Questions for Mornington Peninsula Shire representatives

In the second of our three-part series, Samantha Robin asked these shire councillors whether they would restand in the October 27 election, what they had achieved so far on the council and key issues they wanted to address if re-elected.

Look for responses from the remaining two councillors next week and for constant updates on nominees for the council election.

Also, click on 'Questions for Mornington Peninsula Shire representatives' link at lower right for last week's councillor profiles and 'Taking up the Mornington Peninsula challenge' for profile of Mayor Frank Martin.

Anne Shaw (Balcombe Ward)

I am restanding as there are a lot of projects in Mt Martha and Mornington I would like to see completed. I think some challenges lie ahead with multi-councillor wards but having previously been a resident of Mt Eliza, I am looking forward to the opportunity to represent the whole area. In the 9 years I have been on the council, some of the highlights include 82-kilometres of pathways throughout the shire, the completion of the Bentons Square Community Centre and the Safety Beach Community Centre. We also have the first dog park (in Dunns Road) and getting the pavilion strategy on the map has also been a great achievement. I would like to focus on protecting the peninsula’s special values, and make sure we create opportunities for young people. I also want to see sporting facilities upgraded throughout the shire. I think it is really important for young people to have the opportunity to be engaged in sports. I am a firm believer in getting on with the job and I am looking forward to it.

Bill Goodrem (Rye Ward)

I am definitely planning to restand. Having been on the council for 16 years I think I have a pretty good idea of what people on the peninsula want. I think it is really important we maintain the character of the area — we don’t want to suburbanise the peninsula. Rye’s Up community playground committee, in conjunction with the council and the Rye Action Group, is working on replacing the playground on the Rye foreshore with the support of Rye Lions Club. We have improved footpaths and shared pathways for pedestrian safety. I’d like to see an arterial road built to ease traffic congestion along Point Nepean Road, and we are working with VicRoads on the traffic congestion study. We are also looking at creating local events with a marine theme to attract people to Rye in the winter months. If you want to get people down off season you have to have something to get them down here. I am also pushing to get at least one hard waste collection each year across the shire.

Reade Smith (Cerberus Ward)

I am not restanding. After 12 years on the council I am looking at doing something different with my life. I have had the privilege of serving two communities, Mt Eliza and Cerberus. One of my biggest wins was getting the methane extraction and electricity production at the Rye tip. The beautification of the Mt Eliza streetscape has made a huge difference and many property owners have reinvigorated some of the tired buildings in Mt Eliza. The bicycle strategy and off-road shared bike paths have been other long-term wins. The creation of the indigenous meeting place in Pound Road was also a highlight. Funding to surface Boes Road was important, as was this year’s budget allocation to install intersection treatments or a roundabout at the intersection of Boes and Graydens roads. I hope the council continues to complete some things that need to be finished, such as streetscapes and community open spaces. I would encourage people with a range of interests to run for the council.

Lynn Bowden (Watson Ward)

I am approaching the end of my first term and am keen to restand. One thing I feel is important is streetscape beautification; you want to live in a town that you are proud to invite visitors to. We have managed to get a footpath in Bungower Road and the Tyabb Township Plan has been approved by the council. I am now working towards getting an overall plan for Somerville to find out where it is going in the future. We need the funding for a new pavilion at Fruitgrowers Reserve and are working on a pedestrian crossing in Station Street and traffic lights at Eramosa Road. I am interested in early education and facilities for the youth, including sporting facilities. The shire is working on a pavilion strategy across the peninsula for sporting clubs and we are working on the cenotaph being relocated in Somerville and the development of a Bunguyan Reserve master plan for Tyabb.