Council candidate responses to MEG's survey

Moorabool Environment Group sent a survey to all candidates standing for election as Councillors in Moorabool Shire. Responses received so far are below. (Please note, there may be some time lag between receiving responses and publishing them to this page, as our website is managed by volunteers).

Candidate: John Keogh

1. If elected to Council, what actions would you propose Council take in this term of office to reduce the impact of climate change on Moorabool Shire?

I have published in my pamphlet A Fresh Approach that has been sent to residents; I will advocate that all relevant Council policies reflect the need to adapt to a climate change environment.

2. Will you advocate for Moorabool Shire Council to make a Council Pledge in support of stronger climate change action? (see www.climatechange.vic.gov.au/local-government/council-pledges)

Yes

3. Will you advocate for the High Voltage Transmission Lines to follow an alternative route which protects the biodiversity hot spots (i.e. so that the lines do not negatively impact Lerderderg State Park, Brisbane Ranges, Myrniong Biolink, and other biolinks identified by MEG)?

Please visit my web-site; www.johnkeogh.net.au for more information on the matter

4. Would you support Council working with Moorabool Environment Group, the SEC, Powercor and the community to progress a local community energy hub in Ballan? (This is a potential project Moorabool Environment Group has begun collaborating with relevant Council staff and other stakeholders on).

Yes

5. Will you support council advocating and supporting projects which help Moorabool Shire move towards using more renewable energy and reducing our carbon emissions in the short and long term? (For example, supporting community solar batteries, battery banks and advocating for local projects which support energy efficiency, renewable energy and low emissions technology?)

Yes

Please outline your proposed actions on using more renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions.

I will advocate for local projects which support energy efficiency, renewable energy and low emissions technology.

6. How important do you believe the preservation of native habitat is in Moorabool Shire, on a scale of 1 to 10?

10 / 10

7. Have you participated in any activities with Grow West, Landcare or any other environment groups?

Yes

Please describe (e.g. which groups/activities, how often, etc.):

[1] A former secretary and member of the Pentland Hills Landcare Group.

[2] Vice Chair of the Djerriwarra Creek and Bridge Community.

[3] A former Chair of the Moorabool Environment and Sustainability Advisory Committee.

8. Would you support advocating to the State Government for restoring Parks Victoria funding to levels needed to properly manage Werribee Gorge State Park, Wombat State Forest, Lerderderg State Park, and Brisbane Ranges National Park?

Yes

9. Do you support advocating for The Island and the southern side of the Werribee River along Werribee Gorge to be rezoned for inclusion in the Werribee Gorge State Park?Yes10. Do you support the status of Wombat State Forest and Lerderderg State Park being upgraded into the Wombat-Lerderderg National Park?

Yes

11. Would you support the creation of a Werribee River and Lerderderg River linear park linking the Ballan Section of the Werribee and Lerderderg Gorges with Peppertree Park, Moon Reserve and Melton Reservoir?

Yes

12. Do you support changes to the planning scheme to ensure open space adjacent to these rivers is retained and consolidated?

Yes

13. In your term, would you advocate for reducing sediment runoff from housing developments and quarry operations and the resulting destruction of aquatic habitat?

Yes

Please outline how would you do this:

For more information I refer you to; Urban Conservation on my web-site; www.johnkeogh.net.au

14. Would you help remove heavy diesel vehicles from the centre of our towns?

Yes

How would you do this?

Once again I refer you to Traffic Chaos on my website; www.johnkeogh.ney.au

15. Would you support a Bacchus Marsh bypass which crosses the Avenue of Honour?

The Avenue has a preservation order placed on it. I would support Woolpack Rd. being tunneled under so the Avenue was not disturbed

16. Would you support the creation of offroad linked bike paths in the municipality, in an environmentally sensitive manner?

Yes

If yes, where and how many?

I will advocate for a bike/footpath along the Werribee River from Pykes Creek to Port Phillip Bay

17. Would you support Moorabool imitating the BIKETOBER Ballarat plan? (see www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/news/ballarat-pedalling-second-year-biketober)

Yes

18. What strategies would you support to reduce waste, encourage recycling and to deter illegal dumping (including enforcement actions)?

Once again I refer you my web-site for full details on the matter; www.johnkeogh.net.au

19. How do you see the future of Maddingley Brown Coal?

It has no future what so ever. It is an inappropriate land use to be located so close to a town ship and should be closed.

