October is Banyule Council election time and to help you find out what the candidates stand for in the areas of conservation and climate change we sent a questionnaire to all the 52 candidates, with 6 days to reply for inclusion on this website. We received replies from 16 candidates. We are not endorsing any particular candidate but helping to focus the candidates and ourselves on which candidates best reflect policies that will address the threat of climate change and protect the local environment. We have done this as representatives of Transition Banyule Network, Montmorency Community Group Inc and Montmorency Biodiversity Group on behalf of a network of conservation, friends’ groups and sustainability groups in Banyule. Our questions were based on the fact that we want continuing strong action on these Council policies:
- Biodiversity Plan 2019-2022
- Corporate Emissions Reduction Plan
- Community Climate Action Plan: working in partnership for zero net emissions and resilient Banyule by 2040
- We also draw your attention to the website of Sustainable Greensborough who have carried out a similar survey in the three northern suburbs of the Banyule area
To find out what Ward you are in go to this link https://www.banyule.vic.gov.au/About-us/Councillors-and-Council-meetings/Banyule-wards
Bakewell | Beale | Chelsworth | Griffin | Grimshaw | Hawdon | Ibbott | Olympia | Sherbourne
Bakewell Ward
| Candidate | Mark Di Pasquale | Katie George |
| Website | https://www.katiegeorgeforbakewell.com | |
| Facebook page | mark4bakewell | Facebook.com/katiegeorgeforbakewell |
| Political party? | No | Labor |
| Have you been endorsed by your party for this election? | No | No |
| Why are you standing for council? | I have the responsibility to see through the plans implemented by the Council. It is clear that the pace of change has increased markedly over the last several years. We are at a decisive time now where actions need to be implemented and seen through at all three levels of government to change the course. Local Council has made the commitment to be carbon neutral (without offsets) by 2028 and it is on track to achieve that. I am committed to make sure this happens. It is also time that more is done and the State and Federal Governments lead the way so that each resident can change their own actions (and the actions of the next generation) and things out of our hands, like industry and agriculture are held to account on our behalf. |
I am for a supported, healthy and connected community. I want to work in partnership with residents, businesses, organisations and community groups to foster neighbourhoods where we have everything we need within walking distance of our homes and improve engagement and consultation with the community in Council decisions. I want to protect and enhance our leafy environment and assist focusing Council on green initiatives such as community gardens, biodiversity conservation and work to increase my understanding, knowledge and involvement in sustainability initiatives.
We’re in the middle of a Climate Emergency and I am heartened by and support Banyule City Council’s declaration, and Emission Reduction Plans. I would like to see more education for people and children on the Climate Emergency and how we can practically change our lifestyles and make different choices to help reduce our impact. The Climate Emergency will bring more bushfires and heatwaves. This will have direct impacts on our health – bushfire smoke is toxic and heatwaves kill. This also impacts our food security. We need sustainability initiatives that will help to build our own self sufficiency, and protect and enhance our environment. |
| What sort of priorities do you place on protecting, enhancing and promoting the natural environment? | It is top priority because the natural environment was what allowed the settlement of the farms here in Banyule many years ago. The Plenty River, the Darebin Creek and the tributaries like Salt and Banyule created the ecosystem that allowed for what we have now. The habitat that is Banyule made it fertile for the people and we are responsible that it stays that way. If it is impacted negatively in any way we will suffer. | I am by no means an expert on biodiversity. I have lived in Banyule my entire life and chose to stay here because I love our amenity, leafy green environment and I wanted to raise a family in an locality that is leafy and green. I have long enjoyed the natural landscape and parkland that Banyule offers. I am devastated about the environmental destruction that North East Link threatens to areas that should be no-go zones such as Simpson Barracks in Watsonia, home to several species that we should be doing our best to protect: Matted Flax-Lily, Swift Parrots and Powerful Owls to name a few. Studley Park Gums are thriving in there and I understand this is the strongest stand of the trees which are an evolving species. I want to review developed spaces to see where we might be able to revegetate or turn them into community gardens. |
| Would you be likely to support strategic evidenced based recommendations for the protection of fauna habitat values in accordance with VPO1 to the Banyule Planning Scheme? | Yes | Yes |
| Would you be likely to support Banyule Council’s Biodiversity Plan to extend protection of important trees and other remnant vegetation that provides habitat for fauna species? | Yes | Yes |
| Would you be willing to advocate for and support the integration of Council’s Biodiversity Plan and the Banyule Sugar Glider Project Report documents into the Banyule Planning Scheme to provide support for Council’s VPO1? | Yes | Yes |
| How would you champion Banyule Council policies on Climate Emergency [the draft Corporate Emissions Reduction Plan and the Community Climate Action Plan] and how would you ensure their success? | The Climate Action Plan and Package was voted for by myself (and unanimously by the Council). I am responsible for the delivery of the plan whether I am a Councillor or not and I see it as the responsibility of every Council officer. This is the only way it is going to be achieved. | I would seek to continue the fantastic work that has been done and collaborate with organisations and community to drive implementation of the Community Climate Action Plan and Emissions Reduction Plan. I would be asking for regular updates from Council on how the implementation progresses, support collaboration on problem solving and troubleshooting any issues with uptake. I would help to engage the community in adopting measures by regularly communicating with residents, organisations and businesses on how they are going and learning what Council can do to support them to take climate action. |
| Further comments | Banyule has always had the reputation of being one of the most innovative city Councils. When other Council’s were declaring a “Climate Emergency” and taking no actions (I can give examples of this) we were working away and making quick changes where we could. Banyule is ahead of the Local Government ‘pack’ with its plans and initiatives and Banyule residents are rolling up their sleeves and wanting to protect our environment for the next generations. This is going to take a big team effort. |
I’m excited to learn more and get involved with Transition Towns and groups such as Sustainable Greensborough and Banyule Climate Action Network. I am a member of Friends of Banyule. This group is very focused on biodiversity and environmental protection, and heavily involved in trying to lobby State Government and build community support to minimise the harm of NEL. It would be great to chat further on any of the above with any of your members interested in contacting me. Feel free to email me at katiegeorgeforbakewell@gmail.com, call me on 0499 802 780 or find me on Facebook. |
