult. We should not destroy our Green Wedge for farming in the process. We will need our agricultural zoned land even more in the future.

I was shocked that some Councillors did not support the redevlopment of the Rosebud Hospital in a motion that I moved in Council supporting the efforts of the surrounding community to advocate for better facilities. I believe that we need to develop an earmarked nearby site for the long term renewal to a state of the art facility for patients and staff. Council should be working with our community and local MPs to provide a modern hospital given the distance to Frankston Hospital being outside of the ambulance target times for many of us needing help.

I follow up all communication and do not accept no for an answer when I have a request on behalf of residents. I see my role as representing my community and addressing community needs, treating issues on their merits and being available to assist. Council keeps a portal register of requests followed up by Councillors this term. Some Councillors are below fifty, most are several hundred, my register is almost one thousand. I try to ensure no one is forgotten and all problems raised are addressed. Individual concerns are just as important as any other. I am an independent candidate with no political affiliations and have never sought or accepted donations.

That Council always justifies expenditure and keeps Rates as low as possible while providing essential services. That volunteers have been supported and feel recognized. The planning permit system is seen as efficient and cost effective and easy to use for applicants. That small businesses feel supported by Council. That we have maintained the 70% rural to 30% residential balance in the planning scheme. That road maintenance and conditions have provided safety for our residents. An electrified train line to Hastings and a cross Peninsula public bus service. That the Peninsula is returned to being Regional not Metropolitan. That we have persuaded Governments to provide low cost housing and emergency provision for homeless people. That we still have koalas and other wildlife. We achieved worthwhile renewable energy projects, waste reforms, carbon emission targets and water recycling initiatives. That we have taken solid progress in drought proving the Peninsula using recycled water and storm water harvesting for farmland production and bush fire protection. Excellent mobile and internet coverage. A performing arts precinct that matches the delivery of the first class Yawa Aquatic Centre in Rosebud. That Council has best practice communication and transparency with our community. Finally a vibrant economy where Council promotes innovative business opportunities and works to help businesses succeed.

While the relationship remains workable and in the best interests of our community I remain supportive. I trust the way that the present Committee is operating and it does have not-for-profit components. Councillors are elected representatives answerable to our community and must under the Local Government Act reveal any vested interests. I believe that business lobby groups are a part of achieving best outcomes but must be transparent and have community trust.

My vision for the Mornington Peninsula is for a vibrant economy, the protection of our Green Wedge and rural atmosphere, safer roads, improved public transport and the ability to build community by supporting our hard working volunteers and providing assistance to those most in need.