20. Are you aware of what Maddingley Brown Coal do and their proposed change of status?

Yes

21. Do you pledge to consult with local environment groups (e.g. MEG, Bacchus Marsh Platypus Alliance, Landcare) on any plans or issues which have environmental implications in the shire?

Yes

22. Do you pledge to consult with local indigenous groups on any plans or issues which have indigenous cultural heritage implications within the shire?

Yes

Candidate: Moira Berry

1. If elected to Council, what actions would you propose Council take in this term of office to reduce the impact of climate change on Moorabool Shire?

Suggest travel by public transport.

Suggest car pooling for work.

Advocate for a better circular economy by diverting more green waste from landfill.

Encourage households to install Solar systems.

Encourage households to turn off lights when not needed.

Encourage households to improve recycling.

Encourage households to keep our river systems free of rubbish.

Encourage more tree planting by the community and approve more free trees and native plants to be distributed amongst the community.

Deliver up to date messaging on the effects of Climate Change throughout the community.

2. Will you advocate for Moorabool Shire Council to make a Council Pledge in support of stronger climate change action? (see www.climatechange.vic.gov.au/local-government/council-pledges)

Yes

Please outline your proposed actions on using more renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions.

Suggesting to residents about installing solar panels.

Encouraging battery banks as local projects.

6. How important do you believe the preservation of native habitat is in Moorabool Shire, on a scale of 1 to 10?

10 / 10

7. Have you participated in any activities with Grow West, Landcare or any other environment groups?

Yes

Please describe (e.g. which groups/activities, how often, etc.):

Attend Moorabool Landcare Network meetings. Attend Grow West meetings and have participated in Grow West Planting days in Ballan and Bacchus Marsh. MLN meetings I have attended monthly. Attended Lal Lal Biorich Plantation planting days twice.

Yes

9. Do you support advocating for The Island and the southern side of the Werribee River along Werribee Gorge to be rezoned for inclusion in the Werribee Gorge State Park?

Yes

10. Do you support the status of Wombat State Forest and Lerderderg State Park being upgraded into the Wombat-Lerderderg National Park?

Yes

12. Do you support changes to the planning scheme to ensure open space adjacent to these rivers is retained and consolidated?

Yes

13. In your term, would you advocate for reducing sediment runoff from housing developments and quarry operations and the resulting destruction of aquatic habitat?

Yes

Please outline how would you do this:

This last term of Council I raised a motion to reduce sediment running into our river system which was carried. The developer had to reassess the drainage process to reduce sediment running into Platypus territory.

14. Would you help remove heavy diesel vehicles from the centre of our towns?

Yes

How would you do this?

Have supported the current option that is on the table by advocating during Peri Urban Councils Victoria delegations to the Victorian Government. One week later the option was on the table and all residents affected by this eastern link by pass are being spoken to now.

15. Would you support a Bacchus Marsh bypass which crosses the Avenue of Honour?

I support a bypass of Bacchus Marsh to get the unecessary vehicles out of the CBD of Bacchus Marsh. The current option on the table least affects The Avenue of Honour and residents.

16. Would you support the creation of offroad linked bike paths in the municipality, in an environmentally sensitive manner?

Yes

If yes, where and how many?

This is a great suggestion and wherever possible would be happy to support but would need to see a masterplan that would be environmentally sensitive.

17. Would you support Moorabool imitating the BIKETOBER Ballarat plan? (see www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/news/ballarat-pedalling-second-year-biketober)

Would certainly be happy to address and view all possibilities, until then happy to listen and link with environmental groups to hear their views.

18. What strategies would you support to reduce waste, encourage recycling and to deter illegal dumping (including enforcement actions)?

This current group of Councillors passed a motion that the CCTV policy could be utilised in the Moorabool Shire.

This has been a successful policy where the Shire has caught many offenders and has reduced illegal dumping. These CCTV cameras are movable so we can continue to target illegal dumping hotspots. I will continue to support this.

Make developers responsible for build waste by including a clause in building permits.

Communicate the circular economy Moorabool Shire platform. Encourage use of all available bins in the Shire, green waste bin, recycling bin, general waste bin and advocate to introduce either a glass bin or advocate for a central drop off point for glass.

Encourage clean up days for our river systems by advocating to the responsible authorities.

