See below for all the responses from candidates standing in South Ward, which ranges from Delacombe on the south-west edge of Ballarat CBD down to Durham Lead beyond Buninyong.
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Of the candidates, three of them - Des Hudson, Ben Taylor (the current mayor) and Jim Rinaldi - served on the most recent council. The rest of the those on the Ballarat are all standing for election to local government in Ballarat for the first time.
As with the other questionnaires, all candidates were limited to 50 words each in their answers and any that were submitted exceeding that length have been edited.
IDEAS/VISION
1.What are the three most urgent issues you want to address in council to ensure Ballarat can meet future challenges?
Bridget Aitchison: A post-COVID -19 recovery strategy which includes supporting small businesses and attracting new industries and manufacturing to create jobs. Genuine consultation and transparency - we need a council that actually listens to people and is open and honest about their strategy and decision making. Environmental sustainability and renewable energy.
Tracey Hargreaves: The division and political agendas within council and the public's perception of the larger organisation. The recovery of Ballarat businesses, families and communities due to COVID -19 and lockdowns. Review upkeep of our green and outdoor spaces, push for environmental conservation, amplify indigenous voices and boost events for locals and tourists.
Des Hudson: The most immediate issue will be the appointment of a new CEO to lead the organisation for the next four to five years. Council also needs to engage with business, tourism and events communities to develop a strategic COVID-19 recovery strategy that encourages investment and jobs back into our economy.
Susan Jakobi: I think the rights of Ballarat people must be empowered. The elected council must obey the demands of the people. There is the legal right for the residents to resist and reject any unwanted development. End of excessive rates and revenue raising council fines. Enrich the people, not the council.
Rachel Muir: The most urgent issues I think are preserving the heritage of Ballarat and the removal of trees in the Buninyong Botanical Gardens. We also have to focus on having our community grow to accommodate its diverse needs and our youth must be provided with the prospect of flourishing.
Jim Rinaldi: Ensuring our businesses and communities are supported throughout the COVID-19 recovery. Council needs to maintain its current roads and footpaths as a matter of safety and to keep up with our city's rapid growth. Finally, ensuring that the process for contracts and tenders is transparent and fair for all.
Jackson Snep: Support for business. Council support will ensure our recovery from COVID-19, and grow our local jobs and economy. A stronger community. Support for community programs and improved amenities for residents. Climate action. Progressing the 100% renewables action plan, protecting our green spaces and reducing Ballarat's carbon footprint.
Ben Taylor: Ballarat needs a clear plan for growth and then investment in infrastructure to keep up with this growth. The CBD needs life and a clear strategy for activation. There must be support for the community and businesses in the recovery from the COVID -19 pandemic.
2. What would you change about the current council performance?
Bridget Aitchison: Previously, there has not been enough community consultation, transparency and financial accountability. Council has made too many decisions without talking to the people who will be the most affected and with little financial accountability.
Tracey Hargreaves: The recent Ombudsman's report was damning. It damaged public trust and exposed problematic areas within the organisation. Upper management has thankfully overseen a face lift of the organisation and the time is ripe for fresh leadership. We need positive relationships between staff and council and common, achievable goals.
Des Hudson: Despite the views of some people, this council and previous councils have delivered significantly for our city. Record growth and investment in infrastructure, event attraction and providing opportunities for people to come together have built a very strong Ballarat.
Susan Jakobi: The council must act for the people and not for its own greed. There must be no more dodgy practices. Council must act with integrity, honesty and transparency and make decisions for the betterment of the Ballarat people and not profit margins. No jobs for mates.
Rachel Muir: I think it will be important to encourage and strive for inclusiveness and cultural education as a focus for the next council.
Jim Rinaldi: I would like a review of all delegated authorities to ensure that the community feel that they have been listened to throughout all community consultation process, mediation and final outcomes. I would change open council meetings from one every three weeks, back to fortnightly, to ensure that transparency is ongoing.
Jackson Snep: I'm concerned that a number of current councillors are not taking their role seriously enough. The role of councillor requires high levels of integrity and professionalism. This is especially important as it reflects on our city, its people and affects the culture of the council and its employees.
Ben Taylor: Going forward, I would like to see a direct focus by the next council back to the basics of council. That is roads, rates and rubbish.
