Nic Robertson
Warringine Ward, Mornington Peninsula Shire

This is the first time I have run in any election and I do so as a member of Victorian socialists.

The shire has a unique responsibility to its diverse environment. As a person interested in the creative arts the peninsula has an incredibly active and diverse creative community, which can help its tourism and its residents expand recreational activities. Creative industries need to have a place to exhibit and are facilitated. The high commercial rents we are seeing are hurting retail businesses in this area and skyrocketing housing prices and rents are creating a cost of living crises. We need to add some relief in these basic human needs. The council has a strong rhetoric on renewable energy but has been curtailed by vested interests in establishing vital infrastructure to curb the now dangerous levels of emissions and changing weather that will impact all on the peninsula as we are seeing in coastal towns around Australia . The protection of the Ramsar mangroves need to be enforced.

As a teacher and artist I hope I bring creative solutions and the ability to listen to all vested interests in a fair way. I believe I am a good communicator and researcher. I have respect for the working community that creates the foundation of not just the warrangine ward but all of the peninsula.

I think this needs further consultation. There seem to be valid concerns that the western port mangroves and sea grasses which is a living bay of great diversity could be greatly damaged there are multiple reports mentioned in this proposal that would take a while to properly consider. Nowhere is it stated what all this industry would be and what impact it would have on prime food growing areas. There are already many empty factories in Hastings built in the last few years. Growth for profit without consideration of fragile ecosystems is bad business. But I’m open to reviewing these concepts further if a case for renewable industries is made.

The Victorian socialists have strong policies around increased housing and rent issues please refer to our website. Victoriansocialists.org.au.

Yes it’s a vital facility for the peninsula. My son was born there.

The reason to vote for a Victorian socialist is our track record at standing up for working people against unjust and unprincipled policies by major parties at all level of government. As a VS candidate I offer a real alternative to corporate interests and will stand for the environment and workers before corporate profits.

A more livable environment, a better economy for working and lower paid workers . An alternate voice to the trickle down economics assisted for the last forty years by most candidates. A place where creative people have an outlet to show their work. More festivals and ways to improve the lives of residents essential needs. A better deal for our public schools. A real move to renewable energy. As one person I will fight for these principles. Collectively we can win them.

According to the mission statement. I would say we have common ground and I would look forward to working with all parties to improve our shire and this ward. From your web site: “The Committee is an independent, non-partisan, member-based organisation which works beyond partisan politics to enhance the social, economic, and environmental sustainability of our region.”

If people want real change they need to vote for it. That’s what I offer. For further information about myself and the vic socialist policies please visit. Victoriansocialists.org.au