19. How do you see the future of Maddingley Brown Coal?

Personally I do not like the location of this waste business in our town. I would definitely advocate to discourage any pfass and other poisonous products from being dumped at the MBC site.

20. Are you aware of what Maddingley Brown Coal do and their proposed change of status?

Yes

21. Do you pledge to consult with local environment groups (e.g. MEG, Bacchus Marsh Platypus Alliance, Landcare) on any plans or issues which have environmental implications in the shire?

Yes

22. Do you pledge to consult with local indigenous groups on any plans or issues which have indigenous cultural heritage implications within the shire?

Yes

23. Do you have any other comments?

It has been a pleasure working with Moorabool Landcare Network, Grow West, Bacchus Marsh Platypus Alliance and all the community who have contacted me with environmental issues. If re-elected I pledge to continue working with the community to make Moorabool Shire a continuing Environmentally friendly Shire. Climate Change is important to address and together we can make sure the communication continues to get out in our communiy

Candidate: Timothy Hawthorne

1. If elected to Council, what actions would you propose Council take in this term of office to reduce the impact of climate change on Moorabool Shire?

Our survival and the survival of other species depends on a healthy environment. However, major crises are threatening life on Earth: the climate emergency, biodiversity emergency, and emerging diseases. These crises are connected. An important part of the solution is the protection and regeneration of nature, enabled by a shift to a plant-based diet, including rewilding current agricultural lands, planting trees, improving biodiversity in parks and rehabilitating former mining sites. Animal agriculture is a major contributor to the climate crisis, and yet, it is too often overlooked or ignored by climate advocates. This transition will invariably require government support to assist businesses and workers currently working in animal agriculture to re-train and transition into more sustainable and humane plant-based industries, including emerging industries in plant-based alternatives (e.g., alternative milks and proteins), as well as cell-based meats. Support climate-friendly alternatives than using cement for new homes and footpaths, which generates 2.6 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide.

2. Will you advocate for Moorabool Shire Council to make a Council Pledge in support of stronger climate change action? (see www.climatechange.vic.gov.au/local-government/council-pledges)

Yes

If yes, please outline your proposed actions on using more renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions.

Encourage the growth of efficient, low carbon transport and steep reductions in private vehicles, particularly in urban areas. Advocate for public transport to be affordable, reliable, accessible and safe for all people, and animal-friendly. Prioritise walkability, active transport and public transport in town planning while minimising travel time.

6. How important do you believe the preservation of native habitat is in Moorabool Shire, on a scale of 1 to 10?

10 / 10

7. Have you participated in any activities with Grow West, Landcare or any other environment groups?

Yes

Please describe (e.g. which groups/activities, how often, etc.):

I am a volunteer with Bacchus Marsh Platypus Alliance and help them with their activities on a regular basis

Yes

9. Do you support advocating for The Island and the southern side of the Werribee River along Werribee Gorge to be rezoned for inclusion in the Werribee Gorge State Park?

Yes

10. Do you support the status of Wombat State Forest and Lerderderg State Park being upgraded into the Wombat-Lerderderg National Park?

Yes

12. Do you support changes to the planning scheme to ensure open space adjacent to these rivers is retained and consolidated?

Yes

13. In your term, would you advocate for reducing sediment runoff from housing developments and quarry operations and the resulting destruction of aquatic habitat?

Yes

Please outline how would you do this:

It will not be a simple fix to restore the river to become clear and healthy, but a concerted effort over at least a decade between Council, Greater Western Water and the community to fix the sediment issues effecting local rivers including Werribee River. I propose an education campaign for residents, erosion and sediment control measures to be put in place of housing developments, increased grassed waterways, rain gardens, buffer strips, permeable pavements and well-maintained natural areas.

14. Would you help remove heavy diesel vehicles from the centre of our towns?

Yes

How would you do this?

We will need to find truck bypass routes that best serve a purpose and cause the least disruption to the environment. A truck bypass has been proposed for the Avenue of Honour but that is one of the last remaining Avenue's lined with Canadian Elms so needs to be protected. Any potential bypass off Woolpack Road is is the most feasible route needs to look at protecting the Elms, an option could be an underground bypass.

15. Would you support a Bacchus Marsh bypass which crosses the Avenue of Honour?

Unsure

16. Would you support the creation of offroad linked bike paths in the municipality, in an environmentally sensitive manner?

