Name: Allan Carter
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Ward: North
Occupation: Road safety and traffic management
Political affiliation: Not known
Mr Carter did not respond to The Courier's request for information.
This information has been taken from his candidate statement on the Victorian Electoral Commission website.
1. My vision for Ballarat is making sure the community has a voice in determining Ballarat's future. My goal is for council to focus on providing the Ballarat community a service ensuring a progressive, friendly and sustainable future. I want open community consultation.
2. I will bring transparency and integrity to the council. I will listen and respond in a friendly and timely manner.
Name: Amy Johnson
Ward: North
Occupation: Health promotion practitioner
Political affiliation: Not stated
1. Keeping rates low, eliminating excessive and wasteful spending, re-focusing council priorities back to core services, making senior council officers accountable for their actions, making decisions on key projects, such as the Civic Hall and the saleyards, promoting and supporting our business sector to encourage jobs growth and ensuring council listens to the community.
2. I would bring much-needed energy, hard work and a long-term vision to the role of councillor, as well as a commitment to really listen to the community. I am a strong leader and plan to review senior council officer's performance and to cut red tape and bureaucratic nonsense early on the council term.
Name: Belinda Coates
Ward: Central
Occupation: Social worker
Political affiliation: Greens
1. Our community deserves strong representation on issues like Civic Hall and TAFE support. My focus is high quality services, responsible financial management, sustainability, job creation, waste management, better pedestrian and cycling infrastructure and more community arts support. We need an honest, open council and genuine community engagement to build community trust.
2. I bring commitment, passion and a strong voice for our community. I'm an effective advocate and bring skills to foster genuine community engagement. I bring inclusive leadership skills and the ability to be an effective team member.
Name: Daniel Moloney
Ward: North
Occupation: Marketing and communications manager
Political affiliation: None
1. We need decisive people who can get on with major projects. Indecisiveness has stalled our great city, and businesses willing to invest are too often tied up in red tape. The new council must act quickly to develop a clear vision for the city and lobby governments with a checklist of major infrastructure improvements to be committed to as part of upcoming federal and state elections.
2. I can help council's communication with the community. I bring new ideas, enthusiasm and a determination to not let Ballarat be relegated to the history pages. We can have a more vibrant future, but only if we establish a 'can-do' culture.
Name: David Eldridge
Ward: South
Occupation: Lawyer and horticulturist
Political affiliation: Greens
1. Building trust within our community. Managing planning and development effectively. Enhancing Ballarat's unique qualities while encouraging sustainable development. Council must make decisions in a timely manner. It cannot rush new development but it also must not delay.
2. My experience as a lawyer means I understand process and negotiation. I am an advocate, a facilitator, an explainer and a decision-maker. I
do things the right way. I will prepare for meetings and decisions thoroughly. My personal and political values mean I will commit to open and transparent decisions. It is critical we elect councillors who are responsive and capable. I have the qualities Ballarat needs.
Name: Des Hudson
Ward: South
Occupation: Police officer
Political affiliation: ALP member
1. This council has achieved significant results, with strong financial responsibility, consistent low rate increases, and delivering record capital programs. We need to continue to plan for population growth. We also need to ensure there are new employment opportunities and suitable land available to support new investment. With an ageing population we need to ensure access to medical services and other associated aged care services.
2. I bring 10 years of valuable experience to the new council. I understand local government processes and procedures. I am comfortable negotiating with all government levels and I can be relied upon to make up my own mind on every issue.
Name: Gary Fitzgerald
Ward: Central
Occupation: Retired public relations/customer service worker, volunteer and council watcher
Political affiliation: Independent
What do you think are the big issues facing the new council:
I want more openness and consultation. I want to get away from the 'closed door' decisions that seem to be made at the moment.
I think the projects which haven't been started yet, such as the Civic Hall and the saleyards, need to be completed within this term of council. There should be no more passing the buck.
Planning matters also seem to be getting a lot of objectors. People seem to think they are not getting a fair hearing so the council needs to get more involved in planning issues.