| How strongly do you agree or disagree with the following current policies on climate emergency action? Climate action culture: Banyule Council supports “staff to undertake climate action in their roles, and foster an open-minded, innovative and collaborative culture.” | Strongly Agree | Strongly Agree |
| Zero net emissions for buildings: Banyule Council supports “reducing energy use with best practice, environmentally sustainable design integrated into our capital works, and deliver a building energy efficiency upgrade program.” | Strongly Agree | Strongly Agree |
| Green fleet: Banyule Council supports “replacing all fleets with electric vehicles or other zero emission vehicles.” | Strongly Agree | Strongly Agree |
| Low carbon lighting: Banyule Council supports “replacing open space, sports field and street lighting with energy efficient LEDs.” | Strongly Agree | Strongly Agree |
| Electric leisure centres: Banyule Council supports “upgrading pool pumps and filtration systems with efficient systems, trial pool blankets and replace gas fired boilers with heat pumps.” | Strongly Agree | Strongly Agree |
| Maximise renewable energy: Banyule Council supports “pursuing renewable energy generation on our sites and power purchasing agreements.” | Strongly Agree | Strongly Agree |
| New priority areas: Banyule Council supports “identifying actions to reduce emissions from waste, business travel, paper and water use.” | Strongly Agree | Strongly Agree |
Beale
| Candidate | Michael Copsey |
| Website | https://greens.org.au/vic/person/michael-copsey |
| Facebook page | https://www.facebook.com/MichaelCopseyforBeale |
| Political party? | The Greens |
| Have you been endorsed by your party for this election? | Yes |
| Why are you standing for council? | We are going through challenging times and my priority is to see Banyule thrive as we navigate COVID-19 and transition to a zero-emissions economy. I’ll be standing for election because we need new ideas and a fresh approach. I believe I have the integrity, qualifications and experience to make a positive impact for our community. We have a huge opportunity to create new jobs, reduce bills and protect our environment for future generations to come. As a small business owner who advised on a post-pandemic jobs recovery plan and consultant who has worked with local Councils, I will drive efficiencies, stimulate growth and create local jobs. As a community we have made some great strides forward in Banyule over the past two years demonstrating that we can create the change we need locally and be a model for others to follow. I have been fortunate to have been part of the team developing and negotiating successful outcomes with both the Community Climate Action Plan and Corporate Emissions Reduction Plan. As a part of this process I’ve developed excellent working relationships across the community and with Banyule City Councillors and Staff. This along with my experience leading the Banyule Clean Energy Group and expertise as a renewable energy consultant will help me to drive optimal outcomes. |
| What sort of priorities do you place on protecting, enhancing and promoting the natural environment? | This is a top priority and I believe we can achieve this in a way that concurrently reduces energy bills and creates local jobs. |
| Would you be likely to support strategic evidenced based recommendations for the protection of fauna habitat values in accordance with VPO1 to the Banyule Planning Scheme? | Yes |
| Would you be likely to support Banyule Council’s Biodiversity Plan to extend protection of important trees and other remnant vegetation that provides habitat for fauna species? | Yes |
| Would you be willing to advocate for and support the integration of Council’s Biodiversity Plan and the Banyule Sugar Glider Project Report documents into the Banyule Planning Scheme to provide support for Council’s VPO1? | Yes |
| How would you champion Banyule Council policies on Climate Emergency [the draft Corporate Emissions Reduction Plan and the Community Climate Action Plan] and how would you ensure their success? | If elected I will empower our sustainability groups to drive the change that we need in Banyule alongside our dedicated Council officers. It is important that performance is regularly reviewed against SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time bound) objectives that are built into Council plans. |
| Further comments | Thanks for inviting me to take this survey. I believe in practicing what I preach and recently retrofitted my family home, on a tight budget, to all electric and solar. We are well on our way to zero energy bills. I’d love to help make this a reality for others. |
| How strongly do you agree or disagree with the following current policies on climate emergency action? Climate action culture: Banyule Council supports “staff to undertake climate action in their roles, and foster an open-minded, innovative and collaborative culture.” | Strongly Agree |
| Zero net emissions for buildings: Banyule Council supports “reducing energy use with best practice, environmentally sustainable design integrated into our capital works, and deliver a building energy efficiency upgrade program.” | Strongly Agree |
| Green fleet: Banyule Council supports “replacing all fleets with electric vehicles or other zero emission vehicles.” | Strongly Agree |
| Low carbon lighting: Banyule Council supports “replacing open space, sports field and street lighting with energy efficient LEDs.” | Strongly Agree |
| Electric leisure centres: Banyule Council supports “upgrading pool pumps and filtration systems with efficient systems, trial pool blankets and replace gas fired boilers with heat pumps.” | Strongly Agree |
| Maximise renewable energy: Banyule Council supports “pursuing renewable energy generation on our sites and power purchasing agreements.” | Strongly Agree |
| New priority areas: Banyule Council supports “identifying actions to reduce emissions from waste, business travel, paper and water use.” | Strongly Agree |
Chelsworth
| Candidate | Tanya Dillon | Carl Ziebell | Alida McKern |
| Website | https://greens.org.au/vic/person/alida-mckern | ||
| Facebook page | https://www.facebook.com/Tanya-Dillon-for-Chelsworth-Banyule-Council-109245234247115/ | https://www.facebook.com/carlziebell.au/ | Fb.com/AlidaMcKernforChelsworth |
| Political party? | No | The Greens | |
| Have you been endorsed by your party for this election? | No | No | Yes |
| Why are you standing for council? | To offer a fresh approach instead of the same old ways by the same old councillors which have failed young people in our community. | I strongly believe we need representatives with experience in both government affairs and business as we come out of the pandemic. I was approached by a number of sporting organisations worried about what cuts would be made in the immediate future and I believe that although we must be financially prudent, we must also invest in both our natural and man made community assets for the future. | I have lived, worked and raised my family in Ivanhoe over the past seventeen years. I’m married and have teenage sons who attend local schools and are involved in local sporting clubs. I’m standing for Council because I’m passionate about Ivanhoe and its leafy environment and vibrant community. I have worked in landscape architecture and urban planning the past 30 years, and have been involved in more than 20 local community and sporting groups. As a Councillor I would seek to use my skills, experience and passion for community to advocate and support priorities for a sustainable and resilient Ivanhoe & Banyule. My environment priorities include: 1) protecting and enhancing our parks and waterways, cycling and walking paths, 2) striving for zero waste production and environmentally responsible waste recycling, 3) sustainable water management to maintain the beautiful environment residents have come to love and enjoy, 4) encouraging more community food gardens and sustainable food gardening programs in kinders and schools, and 5) Promoting renewable energy technology to replace fossil fuels and achieve Banyule’s adopted target of zero carbon emissions by 2040. I believe a vibrant and sustainable society prioritises the care and safety of its people and its environment. I’m concerned that action is now needed at all levels of government to act decisively on climate change–for a Banyule community that is resilient, adaptable and strong. |
