We asked candidates to complete every question and keep their responses to 50 words. Candidates' answers are presented alphabetically.

1.What are the three most urgent issues you want to address in council to ensure Ballarat can meet future challenges?

Ellen Burns: The next council will immediately face COVID recovery, the bush fire season and a booming but fractured and isolated community. I will focus on supporting our local economy and jobs creation, tackling our climate and waste crises and supporting community-focused development and community networks.

Peter Eddy: Appointing the best available CEO in Australia to lead the council for the next five years, developing a plan to reboot our local economy post COVID, reviewing the current council budget to ensure we prioritise items to boost the economy and support jobs retention and growth.

David Harris: Returning integrity and proper governance to the council chamber. Positioning the municipality to work with state and federal governments during recovery from the COVID pandemic. Enhancing Maternal and Child Health Services across the northern and western growth areas.

Bryn Hills: Recovery from COVID. Providing support to communities and businesses to rebuild and reconnect after severe social dislocation. Supporting policies that mitigate climate damage and fully recognise the importance of food choices in responding to the climate emergency. Recognition of the biodiversity crisis as a high priority.

Amy Johnson: Supporting Ballarat businesses and the community to recover from the pandemic. Planning for significant population growth to maintain Ballarat's liveability as it grows. Increasing funding for sport and community infrastructure, as these facilities are very important to overall community health and well being.

Daniel Moloney: Our post-COVID recovery must be the focus with support to get businesses open again. We will hire a new CEO who must implement culture change across the organisation. I also want council to get moving on a range of transport projects to ensure we're keeping up with population growth.

Jay Morrison: We need a plan led by council to deliver more local jobs. We need to better consult with the community on our decision-making so we can focus on delivering the services they need. We need more investment in community infrastructure like roads, footpaths, playgrounds, and whatever each community requires.

Grant Tillett: Facilitating the best outcome from COVID that council can provide within the capacity of the organisation. The words "capacity of the organisation" are very pertinent - council will be limited in what it can do because it has to be able to guarantee its operational viability going forward.

2. What would you change about the current council performance?

Ellen Burns: Recent councils have failed to oversee the organisation competently and displayed poor financial management. There needs to be improved efficiency and efficacy in projects and spending and a more cohesive and compassionate council. I would like to see councillors work together more effectively towards a shared vision of Ballarat.

Peter Eddy: We need a council which will be able to restore community confidence, one which is above personality or party politics, which will provide strong and effective leadership for our community. It also needs to ensure community input and understanding of the development of planning - and then gets that plan delivered.

David Harris: The current council does not focus on much more than internal arguments. Its record is testament to a group of individuals who are not a cohesive team working in the interest of Ballarat. If elected I will work to bring integrity, fairness and community focus to a team of councillors.

Bryn Hills: The transparency of council business. I will work to increase community engagement, support of community volunteers such as wildlife rescuers and the promotion of inclusivity, diversity and rationality. The recognition of the 'think global, act local maxim' is important so council uses its role to lead community attitudes.

Amy Johnson: Council has just employed a whole new team of strong and dynamic general managers. There's no doubt that these new staff are changing the culture of the organisation and there's no doubt this will lead to better overall organisational performance.

Daniel Moloney: It's important to note that council staff are fantastic, professional people. However, I think they need better leadership and direction on projects. Staff can't properly manage project budgets without clear scopes, business cases and priority setting. This must improve with better project management systems.

Jay Morrison: We need a council that consults with the community, works better together to deliver the services and infrastructure the community requires, and is focused on investing in our local jobs and community first. This should be done in a transparent way that benefits every ward, not just Ballarat's inner city.

Grant Tillett: This council has been through some internal turmoil. Serious structural change is under way. Any changes I seek should come from within that work. No councillor can have a hand in that as a task because "it's an operational issue" - the short term for operational is "secret".

3. What specific area(s) would you cut council expenditure and where would you increase expenditure?

Ellen Burns: A recent audit criticised councillors for failing to complete business plans for the whole of life cost of projects. I believe priority should be given to projects that will see the greatest benefit to the community, in the short and long term, with attention given to full costing and timelines.

Peter Eddy: I would reduce expenditure on consultancies immediately. I would also review how many of these consultancies could be done by qualified council employees instead. I would seek to maximise the amount the council is spending on supporting our local businesses to restart once COVID has passed.

David Harris : I would not propose any service cuts. I would increase Maternal and Child Health Services Early Learning Services, the implementation of the Cardigan Village Plan, the Learmonth Plan and the Miners Rest Township Plan.