Unsure

17. Would you support Moorabool imitating the BIKETOBER Ballarat plan? (see www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/news/ballarat-pedalling-second-year-biketober)

Yes

18. What strategies would you support to reduce waste, encourage recycling and to deter illegal dumping (including enforcement actions)?

To encourage and enable recycling and composting programs in businesses and public institutions and educate the public about waste issues. To stop illegal dumping advocate for hard waste collection in the shire

19. How do you see the future of Maddingley Brown Coal?

Would like to see Maddingley Brown Coal look to phase out its coal operation and transition to clean energy infrastructure.

20. Are you aware of what Maddingley Brown Coal do and their proposed change of status?

Yes

21. Do you pledge to consult with local environment groups (e.g. MEG, Bacchus Marsh Platypus Alliance, Landcare) on any plans or issues which have environmental implications in the shire?

Yes

22. Do you pledge to consult with local indigenous groups on any plans or issues which have indigenous cultural heritage implications within the shire?

Yes

23. Do you have any other comments?

If elected I plan to move a motion to ban 1080 and Sodium Fluroacetate like poisons from the Moorabool Shire LGA. 1080 poison kills indiscriminately, as the poison doesn't just target rabbit or foxes but local wildlife and our beloved companion animals. Dogs and foxes are particularly susceptible to 1080 poison and the RSPCA deem the poison to be very inhumane, as it causes animals to die a prolonged and agonising death. The poison can remain toxic on deceased animals for months depending on weather and soil conditions.

Candidate: Rodney Ward

1. If elected to Council, what actions would you propose Council take in this term of office to reduce the impact of climate change on Moorabool Shire?

I believe a very achievable and immediate action would be to introduce more EV charging stations - particularly in BM & Ballan town centres. This will hopefully encourage more people to purchase an EV (or hybrid) and in doing so reduce carbon emissions. It may also encourage more day trippers to MSC and in doing so also assist our local businesses & the economy.

2. Will you advocate for Moorabool Shire Council to make a Council Pledge in support of stronger climate change action? (see www.climatechange.vic.gov.au/local-government/council-pledges)

Unsure [please see further information provided at Q23 for interpretation of 'unsure' responses for this candidate]

Yes

Unsure

Please outline your proposed actions on using more renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions.

I will support advocating and supporting projects which help MSC move towards more renewable energy & reducing carbon emissions “in principle” but I think it would be responsible for each proposal to be consider on its merits, and after full consideration of the benefits measured against other (possible) implications.

6. How important do you believe the preservation of native habitat is in Moorabool Shire, on a scale of 1 to 10?

9 / 10

7. Have you participated in any activities with Grow West, Landcare or any other environment groups?

Yes

9. Do you support advocating for The Island and the southern side of the Werribee River along Werribee Gorge to be rezoned for inclusion in the Werribee Gorge State Park?

Unsure

10. Do you support the status of Wombat State Forest and Lerderderg State Park being upgraded into the Wombat-Lerderderg National Park?

Unsure

Yes

12. Do you support changes to the planning scheme to ensure open space adjacent to these rivers is retained and consolidated?

Unsure

13. In your term, would you advocate for reducing sediment runoff from housing developments and quarry operations and the resulting destruction of aquatic habitat?

Unsure

14. Would you help remove heavy diesel vehicles from the centre of our towns?

Yes

How would you do this?

Advocating (passionately) for the State Govt & Fed Govt to fund the BM Eastern Link.

15. Would you support a Bacchus Marsh bypass which crosses the Avenue of Honour?

Yes

16. Would you support the creation of offroad linked bike paths in the municipality, in an environmentally sensitive manner?

Yes

17. Would you support Moorabool imitating the BIKETOBER Ballarat plan? (see www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/news/ballarat-pedalling-second-year-biketober)

Unsure

18. What strategies would you support to reduce waste, encourage recycling and to deter illegal dumping (including enforcement actions)?

Increasing hours of Transfer Stations, and reducing cost for residents & ratepayers to visit the Station. I am also proud that I introduced the successful Notice of Motion to provide all local residents with 2 Free Tip visits upon presentation of their rates notice.

19. How do you see the future of Maddingley Brown Coal?

This is a topic that needs a lot more consideration that I can provide via this Survey.

20. Are you aware of what Maddingley Brown Coal do and their proposed change of status?

Yes

21. Do you pledge to consult with local environment groups (e.g. MEG, Bacchus Marsh Platypus Alliance, Landcare) on any plans or issues which have environmental implications in the shire?