3. What specific area(s) would you cut council expenditure and where would you increase expenditure?
Bridget Aitchison: For much of my career I have helped struggling organisations to succeed. Improving services, while at the same time reducing areas of waste, is critical to a well functioning council. For a start, we can stop doing councillors' "vanity projects" and start doing things that people actually want and need.
Tracey Hargreaves: Revise spending on events that send money out of Ballarat, such as the annual food truck festival and focus more on supporting local talent and businesses. Improve maintenance of pockets within the CBD and encourage creative use of existing spaces. Expand on successful regular events like markets.
Des Hudson: The demands of a growing city are many and all residents deserve access to quality services. Council could be a little less ambitious with the annual capital program, but as the city is in a strong financial position, we should be delivering as many projects as possible to stimulate the local economy.
Susan Jakobi: Decrease of wages and expenses. Deny any expense that compromises our prosperity, heritage and cultural identity. Increase expenditure by endorsing events that promote traditional values and the cultural heritage of Ballarat. Increase expenditure for community groups to access public facilities. Sebastopol Gun Club to be reestablished at its original site.
Rachel Muir: I'm unsure what areas need cutting back. However, an increase in expenditure for the Arts would be preferable to showcase the range of diversity in the Ballarat community. This would including live events. Also there should be an increase for community led projects and inclusive spaces for community gatherings.
Jim Rinaldi: Firstly, I would look at council's contract and tenders program and fine tune the process in order to get the best value for money for ratepayers. Any remaining funds could then be returned into core council services.
Jackson Snep: Council expenditure should be carefully considered, and each proposal must be considered on its merits, and whether it stacks up financially, socially and environmentally. I would like to see more community consultation, and a longer term vision from Councillors.
Ben Taylor: I would cut wasteful spending such as unnecessary overseas travel. I would increase council spending on strategic planning to manage the city's growth and spending on road maintenance and upgrades.
EXPERIENCE
4 .What is the largest organisation or project you have overseen or managed and its budget?
Bridget Aitchison: I was in an executive role at a university in charge of their largest division, 500 full-time employees, 2500 active sessional faculty, 17 different education sites plus online delivery, and 12,000 effective full time students. The largest budget I have had direct responsibility for is $165 million.
Tracey Hargreaves: As a secondary teacher I managed thin budgets and large teams, often teaching upwards of 100 small humans a day. I currently manage Absolute Yoga and Pilates, a business I bootstrapped 11 years ago with next to nothing to now currently having two studios, 14 staff and a robust online presence.
Des Hudson: As a former mayor I would identify that role as having a responsibility of the organisation which has over 1000 staff members and an annual budget exceeding $200 million dollars. This was done in conjunction with eight councillor colleagues.
Susan Jakobi: The largest organisation I have worked for is the Australia First Party of Victoria as state organiser, committee member and electoral organiser. The budget of the AFP is confidential and only available to its members.
Rachel Muir: Not Applicable
Jim Rinaldi:I have subcontracted and built my own home, but also have subcontracted and built four shops in a shopping precinct ($300K) 1990's dollar.
Jackson Snep: Since 2014 I have co-managed our family business Welshmans Reef Vineyard, a boutique vineyard and winery. We have several employees and sell our wines locally and overseas. We're also in the process of setting up a new regeneratively farmed vineyard on a new site outside of Ballarat.
Ben Taylor: Ballarat City Council budget of $220 million.
5. What do you count as your most significant achievement?
Bridget Aitchison: Raising my daughters. My husband died when they were babies. We had no life insurance, no savings, nothing. But I worked to support them and studied for my degree, all while making them my number one priority. I am so proud of the amazing adults they have become.
Tracey Hargreaves: Creating and scaling a business that has endured for over a decade and survived a devastating fire, two babies and now a worldwide pandemic.
Des Hudson: I am proud of the investment in sporting infrastructure over many years. Sport contributes significantly to healthy communities. I have driven the long-term sports master plan which has seen over $50 million invested in sports infrastructure and resulted in our kids playing on surfaces that are the envy of many regions.
Susan Jakobi: Apart from being a mother of three young men, my greatest achievement was standing up against the building of a city for thousands of Chinese students in Werribee by running in the 2019 federal election for the seat of Lalor. I received 4094 votes.