Bryn Hills: In line with current budget policy, I would not be looking to cut services in terms of provision or quality and maintenance or support to the local community. Post COVID it is important that the community and its needs are given absolute priority.

Amy Johnson: Projects like the refurbishment of the A-Hall at the Town Hall are lavish, unnecessary and the result of 'Mayoral Pet Projects'. These funds should be redirected to fixing our roads and upgrading our sporting and community facilities.

Daniel Moloney: There should not be overseas junkets for councillors. To save the most though, we need better project management to stop the over-runs. However, I think it would be a mistake to slash services, as some candidates are suggesting with their multi-million dollar rates cut / freezes rhetoric.

Jay Morrison: Budget cuts mean cuts to services and jobs. I won't cut services or jobs at a time when we should be strengthening community services and local employment opportunities. I want to see targeted investment in projects that create jobs and expand infrastructure such as roads, footpaths, playgrounds and parks.

Grant Tillett: Increase expenditure on rural roads and waste recovery and reuse. There will need to be more staff employed in a couple of areas, planning for one. My view is it would be hard to identify any line item in the current budget where genuine savings could be made.

4. What is the largest organisation or project you have overseen or managed and its budget?

Ellen Burns: I have been running my own business, We Bar None, for five years. I built it from the ground up and remain completely self-funded. In my work as the president of volunteer group, The Hidden Orchard, I manage a committee of 12 and a volunteer list of over 100.

Peter Eddy: In my professional career (CEO, Ballarat Basketball) I managed a business with an annual turnover of $5.8M, 55 staff and over 1,000 volunteers.

I was a member of the Project Control team with state government and council that delivered the $24m Ballarat Sports Events Centre.

David Harris : As an Assistant Chief Fire Officer with the CFA, I have managed a district in the outer metropolitan area of Melbourne comprising 40 fire stations, 2500 plus personnel, more than $50 million of assets and an annual budget of $39 million of public funds used to deliver essential services.

Bryn Hills: In my role as instrumental music coordinator at Ballarat High School, I currently oversee the procurement, hire, maintenance and upkeep of a fleet of musical instruments worth in excess of $100,000.

Amy Johnson: In addition to eight years with the City of Ballarat, I've been a Director and Board Member of Highland's Regional Waste Management, Commerce Ballarat and Ballarat Regional Tourism, including setting the strategy and budget for these organisations.

Daniel Moloney: I have been a councillor overseeing the $200 million annual council budget. However, I also bring my own small business management experience of the past seven years, and 23 years' experience managing large and small departmental budgets for past government and private sector employers.

Jay Morrison: For over three years, I served as vice president and president on the board of DUSA, which operated a number of businesses, employed hundreds of staff and generated an annual turnover of $17.5 million. I developed its first five year strategic plan, hired a new CEO and grew front line services.

Grant Tillett: Managing the final stages of the construction of Thunderdome Nascar Motor Racing facility at Calder Park Raceway at Keilor, managing the main Calder Park motor and drag racing complex and Adelaide International Motor Raceway and Drag Racing facility at Virginia, South Australia, budget $25 million.

5. What do you count as your most significant achievement?

Ellen Burns: In 2018, I became the first business owner in Victoria to use ABA certified home-compostable wrappers on my energy bar range. My business has become a case study for brands around the world wishing to reduce their waste and increase their sustainability.

Peter Eddy: Working with government, council, and the community to develop the Ballarat Sports Events Centre and to support other precinct projects at Mars Stadium and the CE Brown Reserve along with being the lead advocate for the $24 million in funding needed for the BSEC project.

David Harris: Successfully addressing the rapid growth at Miners Rest Primary School in my role as school council president for six years. Together our school council and community lobbied for and established an $800 thousand kindergarten in 2015 and a $21 million primary school expansion in 2018, where construction started this month.

Bryn Hills: My biggest achievement is my career as an educator in the state system. For over a quarter of a century I have engaged with young people and provided an avenue for expression, growth and development. This is crucial work in building an inclusive and functioning society.

Amy Johnson: Spearheading the delivery of Ballarat's green waste service is something I'm very proud of. I'm also proud of my track record of listening to our community and representing your views in the council chamber, even if this has landed me in hot water with my colleagues.

Daniel Moloney: I am particularly proud of helping to build an events calendar for Ballarat that is the envy of most regional cities. As the chair of Her Majesty's Theatre board I am proud of my role in helping to foster the artistic talents of our community.

Jay Morrison: Despite leaving home at 16, I was the first in my family to finish high school and then the first to go to university, while juggling multiple jobs to support myself. I then worked and saved to become the first in my family to buy a house.

