Red Hill Ward
Claire Thorn 

The big issue facing the Mornington Peninsula is getting through and recovering from the pandemic. Other persistent issues are a lack of public transport, (which has the greatest impact on young people and older people that don’t drive) and the status of the Shire as a metropolitan local government area has left us disadvantaged and exposed.

The natural environment, green wedge and the character of our unique coastal and hinterland villages must to be protected from inappropriate development. The Shire must do all it can to prevent the AGL or the Hillview/RE Ross proposals going ahead because the damage to our unique environment will irreversible and have a negative impact on our farms and residential areas.

I will bring to a new council 20 years of public administration experience. I understand the challenges of setting budgets within resource constrained environments. I know how to develop strategic plans that can be fully operationalized. Iunderstandwhatgoodgovernancemeans. Iamknownformystrongvaluesbase.Ithriveon finding creative solutions to complex problems, building skilled and motivated teams, and designing and conducting consultative processes that engage diverse and hard to reach stakeholders .

I have a life-long passion for the Peninsula. I am an active community contributor. I have extensive community and public sector experience with relevant professional credentials; B.Arts (Monash), Master of Public Policy and Management, (UoM), Executive Masters - Public Administration, (ANZSOG), Graduate Australian Institute of Company Directors. I know how government works and I know how to get things done in efficient, effective and collaborative ways.

Why stop at Baxter? I remember taking the train to Mornington as a child and I cannot understand why it was removed. I would like the train line returned to Mornington and the Stony Point Line electrified to Bittern.

Expand the business support package delivered by the Shire to help local businesses and employers through the unprecedented effects of COVID-19. Local council needs to work proactively with the State and Federal governments to get the best deal for local businesses and employers.

The Mornington Peninsula should not be disadvantaged by being considered part of metropolitan Melbourne. Addressing this should be a priority of a newly elected Mornington Peninsula Council.

I do not support the current approach. It is expensive and ineffective. I would ask the CEO to instigate an independent investigation of the culture and decision making of the council teams driving these actions. A more harmonious and productive relationship with ratepayers can be achieved through genuine collaboration and consultation.

COVID-19 has had an impact on individuals, families, businesses, community groups in many different ways; loss of income, loss of business, loss of independence, greater stress, greater loneliness throughout our communities. We have also seen bursts of innovation, creativity, generosity and kindness.

Council needs to create a strategic plan that will reflect an understanding of the impact of COVID-19 across the Shire and what’s going to make a difference.

The Council should streamline its processes; attract new grants from the State and Federal Government; reconsider how existing programs and processes take account of the impact of COVID.
Whatever changes are made need to be undertaken in partnership with the residents and business on the Peninsula. Communication needs to be open and regular.

Council needs to reshape the budget to respond to the crisis.

I am ready to be the next representative of the Red Hill Ward; which will combine my passion for the Peninsula, my public sector expertise and my commitment to serving my local community.  I am a permanent resident of the Red Hill Ward and I plan to live here forever. I have been an active contributor in my local community for the last ten years.  My working life over the last 25 years has included community and public sector roles in health, human services and education. I know how government works and I know how to get things done in efficient and collaborative ways.  I am known for my strong values base and commitment to community engagement and consultation - ensuring all voices are heard.  I have qualifications in public policy development, management and governance which makes me more than ready to sit at the council table.

The actions of a strategic plan to respond to COVID-19 are delivered NO further harm to the environment – Western Port and Arthurs Seat are saved  Renewable energy initiatives in place across the Peninsula The actions of the plan ‘Our Climate Emergency Response From 2020 to 2030’ are delivered An efficient and fair planning system in placeA better deal from the State government so we receive the same benefits as regional Victoria More spaces and services for young people Business has thrived and more people are employed on the PeninsulaA transport system that connects people across the Peninsula including a plan for electrified rail to reach Mornington and Bittern not just Baxter Affordable and collaborative methods of engagement are in place so that all voices are heard  Community halls are repurposed for community connection, remote working and community gardenGreater confidence in the Shire generally.