| What sort of priorities do you place on protecting, enhancing and promoting the natural environment? | Restoration and preservation of our beautiful parklands. I want the council to take responsible action on climate change. | I am a strong believer in practical solutions. In Chelsworth Ward in particular we have the Yarra River and Darebin Creek Parklands and it is a major priority for me to preserve and enhance these areas | I place considerable importance on environment as a litmus test for a healthy community. Banyule is fortunate with extensive areas of waterways and associated parklands and biodiversity corridors–home to significant remnants of indigenous vegetation and about 280 indigenous vertebrae animal species. However, urban consolidation and increasing population density is placing considerable pressure on these natural assets–the highest level of priority should be placed on protecting, enhancing and educating our public about the uniqueness and the vulnerability of our natural environment: it is Council’s responsibility in the name of responsible environmental stewardship. |
| Would you be likely to support strategic evidenced based recommendations for the protection of fauna habitat values in accordance with VPO1 to the Banyule Planning Scheme? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Would you be likely to support Banyule Council’s Biodiversity Plan to extend protection of important trees and other remnant vegetation that provides habitat for fauna species? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Would you be willing to advocate for and support the integration of Council’s Biodiversity Plan and the Banyule Sugar Glider Project Report documents into the Banyule Planning Scheme to provide support for Council’s VPO1? | Yes | Maybe | Yes |
| How would you champion Banyule Council policies on Climate Emergency [the draft Corporate Emissions Reduction Plan and the Community Climate Action Plan] and how would you ensure their success? | Reducing our emissions by reducing the amount of cars we have on our roads and promoting reduced/free public transport. | I feel the council has made great strides in these areas. As a sport and leisure professional I know more can be done at Leisure / Aquatic Centres. Particularly with Pool plants and solar roofing.
I think we can do more in high rise apartments particularly with food waste, promoting the circular economy |
Meaningful community consultation is a key to success–this will require a lot more effort on Council’s part than current consultation methods. Community consultation needs to reach all areas and sectors of our community. It needs to promote achievable and accessible solutions that make renewable energy opportunities attractive and cost-effective for Banyule residents. The solar savers program is a good example of a rollout that helps residents reduce energy bills while reducing their carbon foot print. |
| Further comments | I am particularly excited with the councils recent decision to further enhance solar panel roll out for local businesses and community groups/buildings | ||
| How strongly do you agree or disagree with the following current policies on climate emergency action? Climate action culture: Banyule Council supports “staff to undertake climate action in their roles, and foster an open-minded, innovative and collaborative culture.” | Agree | Agree | Agree |
| Zero net emissions for buildings: Banyule Council supports “reducing energy use with best practice, environmentally sustainable design integrated into our capital works, and deliver a building energy efficiency upgrade program.” | Agree | Strongly Agree | Agree |
| Green fleet: Banyule Council supports “replacing all fleets with electric vehicles or other zero emission vehicles.” | Neutral | Agree | Agree |
| Low carbon lighting: Banyule Council supports “replacing open space, sports field and street lighting with energy efficient LEDs.” | Agree | Strongly Agree | Agree |
| Electric leisure centres: Banyule Council supports “upgrading pool pumps and filtration systems with efficient systems, trial pool blankets and replace gas fired boilers with heat pumps.” | Neutral | Neutral | Agree |
| Maximise renewable energy: Banyule Council supports “pursuing renewable energy generation on our sites and power purchasing agreements.” | Agree | Agree | Agree |
| New priority areas: Banyule Council supports “identifying actions to reduce emissions from waste, business travel, paper and water use.” | Agree | Agree | Agree |
Griffin
| Candidate | Peter Castaldo | Bev Moss |
| Website | https://greens.org.au/vic/person/peter-castaldo-0 | https://www.ajpvic.org.au/bev_moss_banyule_2020 |
| Facebook page | www.facebook.com/PeterCastaldoforGriffin | https://www.facebook.com/AJPBevMossBanyule2020/ |
| Political party? | The Greens | Animal Justice Party |
| Have you been endorsed by your party for this election? | Yes | Yes |
| Why are you standing for council? | I am standing for re-election because my work is not done. Over this term I have driven significant climate action and been leading the significant change on council, for declaring a climate emergency, for having a zero emissions target with no offsets by 2028. For stopping new gas infrastructure going in. For getting an electric vehicle strategy going for both heavy and light vehicles. For covering the roofs of all council owned buildings with solar which is in progress. Getting an environmental sustainability officer in the planning team, increasing the environmental team with additional energy officers. Also for rolling out additional budget for the urban forest to reduce the urban heat island impact by planting more street trees. There is still much to be done in these areas and assisting the community to go carbon neutral without offsets by 2040 is the big one and an experienced renewable energy campaigner like me is needed for this. I am also keen to lock in better design for planning that ensures lower energy use and provides alternatives to fossil fuels. We also need to improve waste recovery and recycle much more and reduce waste. Food organics in the green bin is essential and needs to be part of the next step in improving waste outcomes in Banyule. | I want to represent the Animal Justice Party and reduce cruelty to animals and make animals part of the political conversation in Banyule. I’m also standing because I am concerned about this age of uncertainty that we are moving into. I think it is crucial that dealing with the challenges ahead will require the resources of every section of our community. We will have more people in the vulnerable category, including animals, and Council is the provider of important services to many of our vulnerable. We need to have a truly diverse representation of our community elected to Council so that the particular challenges that impact each group can be properly articulated and understood. This is not the case with the make-up of the current council.