Grant Tillett: For the Harness Racing Board of Victoria, I had charge of the development and introduction of a complete review of the internal workings of the industry, including the design and development of the first suite of industry specific computer software and its integration into harness racing in Victoria, later deployed nationally.

6. What do you feel you would bring to council personally?

Ellen Burns: I will bring strong leadership, new ideas, long term vision, integrity and compassion. I am goal oriented and process driven, and able to work with others effectively to get things done. I understand, respect, and commit to the role of representing my community as a councillor.

Peter Eddy: The ability to build a strong relationship with all members of council and to contribute my life experience and learning to best represent the city. My experienced leadership skills across a broad range of community matters. I can network and build significant professional relationships across a diverse range of organisations.

David Harris: I will bring integrity, fairness and a focus on community. I am skilled both as a public servant, a community advocate and a leader. The residents, ratepayers and businesses of Ballarat can be assured that I will act impartially, make evidence-based decisions, spend responsibly and promote transparency.

Bryn Hills: I would bring skills that have shaped my life. My career has been based on collegiality and innovation. The teams I have worked in have gained recognition both locally and nationally. Forty years as a musician has also taught me much about collaboration and expression.

Amy Johnson: What I bring to the council is strong leadership and decisiveness. For too long council has floundered. Ballarat has been held back due to the inability to make a decision. We must appropriately scrutinise matters and then act decisively.

Daniel Moloney: I bring a good combination of heart, experience and knowledge. While I have a Bachelor of Arts, Diploma of Business and MBA this doesn't mean much without the supporting real life experience and genuine care for our community. I think a combination of personal and professional skills is important.

Jay Morrison: I'm focused on getting things done and will build allies to deliver projects and services. As part of my work, I consult, develop solutions, advocate for change and secure results. I will bring this goals oriented approach to council when it comes to budget setting, strategic planning and policy development.

Grant Tillett: I have brought and would continue to bring to council the maturity of thought which only life experience can teach. Not even Federation University can teach 68 years of working life experience. I am judged as being an old man, this is not to my detriment, but my strength.

7. How many hours per week can you guarantee to the role of councillor?

Ellen Burns: I understand the scope and demands of the role and expect to dedicate at least 25 hours per week to my duties as a councillor. As I am self-employed, I am able to be flexible with my time and be there for my community whenever I am needed.

Peter Eddy: I have deliberately chosen to nominate for council at a time in my life when this will be my focus for the next four years. I will be able to contribute whatever hours are necessary to be an effective, contributing councillor.

David Harris: I have transitioned out of volunteer leadership roles in the community and transferred to a less demanding role with my employer. Previously my full time employment and volunteering occupied 60 to 70 hours per week. Having reduced those commitments, I can guarantee 20 hours per week to council.

Bryn Hills: The Municipal Association of Victoria, the legislated peak body for local government in Victoria, recommends that a councillor would need to spend in the vicinity of 10 to 20 hours per week on council duties and I am prepared for at least this level of commitment.

Amy Johnson: As many as are required, depending on the week. Some weeks councillors need to work 30 to 40 hours, depending on which committees and boards you sit on. Other weeks may be quieter. I'll continue to allocate sufficient time to complete my role satisfactorily.

Daniel Moloney: Over the past four years as a councillor, I have found the hours vary. However it is typically about 25 hours per week and about 30 hours when I was deputy mayor. I understand the commitment and I will continue to work hard and smart.

Jay Morrison: 21 hours. If elected, I will move to part time work so I can guarantee more time to the role. This doesn't include weekend and after work commitments, or the regular community consultation and listening posts I want to engage in so residents can give input into my decision making.

Grant Tillett: Being a councillor has been a vocation. Should I return nothing would change. On average I devote around 12 hours per day to council stuff. I attended all council meetings which were scheduled and all briefings and an enormous number of other gatherings.

8. Are you or have you ever been a member of any political party or advocacy group and what kind of support are you getting in your campaign?

Ellen Burns: I am a member of The Greens and am running as an endorsed candidate. The Greens have supported council candidates through training webinars, fundraising, proofreading and other services. I have received support from family, friends and local supporters in the form of donations, letter boxing and hosting posters.

Peter Eddy: I have never been a member of any political party and I value my independent status. I was in the past a member of the Committee for Ballarat and Ballarat Regional Tourism. I have a committed team of family and friends supporting my campaign.