Rachel Muir: Being elected on the board of the Ballarat And District Aboriginal Co-operative. Being elected as co-chair of the Koori Engagement Action Group (KEAG). Assisting agencies to develop Reconciliation Action Plans (RAP). Being a part of the Making Lucas Group.
Jim Rinaldi: Marrying my wonderful wife and having four beautiful daughters. The privilege of being a South Ward Councillor. Running the last full 12 Melbourne Marathons - raising money for Cerebral Palsy.
Jackson Snep: I'm extremely proud of our social enterprise Big Hearted Wines, which supports grape farmers who cannot sell their produce. It's operated since 2011 and in that time we have returned hundreds of thousands of dollars to farming families and saved hundreds of tons of grapes from going to waste.
Ben Taylor: Delivering community facilities such as the new basketball stadium, Buninyong Rec Reserve, Sebastopol Library, Marty Busch, Ballarat Link Road, BWEZ, major road upgrades and personally being a father and husband.
6. What do you feel you would bring to council personally?
Bridget Aitchison: I bring business knowledge, strategic thinking, extensive governance experience, but more importantly, I bring empathy. If we re-elect the same people, we will get the same result. I will bring a fresh perspective on council.
Tracey Hargreaves: An authentic, honest and down to earth attitude and an insurmountable belief that we can always do better. If things get a bit stressful in chambers, I can always teach some guided relaxation too.
Des Hudson: I bring valuable experience to a new council. The challenges the next council face coming out of COVID-19 are uncharted. With a new CEO yet to be appointed, and a completely new senior team, a familiar face as the conduit between the public and the organisation will be vitally Important.
Susan Jakobi: I am an Australian nationalist which means I fight only for the best interest of Australians. I stand against the idea of corporate government and the intrusion of globalism into our beloved city. I will fight for the Ballarat people only.
Rachel Muir: Honesty. Truth-telling. No fence-sitting. Diversity.
Jim Rinaldi: I believe I bring an independent, strong work ethic and common sense. As I have run my own local business for more than 20 years, this has provided me with experience on how businesses and community should be supported, as well as leadership, honesty and integrity.
Jackson Snep: I would bring passion and energy, along with vision and ideas for Ballarat. I value honesty and integrity, have a strong sense of fairness and am willing to hear out others and find compromises. I would also bring my business experience and eye for detail.
Ben Taylor: Experience when dealing with planning, managing projects, managing the budget and an understanding of strategic planning needed as the city grows.
COMMITMENT/MOTIVATION
7. How many hours per week can you guarantee to the role of councillor?
Bridget Aitchison: I can commit approximately 20 hours per week with a degree of flexibility to do more or less as required. My kids are grown and out of the house, so as long as my dogs don't mind, my personal time is free to dedicate to the people of Ballarat.
Tracey Hargreaves: I believe somewhere in the range of 10 to 20 hours per week is a fair commitment, depending on what is happening in any given week.
Des Hudson: I will dedicate as much time as is needed to the role of councillor. I work full time with Victoria Police, but my 18 years of experience means I am much more time efficient in dealing with the responsibilities of a councillor. Being available to residents is always my priority.
Susan Jakobi: I can give as many hours per week as the role requires. I am also available on weekends.
Rachel Muir: I would expect more than 10 hours per week, but I will give as many hours as is needed.
Jim Rinaldi: If elected, I can commit that I will be a full time councillor. Although retired, the community is and should be the priority as an elected representative. The role of councillor is a privilege and I commit to as many hours as it takes to get the job done.
Jackson Snep: Being a councillor is an important and demanding role, and as such I expect to allocate 20 to 30 hours a week if elected. I work part time in my family business, and as such have the flexibility to allocate more time to councillor duties during busier periods.
Ben Taylor: I will put in as much as it takes to do the role. Previously this has been approximately 20 to 25 hours per week as a councillor.
SUPPORT/AFFILIATION
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?
Bridget Aitchison: I am a member of the ALP and proud to be part of a progressive team running for council. However, as a councillor my vote is mine to cast on the issues. My campaign is self-funded, and I have had small donations from family and friends.
Tracey Hargreaves: I am not and have never been a member of any political party. I am self funding my campaign along with a public/crowd fundraising page, lots of support from family, friends and my extended Absolute Yoga and Pilates community.