Local government is the closest level of government to its community and I want to help it become more responsive to its community. Since its inception the Banyule Council has been dominated by men with only three women who have served, during that time. Some wards have never had a female Councillor. Banyule will now have nine Councillors, an increase from seven because of the two new Wards. We have an opportunity for a wider range of views and a truer representation of need. Covid-19 has exposed the inequality that already exists; it has created economic hardship, mental health challenges, increased family violence. All of this has impacted on animals who are not high in the consciousness of the community. I want to speak for the voiceless. With my life and career experience, voluntary and advocacy work, I believe that you will have in me a Councillor who already has high level of awareness of the need that will confront our Council. You will also know who I am – I am very proud to be a member of the Animal Justice Party and have no reason to hide my affiliation. In me you will have a hard-working Councillor of integrity, with a will to work for you. You will also have someone who believes in listening to what the community wants and will work hard to achieve it. If you look at my history of volunteering and advocacy you will know that this is not a hollow claim but a well evidenced way of life. |
| What sort of priorities do you place on protecting, enhancing and promoting the natural environment? | Environmental consideration is not a tick box exercise but needs to be considered throughout any design process or actions. Protecting the natural world around us is a top priority and why I joined council. I want to live in a leafy natural environment and love a mix of both indigenous, native and exotic vegetation as they all contribute importantly to the diverse biodiversity in our area including the humans. I recognize the importance of indigenous plants for the native wildlife and this must have priority in the especially important corridors and parklands. | I believe protecting our natural environment in Banyule is of critical importance. We are facing a biodiversity crisis in addition to the climate crisis and preserving and protecting the our environment must be prioritised. |
| Would you be likely to support strategic evidenced based recommendations for the protection of fauna habitat values in accordance with VPO1 to the Banyule Planning Scheme? | Yes | Yes |
| Would you be likely to support Banyule Council’s Biodiversity Plan to extend protection of important trees and other remnant vegetation that provides habitat for fauna species? | Yes | Yes |
| Would you be willing to advocate for and support the integration of Council’s Biodiversity Plan and the Banyule Sugar Glider Project Report documents into the Banyule Planning Scheme to provide support for Council’s VPO1? | Yes | Yes |
| How would you champion Banyule Council policies on Climate Emergency [the draft Corporate Emissions Reduction Plan and the Community Climate Action Plan] and how would you ensure their success? | I would be ensuring budget allocation. Strategic design of initiatives for maximum impact. Put forward additional budget and actions when identified to be important and reinvest the very significant savings we are receiving from this program back into additional projects. | Engagement and education – without engagement no programs will work. This is critical to success. Focus on recycling and better waste management/waste reduction Green buildings and fleet in Banyule Support for solar in homes and community and public buildings Reduction or removal of single use plastics |
| Further comments | Thank you for this great survey. | Declaring a climate emergency is a powerful signal, but needs to be backed up with effective, targeted action.
|
| How strongly do you agree or disagree with the following current policies on climate emergency action? Climate action culture: Banyule Council supports “staff to undertake climate action in their roles, and foster an open-minded, innovative and collaborative culture.” | Strongly Agree | Strongly Agree |
| Zero net emissions for buildings: Banyule Council supports “reducing energy use with best practice, environmentally sustainable design integrated into our capital works, and deliver a building energy efficiency upgrade program.” | Strongly Agree | Strongly Agree |
| Green fleet: Banyule Council supports “replacing all fleets with electric vehicles or other zero emission vehicles.” | Strongly Agree | Strongly Agree |
| Low carbon lighting: Banyule Council supports “replacing open space, sports field and street lighting with energy efficient LEDs.” | Strongly Agree | Strongly Agree |
| Electric leisure centres: Banyule Council supports “upgrading pool pumps and filtration systems with efficient systems, trial pool blankets and replace gas fired boilers with heat pumps.” | Strongly Agree | Strongly Agree |
| Maximise renewable energy: Banyule Council supports “pursuing renewable energy generation on our sites and power purchasing agreements.” | Strongly Agree | Strongly Agree |
| New priority areas: Banyule Council supports “identifying actions to reduce emissions from waste, business travel, paper and water use.” | Strongly Agree | Strongly Agree
Editor note 10/10/20: Bev misunderstood the seven agree/disagree questions above. |
Grimshaw
| Candidate | Rick Garotti |
| Website | http://rickgarotti.com.au/about-rick/ |
| Facebook page | https://www.facebook.com/RickGarotti/ |
| Political party? | Labor |
| Have you been endorsed by your party for this election? | No |
| Why are you standing for council? | My vision is for Banyule to be the best place in Victoria to live, work, invest and raise a family. This means delivering smart and coordinated policies that focus on: delivering a sustainable future for our community; maintaining appropriate development; keeping rates and charges low; investing in our local community assets and providing excellent customer service to residents.