David Harris: I have not been a member of a political party or advocacy group. I am funding my campaign personally and not accepting donations. I am receiving some in-kind support from family and friends who proofread my correspondence and who may deliver flyers if allowed under COVID restrictions.

Bryn Hills: I am a member of the Animal Justice Party and have been endorsed as such for this election. The main area of support for my campaign will be through the involvement of our local members and supporters through social media and letter boxing.

Amy Johnson: I'm a member of the Liberal Party. The party isn't endorsing candidates for council.

Daniel Moloney: I am an endorsed member of the ALP. While there is graphic design support, I am otherwise funding my own campaign. I think it's important to be honest and transparent as there's been no shortage of fake independents and voting blocs not disclosed to ratepayers.

Jay Morrison: I'm a proud member of the ALP and am open about my party membership. I'm withdrawing from my mortgage buffer and relying on donations from friends to fund my campaign. I also advocate for more community infrastructure for North Ward as part of the Committee for Ballarat North.

Grant Tillett: I am self-funded. I am currently a member of the Liberal Party but will not be renewing the association. I have been a member of: The North West Awareness Group, now defunct; the Ballarat Residents and Ratepayers Association, and The Committee for Miners Rest (resigning before the last elections).

9. What community organisations do you currently belong to?

Ellen Burns: I am the co-founder and president of The Hidden Orchard, a volunteer group that harvests unwanted fruit and redistributes it to over 30 Ballarat food relief charities and community organisations. I am also a committee member of the Ballarat Permaculture Guild.

Peter Eddy: I am a committee member of the Ballarat Events Reference Group, St Columba's Finance Committee and a local community charity trust fund.

David Harris: I belong to the Miners Rest Primary School council, Ballarat Harriers Athletic Club, Committee for Ballarat - Health and Education Project Team and City of Ballarat Grants Allocation Committee. I am affiliated with 5th Ballarat Scouts and Eureka Golden City Hockey Club.

Bryn Hills: I have been a member of the Ballarat City Football Club for over a decade and a life member of the Daylesford and Hepburn United Soccer Club. As a musician I have contributed to many community events and fund raising initiatives, the most recent being Ballarat's Best for Bushfire Relief.

Amy Johnson: I'm a member of quite a few community committees and am currently the chair of the Ballarat Aquatic & Lifestyle Centre Committee. I'm also a member of Her Majesty's Theatre Advisory Committee, the Ballarat Community Safety Advisory Committee and a member of the Australian Local Government Women's Association.

Daniel Moloney:I have been a volunteer rowing coach for Ballarat High School for 10 years and am a rower for Ballarat City Rowing Club. Otherwise at Council I have been a part of the airport, heritage, Eureka, Lake Wendouree and Arch of Victory / Avenue of Honour advisory committees.

Jay Morrison: My involvement with the community is a big part of who I am and why I'm standing. I sit on the Committee for Ballarat North, am a director of Ballarat Frolic Festival, volunteer with Food Is Free Laneway, and am working hard to establish the Ballarat Tool Library.

Grant Tillett: I am a member of the Masonic Lodge.

10. What do you like to do outside of work?

Ellen Burns: I love camping and hiking with my husband Michael, cooking and eating, attending music festivals, singing, dancing, art and travelling. My main passions are food, the environment, and people, which is why my hobbies, business, and community involvement all revolve around the same things!

Peter Eddy: Apart from my voluntary committee engagements, my wife and I enjoy walking, theatre and music events and most sports events.

David Harris: Spending time with family, keeping fit at the gym, cross country running, wood working and reading biographies.

Bryn Hills: Outside of working life I enjoy football, (football tragic is the term I think) socialising with family, friends and colleagues, gardening (my front and back yards are veritable forests) and playing music with a variety of Ballarat acts, such as Vonda Bouys and the Falsettos and Ballarat Ska Union.

Amy Johnson: I'm a very family and community-oriented person. I like to be around other people and especially love festivals and events. I also enjoy short trips away in the caravan, bush walking, being outdoors, the gym, swimming, live music and playing with my beautiful daughter.

Daniel Moloney: Cycling is my stress relief and fitness time, and I love being on the lake coaching rowing. As a single dad, spending time with my year 9 son is also important to me as well as my other son at uni who I miss terribly as he's living in Melbourne.

Jay Morrison: When not volunteering, I enjoy working on my home or in the garden and catching up with friends at a local cafe, pub or art gallery. I barrack for Geelong and like to go to AFL games. I also enjoy cycling, and swimming at the local aquatic centre.

Grant Tillett: I maintain a business interest in broadacre farming, road transport and logistics.

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