What do you think you can bring to the new council?
I think people often gets answers from council that are so detailed they can't understand them. I would bring the facts back. The public needs to be more informed.
Name: Glen Crompton
Ward: Central
Occupation: House-husband
Political affiliation: None
1. During this campaign, I've knocked on over a thousands doors and I've learnt that the next council must regain the lost trust of the community.
The council also needs to improve maintenance of drains, footpaths and roads. As well, business support matters are vital.
Once we get that right, we can work on the future.
2. I have 20 years of administration management, which means I can read financial and legal documents, and build a team.
Those are the skills I'll bring to council as I scrutinise everything put before me before I cast my vote.
Name: Jenny Overington
Ward: Central
Occupation: Finance and education and training
Political affiliation: None
1. We need to see a lot more spent on the basics and attend to what the community wants. I do think there are a huge range of things to deal with on limited funds. Rate increases also need to be monitored.
2. I bring an independent, inquiring mind. I am truly independent and I am very interested in this community and the city of Ballarat. Ballarat deserves to really prosper.
We are facing rapid growth and we need to get the balance right so that Ballarat remains a cohesive but diverse city. I will put my finance, education and training background to good use.
Name: Jim Rinaldi
Ward: South
Occupation: Car industry
Political affiliation: Independent
1.The biggest issue facing the council is trying to bring respect back to the council. People don't feel heard or they feel like they are being over-ridden by council staff.
There also needs to be a solution to the Western Highway and Brewery Tap Road corner at Warrenheip. It's a disaster waiting to happen.
The new council should be all about trying to do what's best for Ballarat.
2. I can bring to the council my life experiences, being in positions of leadership and being able to make decisions. I will not only listen but hear what's being said.
Name: John Burt
Ward: Central
Occupation: School principal
Political affiliation: Financial Liberal Party member, but standing as an independent
This council needs to take control of what's happening in the city of Ballarat.
The council must be in a position to create policy and to have the council officers implement that policy so ownership becomes the responsibility of the council itself, who are the elected representatives of the ratepayers. We also have to make decisions.
What I bring to council is the experience I've had in education for a long time. I have built two new schools and dealt with bureaucracy in general.
I believe I am a "can do" person.
Name: John Philips
Ward: North
Occupation: Small business operator in plumbing and farming
Political affiliation: None
1. Ballarat is Victoria's fastest growing regional city and much of that growth will be in the north ward. Adequate planning and infrastructure is vital, as is providing for existing ratepayers and businesses. Council must provide a clear direction, based on strong financial planning and sustainable growth to allow new and existing businesses to invest in Ballarat. Affordable and safe family friendly urban areas with good road connections are needed now.
2. I have knowledge and experience gained over more than four years as a councillor. My proven strong management background in how council operates will be invaluable for a new council.
Name: Joshua Morris
Ward: South
Occupation: Teacher
Political affiliation: Not state
1. Indecision has crippled our current council, the Civic Hall and the saleyards are just two examples of this. I believe our next council needs to drive Ballarat forward by making the hard decisions and achieving positive results for the people of Ballarat.
2. I am passionate about Ballarat and its future. I will bring to council energy to take on all challenges Ballarat faces and the courage to stand up to senior council officers. I have the strength to make decisions and I will also be willing and available to listen to the concerns of all residents.
Name: Mark Harris
Ward: Central
Occupation: Doctor
Political affiliation: None
1. This is a watershed election. Ballarat's growth rate is the highest since the gold rush. The next four years will be critical in guiding this growth, deciding if we will be a vibrant regional capital or a dormitory suburb on Melbourne's fringe. Local planning vision or governance failure now could leave market forces or the whim of central governments deciding our futures without reference to local communities.
2. While only mayor for ten months, and from a non-bureaucratic health background, I am passionate about Ballarat's unique culture and lifestyle. We need to get the next four years right and a medical and military background can help make a new vision straightforward and clear.