The Banyule City Council has shown greater leadership in tackling Climate Change in the last four years. Council declared a climate change emergency, resolved to become carbon neutral in its operations by 2028, and resolved for the entire City of Banyule to become carbon neutral by 2040. Importantly, Council has backed-up the resolutions with bold actions by allocating a record $10m investment to achieve the carbon neutral goals and calling for an annual “State of the Environment Report” that will report annually to the community progress in achieving these goals. I am very proud to have moved all of these resolutions. |
| What sort of priorities do you place on protecting, enhancing and promoting the natural environment? | I place a very high priority on protecting, enhancing and promoting the natural environment. This evidenced by the key role I have played in driving the Climate Change policies and actions Council has adopted as well as broader support for Council’s environment and biodiversity plans. |
| Would you be likely to support strategic evidenced based recommendations for the protection of fauna habitat values in accordance with VPO1 to the Banyule Planning Scheme? | Yes |
| Would you be likely to support Banyule Council’s Biodiversity Plan to extend protection of important trees and other remnant vegetation that provides habitat for fauna species? | Yes |
| Would you be willing to advocate for and support the integration of Council’s Biodiversity Plan and the Banyule Sugar Glider Project Report documents into the Banyule Planning Scheme to provide support for Council’s VPO1? | Yes |
| How would you champion Banyule Council policies on Climate Emergency [the draft Corporate Emissions Reduction Plan and the Community Climate Action Plan] and how would you ensure their success? | Over the last four years I have been instrumental in delivering Council’s bold climate change policies and actions. After a meeting with Sustainable Greensborough I took a game changing Notice of Motion to the Council that set in train Council’s resolutions on carbon neutrality and the $10m in budget funding to deliver this. My actions demonstrate an absolute commitment to being a champion for a sustainable future for our community. As I have said many times publicly, Council’s commitment to sustainability is not just about the environment – it is also about the economy. Our investments in sustainability create economic and business opportunities in our community and in doing so foster good, stable long-term jobs. |
| Further comments | Generally speaking I think Banyule City Council strongly supports action on Climate Change and sustainability. However, the question around gas and how quickly this is transitioned out of Council’s operations is an area the council is still working through. This will be an important area for the local sustainability groups to engage constructively, proactively with the new Council with to achieve the best policy settings. If re-elected, I certainly look forward to working through this question and others with the community. |
| How strongly do you agree or disagree with the following current policies on climate emergency action? Climate action culture: Banyule Council supports “staff to undertake climate action in their roles, and foster an open-minded, innovative and collaborative culture.” | Strongly Agree |
| Zero net emissions for buildings: Banyule Council supports “reducing energy use with best practice, environmentally sustainable design integrated into our capital works, and deliver a building energy efficiency upgrade program.” | Strongly Agree |
| Green fleet: Banyule Council supports “replacing all fleets with electric vehicles or other zero emission vehicles.” | Strongly Agree |
| Low carbon lighting: Banyule Council supports “replacing open space, sports field and street lighting with energy efficient LEDs.” | Strongly Agree |
| Electric leisure centres: Banyule Council supports “upgrading pool pumps and filtration systems with efficient systems, trial pool blankets and replace gas fired boilers with heat pumps.” | Neutral |
| Maximise renewable energy: Banyule Council supports “pursuing renewable energy generation on our sites and power purchasing agreements.” | Strongly Agree |
| New priority areas: Banyule Council supports “identifying actions to reduce emissions from waste, business travel, paper and water use.” | Strongly Agree |
Hawdon
| Candidate | Emily Bieber | Tracey Robson-Garth |
| Website | https://greens.org.au/vic/person/emily-bieber | |
| Facebook page | https://www.facebook.com/ejbieber | https://www.facebook.com/TraceyBanyuleCouncil2020 |
| Political party? | The Greens | No |
| Have you been endorsed by your party for this election? | Yes | No |
| Why are you standing for council? | I’m standing for Council because I care about my community and the future of Banyule in the face of climate emergency. I live in Viewbank with my husband and our three children. I am delighted to be the Greens candidate and the only candidate [for Hawdon Ward] that takes climate policy seriously. On Council, my priorities will be: 1) Protection for our environment against the impacts of the North East Link build. 2) Collaboration to ensure sustainably designed homes. 3) To protect and enhance the natural beauty of our neighbourhood character by protecting our parks, rivers and bushland. 4) Ditch coal and increase solar panel take up. I am acutely aware of the endangered and near threatened species in this ward that I must fight to protect: matted flax lily, studley park gum, powerful owl, swift parrot and platypus. My vision for our neighbourhood is strong and honest leadership and a proactive response to the climate crisis. My plans include improvements in kerbside recycling, trialling community-managed work pods to reduce long commutes, and more tree planting. I believe in sustainability, justice and equality. Banyule can take the lead in climate change adaptation strategies in the north east. | Banyule council need to communicate better both the issues and the great things on offer for the community. |
| What sort of priorities do you place on protecting, enhancing and promoting the natural environment? | Weed management along the Plenty river. There are large amounts of introduced species which are degrading the river banks and hence animal habitat. Adding more native and indigenous planting is also important, plus maintenance of these plantings. Removal of rubbish and addition of bins will support a healthier waterway. I think the community is unaware of how “unwell” our local and beautiful rivers are and that there is little education around which plants “should and shouldn’t” be riverside. I am also interested in increasing permeable surfaces – before we turn our suburb in to a concrete jungle, we need to catch all the water we can, and have it absorb in to the ground. I would like increased listings on the Significant Tree register. Having a large tree removed is too easy under current practices. | It is a priority to look after our environment and communicate to the community how they can get involved. |