Yes

22. Do you pledge to consult with local indigenous groups on any plans or issues which have indigenous cultural heritage implications within the shire?

Unsure

23. Do you have any other comments?

Please understand that I have answered “Unsure” to several questions as I don’t think it is responsible to answer “Yes” without consideration of all the details (for & against) and full consideration of the matter. I pride myself on making measured and considered decisions and by answering “Unsure” it should not be interpreted that I am not in favour of the underlying rationale or principle of the question.

Candidate: Timothy Bell

1. If elected to Council, what actions would you propose Council take in this term of office to reduce the impact of climate change on Moorabool Shire?

If elected, I believe trying to offset the carbon emissions, is a great thing to look into through renewables which we have many already like the wind farms, plans for solar farms and battery farms, and trying to get those companies to provide services to the shire also, that might reduce our cost of living

2. Will you advocate for Moorabool Shire Council to make a Council Pledge in support of stronger climate change action? (see www.climatechange.vic.gov.au/local-government/council-pledges)

I have read the pledge, is does not read well and I would need to look I to this further

I will fight for the path of least impact( to all elements), the unfortunate fact is we will note stop these lines they need to go in, and they are not reasonably consulting with local councils, so we can only rely on lobbying and pressure to h op make that change, which I will push for

Yes

Please outline your proposed actions on using more renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions.

We are already seeing batter farms and solar farms planning applications, so let support that, try and get more on board and also try and make that be if it the community

6. How important do you believe the preservation of native habitat is in Moorabool Shire, on a scale of 1 to 10?

9 / 10

7. Have you participated in any activities with Grow West, Landcare or any other environment groups?

We definitely need more funding to help not only the environment and the native flora and fauna, but also improve track and camp grounds to showcase our beautiful slice of bush paradise we enjoy in the shire

9. Do you support advocating for The Island and the southern side of the Werribee River along Werribee Gorge to be rezoned for inclusion in the Werribee Gorge State Park?

Unsure

10. Do you support the status of Wombat State Forest and Lerderderg State Park being upgraded into the Wombat-Lerderderg National Park?

I need to further learn on this subject before making a call

Yes

12. Do you support changes to the planning scheme to ensure open space adjacent to these rivers is retained and consolidated?

Unsure

13. In your term, would you advocate for reducing sediment runoff from housing developments and quarry operations and the resulting destruction of aquatic habitat?

Yes

If yes, please outline how would you do this:

Make construction companies more accountable is a major aim of mine, I will be looking to find ways to enforce their waste cleanup processes are followed
And also look into how they can operate cleaner to stop and damage they may be causing to our habitats, new houses come second in everything my my book, they are destructive and Bacchus marsh doesn’t have the Infrastructure to support them

14. Would you help remove heavy diesel vehicles from the centre of our towns?

Yes

If yes, how would you do this?

I will be looking Into any way we can make this possible and trying my utmost to make sure it happens, the trucks must be taken out of town,
I am not claiming to have the solution to this off the cuff but it will be a priority

15. Would you support a Bacchus Marsh bypass which crosses the Avenue of Honour?

Yes

16. Would you support the creation of offroad linked bike paths in the municipality, in an environmentally sensitive manner?

Yes

If yes, where and how many?

Again I think this is a great idea, where they would go needs planning but linking tracks near our rivers and parks, while also creating a link throughout our town and shires that actually works would be a great initiative

17. Would you support Moorabool imitating the BIKETOBER Ballarat plan? (see www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/news/ballarat-pedalling-second-year-biketober)

Maybe something similar to this would be great

18. What strategies would you support to reduce waste, encourage recycling and to deter illegal dumping (including enforcement actions)?

We need to fast track the trail on top passes, see what we can do in the space of decreasing the fees at transfer stations, and aim for a hard rubbish collection

19. How do you see the future of Maddingley Brown Coal?

I have no current insight into this

20. Are you aware of what Maddingley Brown Coal do and their proposed change of status?

21. Do you pledge to consult with local environment groups (e.g. MEG, Bacchus Marsh Platypus Alliance, Landcare) on any plans or issues which have environmental implications in the shire?

Yes

22. Do you pledge to consult with local indigenous groups on any plans or issues which have indigenous cultural heritage implications within the shire?

Yes

Council candidate responses to MEG's survey

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