Name: Matthew Freeman
Occupation: Media professional
Ward: Central
Political affiliation: Not stated
1. As Ballarat's population grows, we will need to increase employment. The council should work with state and federal governments and relevant industries to attract well-paid jobs to Ballarat. The next Ballarat council must work hard for job creation, building projects and community services. It also should stand up for TAFE opportunities for everyone.
Also, I'd like to see the issue of a hard rubbish pick-up discussed by the council.
2. I can bring commitment, experience and energy to the job. I'm keen to represent people from all sections of the Ballarat community.
Name: Matthew Freeman
Occupation: Media professional
Ward: Central
Political affiliation: Not stated
1. As Ballarat's population grows, we will need to increase employment. The council should work with state and federal governments and relevant industries to attract well-paid jobs to Ballarat. The next Ballarat council must work hard for job creation, building projects and community services. It also should stand up for TAFE opportunities for everyone.
Also, I'd like to see the issue of a hard rubbish pick-up discussed by the council.
2. I can bring commitment, experience and energy to the job. I'm keen to represent people from all sections of the Ballarat community.
Name: Peter Innes
Occupation: Teacher and Young Mum's Group co-ordinator
Ward: South
Political affiliation: Independent
1. The most important thing is to make a decision on the Civic Hall. We need to review all the processes to date and make a decision. I think once a decision is made, the council will regain some of the community's respect and trust. I'm also concerned that we have an effective use of consultants and we should review all our current consultant processes.
2. I have a passion for Ballarat, the experience and the determination to make Ballarat back into the number one provincial city.
If you are a councillor, you have to do the best job you can, act with humility and make sure you work as a team.
Name : Samantha McIntosh
Ward: Central
Occupation: Real estate sales consultant
Political affiliation: Liberal Party member
1. The five Ps. We need to be players and work in a team. We need to plan with financial responsibility. People and community are important. We need to protect our history ensuring we retain the unique beauty of Ballarat. And we need project completion of unfinished ventures like the Civic Hall and the saleyards.
2. I have 20 years experience as a small business owner. I have been a councillor for four years and I ask tough questions, have resilience through difficult times and the ability to get the job done.
Name: Scott Hebbard
Ward: North
Occupation: Communications manager for an IT company
Political affiliation: Australian Labor Party member
1. There's the traditional roads, rates and rubbish, a lack of services in the north ward, especially around sporting precincts, underinvestment in things like roads, the need to communicate better with residents and promoting the city.
2. I have a background in education and governance. I have experience with a large budget similar to the city's during my time on the University of Ballarat council and I have expertise in communication and marketing, dealing with people and governance at a high level.
Name: Stephen Pelchen
Ward: South
Occupation: Business manager
Political affiliation: None
1The biggest issue facing the new council is money waste and the culture within the organisation.
The council needs to change how things are tied up by bureaucracy.
The new council also needs to make processes for business easier and control money wastage so more money can be spent on the proper things needed around town.
If we do all that, I think you will find people will be much happier dealing with Town Hall.
2. I will bring commonsense and financial accountability to a new council.
I also have a strong determination to drive cultural change.
Name: Sundram Sivamalai
Ward: South
Occupation: Nurse
Political affiliation: Independent
1. I would like to serve in council and, if lucky enough to be elected, I would like to see improved governance and transparency in council.
The council should be accountable to all the residents and ratepayers of Ballarat.
2. I have been on several boards and I understand the role of governance and setting direction for senior management to deliver.
I have lived here for 24 years and my children have been educated here and I just want to give back to the community that has given so much to me and my family.
Name: Vicki Coltman
Ward: North
Occupation: Lead On Ballarat executive officer
Political affiliation: I am a member of the Liberal Party which does not endorse candidates.
1. Councillors need to regain the community's confidence and trust. They must build a relationship based on mutual respect between the council, council officers and community. Effective leadership is achieved by proactive community consultation ensuring council projects meet community needs; and must be delivered on time and on budget.
2. Through my business and community experience I know the best way to make real and lasting change is working from inside an organisation. As a senior manager I have worked for large, small, private and public organisations. My unique skill set enables me to provide insight and leadership.