| Would you be likely to support strategic evidenced based recommendations for the protection of fauna habitat values in accordance with VPO1 to the Banyule Planning Scheme? | Yes | Yes |
| Would you be likely to support Banyule Council’s Biodiversity Plan to extend protection of important trees and other remnant vegetation that provides habitat for fauna species? | Yes | Yes |
| Would you be willing to advocate for and support the integration of Council’s Biodiversity Plan and the Banyule Sugar Glider Project Report documents into the Banyule Planning Scheme to provide support for Council’s VPO1? | Yes | Yes |
| How would you champion Banyule Council policies on Climate Emergency [the draft Corporate Emissions Reduction Plan and the Community Climate Action Plan] and how would you ensure their success? | All themes listed above have merit, however Banyule’s biggest source of emissions is linked to electricity production and coal. We need to end our love affair with coal as a whole community. Solar Saver schemes like City of Darebin’s are an attractive option, so that more people can have domestic solar. Also the City of Melbourne’s initiative of owning their own wind farm is worth exploring. Protecting existing canopy trees is free, and planting more trees (food producing, exotic, native – anything) is a low cost step in terms of reducing heat islands. I am pleased that the Council has declared a climate emergency, however the feeling of “business as usual” has continued. More dramatic action is needed across all Council activities. Bushfire risk management and education is essential for many areas of Banyule. | I would champion these policies by improving the communication between both council and the community. I would get behind a strategic plan to incorporate businesses, schools and community groups into the current green plan. |
| Further comments | ||
| How strongly do you agree or disagree with the following current policies on climate emergency action? Climate action culture: Banyule Council supports “staff to undertake climate action in their roles, and foster an open-minded, innovative and collaborative culture.” | Strongly Agree | |
| Zero net emissions for buildings: Banyule Council supports “reducing energy use with best practice, environmentally sustainable design integrated into our capital works, and deliver a building energy efficiency upgrade program.” | Agree | |
| Green fleet: Banyule Council supports “replacing all fleets with electric vehicles or other zero emission vehicles.” | Agree | |
| Low carbon lighting: Banyule Council supports “replacing open space, sports field and street lighting with energy efficient LEDs.” | Agree | |
| Electric leisure centres: Banyule Council supports “upgrading pool pumps and filtration systems with efficient systems, trial pool blankets and replace gas fired boilers with heat pumps.” | Agree | |
| Maximise renewable energy: Banyule Council supports “pursuing renewable energy generation on our sites and power purchasing agreements.” | Agree | |
| New priority areas: Banyule Council supports “identifying actions to reduce emissions from waste, business travel, paper and water use.” | Agree |
Ibbott
| Candidate | Tom Melican | Matthew Goodman |
| Website | https://greens.org.au/vic/person/matthew-goodman-0 | |
| Facebook page | @CrTomMelican | https://www.facebook.com/MattGoodmanGreens |
| Political party? | No | The Australian Greens |
| Have you been endorsed by your party for this election? | No | Yes |
| Why are you standing for council? | To protect and preserve our environment and to ensure we have the resilience to survive in a changing world. | Council agreed to an ambitious target of zero carbon for which they should be congratulated. However, they set this target at the last minute, so they did not have to actually take any action in this regard. On the councils website, the Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP) is still listed in the consultation section rather than policy. There are a lot of candidates at this election running on a ‘back to basics’ plan who will be out to sabotage this plan. Electing me will send a clear message that you not only want to see the CCAP stay, you want real action on it, for example including plans for energy storage and changing our transport mix. |
| What sort of priorities do you place on protecting, enhancing and promoting the natural environment? | Enormous, with a well maintained and healthy natural environment, we will not continue to live well, indeed our survival may be under threat. | I think that we first need to recognise that much of our local habitat is not natural. It is the result of generations of passionate locals striving to make their community better. Some of that action has been misguided with the planting of inappropriate non-natives. I would like to see an emphasis on native flora. If possible I would like to see plantings of native foods. This will have the double impact of providing habitats for our insect and native fauna as well as educating our residents on native foods. We have a significant tree register, however it is simply a long list of trees with no map co-ordinates or photos. As a result it is difficult for residents to even know where the significant trees around them are. This is one example of where I will make it easier for residents to engage with and appreciate their local environment. |
| Would you be likely to support strategic evidenced based recommendations for the protection of fauna habitat values in accordance with VPO1 to the Banyule Planning Scheme? | Yes | Yes |
| Would you be likely to support Banyule Council’s Biodiversity Plan to extend protection of important trees and other remnant vegetation that provides habitat for fauna species? | Yes | Yes |
| Would you be willing to advocate for and support the integration of Council’s Biodiversity Plan and the Banyule Sugar Glider Project Report documents into the Banyule Planning Scheme to provide support for Council’s VPO1? | Yes | Yes |