Des Hudson: I am a current member of the ALP and a previous member of the Liberal Party. I have received assistance with graphic design, but the actual financial costs associated with my campaign are my responsibility. I am thankful for the support of family and friends who have helped as well.
Susan Jakobi: I am the state organiser for the Australia First Party Victoria (Editor's note: a far-right political party). I am running as an independent and I am fully funding my own campaign. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, I have no help on the ground with leaflet delivery and am doing this myself. I have moral support from within my party.
Rachel Muir: I have not been a member of any political party or advocacy group.
Jim Rinaldi: I am an independent candidate, entirely self-funded. I am not a member, endorsed or affiliated with any political party. This means my leadership is free from conflicting political issues and is based entirely on what is best for the Ballarat community.
Jackson Snep: I'm proud to be a member of The Greens, who have endorsed me as a candidate. This means I've received assistance in the form of fundraising, online training, administrative support and mentoring, primarily from the Ballarat branch who are active and committed members of our community.
Ben Taylor: Yes, I am a member of the Liberal Party and I am not receiving any support from the Liberal Party as it does not endorse candidates.
BACKGROUND
9. What community organisations do you belong to?
Bridget Aitchison: Committee for Ballarat; Commerce Ballarat; Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Limited - Family and Community Standing Committee member; Notre Dame Rural Clinical School at St John of God - Community Advisory Committee; Ballarat Dachshunds Bark in the Park social group; Ballarat Arts Alive; canoe club; golf club; Winter Woollies for Ballarat.
Tracey Hargreaves: Numerous Facebook groups but nothing in the real world right now. I've spent the last few years looking after my children, getting them settled into school and running the business and now feel I have the time to get involved and give back.
Des Hudson: I am involved with Ballarat Police Blue Light as chair person, life member and coordinator of Blue Light Activities. I have been the chairperson of the Ballarat and District Suicide Awareness Network since it was established in 2011. I am the Chairperson of the Ballarat and District Soccer Association Tribunal.
Susan Jakobi: I am a member of many community organisations which promote traditional Aussie values. However due to my views differing from mainstream politics, I will not mention their names as opposition and anarchist groups target any organisation that is pro Aussie.
Note: The Courier asked for more detail on the groups Susan Jakobi belongs to, but that request was declined.
Rachel Muir: I belong to the Ballarat And District Aboriginal Co-operative (BADAC). The Intercultural Ambassador Program (but I have taken leave to be a candidate). My school community.
Jim Rinaldi: I am a member of the TANN Clan (a Ballarat running group).
Jackson Snep: I am a member of the local climate action advocacy group BREAZE, which pushes for stronger climate policy across all levels of government and promotes renewable solutions. This is something I am extremely passionate about.
Ben Taylor: I belong to the Wildcats Basketball Club, Committee for Ballarat, Ballarat Goldfields ERC and the Buninyong and District Community Association.
10. What do you like to do outside of working life?
Bridget Aitchison: I love spending time with friends, family and my dogs. I am interested in all things working with yarn, knitting and crochet. I kayak, scuba dive, play golf and am learning to ride a mountain bike. I am a mad Formula One fan and am #CollingwoodForever.
Tracey Hargreaves: Family camping trips, bush walks and bike rides. Reading with a cat on my knees, listening to podcasts and catching up and drinking wine with friends.
Des Hudson: Spending time with my family is important. I enjoy playing golf, fishing and am still trying to find my first gold nugget. I struggle with DIY jobs, so as an alternative I love cooking and experimenting with different recipes. Holidaying with family and friends is something I look forward to.
Susan Jakobi: I enjoy gardening, bush walking, and travelling around our district marvelling at its natural, historical and architectural beauty.
Rachel Muir: I enjoy having fun with my husband and two kids.
Jim Rinaldi: I am keen runner and spend four days each week, running across the municipality from 6 am, gardening and family time.
Jackson Snep: I love travel and exploring new places, getting out in the great outdoors, music and concerts, experiencing the great dining scene in Ballarat, and heading up to the snowfields on the odd occasion. I have also reinvigorated my love of reading during lockdown.
Ben Taylor: I enjoy being outside and playing sport to keep fit and spending time with family.
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