| How would you champion Banyule Council policies on Climate Emergency [the draft Corporate Emissions Reduction Plan and the Community Climate Action Plan] and how would you ensure their success? | I moved that Council declares a Climate Emergency and have fully supported all the climate change initiatives that Council has adopted. Have also championed several policies and projects to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels in our transport system. | All of these issues are central to why I am running for Council. First of all I am running as a Greens candidate. I wear my commitment to climate action on my sleeve and nobody would be able to say that I was not elected to action on climate change. There are a couple of points where I believe that this plan can be improved/extended. The first is on energy storage. We are already reaching a point where energy spikes from solar are meaning that the grid will not accept feed in energy from solar at peak production time. The accelerated rollout of solar will exacerbate this issue. Council can use its scale to gain access to the wholesale market where the use of large energy storage can buy cheap energy during the day and sell it back during the evening. This could be scalable and built in parts as funds become available as well as give renters and other residents the opportunity to invest in renewables. I am also concerned about the large amounts of energy use in transport. I think council needs a more robust plan to tackle transport which might include rethinking our default idea that residents will drive and they will drive outside of Banyule. |
| Further comments | Banyule has achieved many great outcomes for our environment, but we need to do more around waste management, habitat regeneration, better sustainable building standards and enabling more residents to live carbon neutral. | |
| How strongly do you agree or disagree with the following current policies on climate emergency action? Climate action culture: Banyule Council supports “staff to undertake climate action in their roles, and foster an open-minded, innovative and collaborative culture.” | Strongly Agree | Strongly Agree |
| Zero net emissions for buildings: Banyule Council supports “reducing energy use with best practice, environmentally sustainable design integrated into our capital works, and deliver a building energy efficiency upgrade program.” | Strongly Agree | Strongly Agree |
| Green fleet: Banyule Council supports “replacing all fleets with electric vehicles or other zero emission vehicles.” | Strongly Agree | Strongly Agree |
| Low carbon lighting: Banyule Council supports “replacing open space, sports field and street lighting with energy efficient LEDs.” | Strongly Agree | Strongly Agree |
| Electric leisure centres: Banyule Council supports “upgrading pool pumps and filtration systems with efficient systems, trial pool blankets and replace gas fired boilers with heat pumps.” | Strongly Agree | Strongly Agree |
| Maximise renewable energy: Banyule Council supports “pursuing renewable energy generation on our sites and power purchasing agreements.” | Strongly Agree | Strongly Agree |
| New priority areas: Banyule Council supports “identifying actions to reduce emissions from waste, business travel, paper and water use.” | Strongly Agree | Strongly Agree |
Olympia
| Candidate | Shirley Deviesseux | Craig Langdon |
| Website | https://voteeasy.com.au/candidate/shirley-deviesseux | |
| Facebook page | https://www.facebook.com/Shirley-Deviesseux-for-Olympia-Ward-101884148351257 | Https://www.facebook.com/craiglangdon2016/ |
| Political party? | No | No |
| Have you been endorsed by your party for this election? | No | No |
| Why are you standing for council? | I’m standing because the people of Olympia ward deserve better than what they are getting from Council at the moment. We are having our public open space sold off for unit development repeatedly, despite needing services for our many disadvantaged residents and young families. I’m passionate about wildlife, parks and open space for residents that is neither a sports oval or a playground. We have a once in a lifetime opportunity in Olympia to have a truly sustainable area as it is going through huge redevelopment that could be renewal. Sadly, it has been more about quick profits than quality of life. We depend on our natural environment to survive and we need to sustain it. I’ve been active in the climate action movement for many years and will continue to advocate strongly for greater action by council. | To address the many concerns of the residents of Olympia Ward. Ranging from address climate change locally, greening Banyule, Darebin Creek Trail upgrade, affordable housing including co-housing, continuing the upgradings to our parks, gardens and sporting facilities while being financially responsible and keeping rates within the State Government cap. |
| What sort of priorities do you place on protecting, enhancing and promoting the natural environment? | It’s very important that natural habitat areas be conserved and extended. | It’s a high priority |
| Would you be likely to support strategic evidenced based recommendations for the protection of fauna habitat values in accordance with VPO1 to the Banyule Planning Scheme? | Yes | Yes |
| Would you be likely to support Banyule Council’s Biodiversity Plan to extend protection of important trees and other remnant vegetation that provides habitat for fauna species? | Yes | Yes |
| Would you be willing to advocate for and support the integration of Council’s Biodiversity Plan and the Banyule Sugar Glider Project Report documents into the Banyule Planning Scheme to provide support for Council’s VPO1? | Yes | Yes |
| How would you champion Banyule Council policies on Climate Emergency [the draft Corporate Emissions Reduction Plan and the Community Climate Action Plan] and how would you ensure their success? | Banyule Council has certainly commenced addressing the issue over the last few years but there is always more to do. | |
| Further comments | The Bellfield Masterplan is endeavouring to set the highest standards on these issues. This is testimony to our commitment. | |
| How strongly do you agree or disagree with the following current policies on climate emergency action? Climate action culture: Banyule Council supports “staff to undertake climate action in their roles, and foster an open-minded, innovative and collaborative culture.” | Strongly Agree | Strongly Agree |
| Zero net emissions for buildings: Banyule Council supports “reducing energy use with best practice, environmentally sustainable design integrated into our capital works, and deliver a building energy efficiency upgrade program.” | Strongly Agree | Strongly Agree |
| Green fleet: Banyule Council supports “replacing all fleets with electric vehicles or other zero emission vehicles.” | Strongly Agree | Agree |
| Low carbon lighting: Banyule Council supports “replacing open space, sports field and street lighting with energy efficient LEDs.” | Strongly Agree | Strongly Agree |
| Electric leisure centres: Banyule Council supports “upgrading pool pumps and filtration systems with efficient systems, trial pool blankets and replace gas fired boilers with heat pumps.” | Strongly Agree | Strongly Agree |
| Maximise renewable energy: Banyule Council supports “pursuing renewable energy generation on our sites and power purchasing agreements.” | Strongly Agree | Strongly Agree |
| New priority areas: Banyule Council supports “identifying actions to reduce emissions from waste, business travel, paper and water use.” | Strongly Agree | Agree |
Sherbourne
| Candidate | Michelle Giovas |
| Website | https://votemichelle.com.au/ |
| Facebook page | https://www.facebook.com/Michelle-Giovas-for-Sherbourne-Ward-Banyule-Council-105468207952546/ |
| Political party? | No |
| Have you been endorsed by your party for this election? | No |
| Why are you standing for council? | I am standing for Council because I want to make a difference and to use the experience and knowledge I have to help the people of Sherbourne deal with the challenges of urban growth pressure and new state Government Infrastructure projects. The Fitzsimons Lane widening has the potential to impact Bolton Street, take out many trees and even impact Eltham Copper Butterfly habitat. I am also concerned about the community and environmental impacts of the Hurstbridge Rail Duplication and Montmorency Station Upgrade. This is definitely a worthwhile project but how do we ensure it is properly integrated with Were Street, that the disruption to residents living by the works is minimised, tree loss is minimised, spoil is properly managed and where will it be stored, where will the work laydown areas be etc. I am also deeply interested in democracy and governance and I want to bring back the Council public forum to the start of Council meetings so that constituents concerns and questions can be raised more easily. I also would do regular Ward meetings to ensure I understand the issues and concerns people have. I also think Council work for small business, aged care, health, disability and inclusion is on the right track but I want to learn more about these areas to address any gaps and opportunities. |
| What sort of priorities do you place on protecting, enhancing and promoting the natural environment? | I put a tremendous value on keeping habitat corridors, native vegetation and remnant large old trees. I think Sherbourne ward has lost canopy in the last few years and this needs to be halted by better planning and better planning permit conditions to promote native/indigenous tree and vegetation plantings. I also consider urban water runoff and its availability is key to a thriving natural habitat. We need to ensure that we maximise pervious surfaces to enable rainfall to penetrate and soak the soil. This helps maintain a healthy water cycle and our plant species and biodiversity There is also growing evidence of how important trees and natural spaces are to our overall health and well being. This has been shown time and again during CoVid how essential our green spaces are |
| Would you be likely to support strategic evidenced based recommendations for the protection of fauna habitat values in accordance with VPO1 to the Banyule Planning Scheme? | Yes |
| Would you be likely to support Banyule Council’s Biodiversity Plan to extend protection of important trees and other remnant vegetation that provides habitat for fauna species? | Yes |
| Would you be willing to advocate for and support the integration of Council’s Biodiversity Plan and the Banyule Sugar Glider Project Report documents into the Banyule Planning Scheme to provide support for Council’s VPO1? | Yes |
| How would you champion Banyule Council policies on Climate Emergency [the draft Corporate Emissions Reduction Plan and the Community Climate Action Plan] and how would you ensure their success? | I would ensure that Council decision making takes a holistic view and include real consideration of how a decision impacts our carbon dioxide emissions such as with the strategy to be Carbon Neutral by 2028 for Banyule’s corporate emissions. When Council infrastructure or building assets are upgraded, energy efficiency and renewable energy sources should be a top priority. If it can’t be achieved Council and the community need to know why. I would be challenging decisions such as with the Ivanhoe Library redevelopment the opportunity wasn’t taken to make this an all electric building? I think its also important that we explain that Council’s declaration of a Climate Emergency is serious, that it was a Community led Action and that we all have a role to play in it. Ie We change Culture and we resource these initiatives I most certainly support the nine priority actions listed in the plan from net zero /energy efficient buildings, energy efficient lighting at sports facilities, electric vehicles, maximising renewable energy generation and the monitoring, evaluation, reporting and improvement (MERI) of all these measures. We need to know what works and where the gaps are. I am proud of the stance Council has taken on this and would be ensuring that any decision I made was consistent with this policy’s intent. I would also be explaining the positive benefits that have been achieved to date to build momentum and acceptance. |
| Further comments | I think we also need to explain the cost benefits of Climate Change Action and apart from being good for the planet pay back periods are becoming more and more attractive. I support Council programs to help businesses and homes more energy efficient. Frontiers we need to deal with better are planning/building applications and leased properties for tenants. |
| How strongly do you agree or disagree with the following current policies on climate emergency action? Climate action culture: Banyule Council supports “staff to undertake climate action in their roles, and foster an open-minded, innovative and collaborative culture.” | Strongly Agree |
| Zero net emissions for buildings: Banyule Council supports “reducing energy use with best practice, environmentally sustainable design integrated into our capital works, and deliver a building energy efficiency upgrade program.” | Strongly Agree |
| Green fleet: Banyule Council supports “replacing all fleets with electric vehicles or other zero emission vehicles.” | Strongly Agree |
| Low carbon lighting: Banyule Council supports “replacing open space, sports field and street lighting with energy efficient LEDs.” | Strongly Agree |
| Electric leisure centres: Banyule Council supports “upgrading pool pumps and filtration systems with efficient systems, trial pool blankets and replace gas fired boilers with heat pumps.” | Strongly Agree |
| Maximise renewable energy: Banyule Council supports “pursuing renewable energy generation on our sites and power purchasing agreements.” | Strongly Agree |
| New priority areas: Banyule Council supports “identifying actions to reduce emissions from waste, business travel, paper and water use.” | Strongly Agree |
For more information on how to vote go to the Banyule City Council website