WARRNAMBOOL City Council candidates have been put to the test.
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The Standard has asked the 25 candidates in the running for election for their stance on some of the city’s big issues.
In lieu of a candidates forum, all nominees were asked to respond to five prompts, including Warrnambool’s harbour, CBD revitalisation, parking, Reid Oval redevelopment and the return of general business and introduction of livestreaming to council meetings.
Their responses will be published each day until Tuesday.
Candidates were allowed 50-word responses, with 22 of the 25 candidates answering our first question.
An upgrade for Warrnambool’s harbour has proven a contentious issue, with recreation and professional anglers, environmental groups and residents having differing views and opinions on the topic.
Councillors voted to apply for funding to complete boat ramp upgrades at Lady Bay in December.
This option includes widening the boat ramp made with porous structure to diffuse wave energy and continuing dredging at an estimated cost of $1.5 million for capital works, with $250,000 for annual maintenance.
Other options included the creation of an breakwater spur and artificial groyne and enclosing the harbour.
Candidate feedback on the harbour begins our series in Thursday’s edition.
Voting closes on Friday, October 21 at 6pm.
We asked our 25 nominees - what is your stance on the Warrnambool harbour and boat ramp redevelopment proposal? (candidates have been listed in alphabetical order.)
JACINTA ANDERSON: I am concerned about the safety of boats and users in the current precinct. Boating accidents can, unfortunately, sometimes end in death which is painful for loved ones within our community. I respect the natural environment and all creatures which reside and visit the beautiful area and should be considered.
ROB ASKEW: I support the upgrade of the boat ramp to improve safety. It must be understood that option A being designed is able to be funded and is the same design through all options. We have a safe, popular swimming and holiday beach, and any developments must consider this carefully.
TRICIA BLAKESLEE: All three options would provide for safe launching approximately 90 per cent of the time. I feel we should proceed with the $1.5million, option A, then see if rate payers are willing to fund further improvements as set out in the more expensive Options B and C that have greater environmental impact.
ADRIAN CALDERWOOD: I believe the last council missed a great opportunity to move forward with the harbour enclosure, providing a safe launching place and berthing for numerous vessels. The funding of this has been on government agendas in the past and with funding available, is a fantastic project to put forward.
THOMAS CAMPBELL: Safety first. The boat ramp has been a safety issue in need of upgrading for a while now. That process could easily be combined with a council and community focus on sustainable fishing and some of the fish habitat projects happening across the city.
SUE CASSIDY: It’s not only just about the ramp, it’s about the whole precinct. Yes, we need a safer ramp, but how about an education centre where the aquarium was situated showcasing everything that is along our coast and gives tourists another reason to visit and learn more about our beautiful region.
KYLIE GASTON: I support council investing in a safer boat ramp. Many people enjoy our beautiful natural beach. This includes walkers, dog owners, sailors, surfers and thousands of tourists who visit our beach and caravan parks annually. We need to manage this shared space well and equitably for all.
TONY HERBERT: I support unlocking our potential. This is Warrnambool's significant point of difference. I support an environmental and financially sustainable approach, which protects and enhances our coastal asset. Warrnambool, the seachange capital of Victoria, needs to capitalise on its main tourism and lifestyle attraction. We must progress this community project as our number one priority.
PETER HULIN: It's time for action. Enough talking. Enough studies. Enough procrastination. For too long other areas have been reaping the rewards of a functioning safe harbour while we attempt band-aid solutions ultimately missing out on the tourism dollar. Strong leadership and vision are needed to finally upgrade our harbour precinct.
ADRIAN JACOBS: Warrnambool definitely needs safer boat launching facilities. I am president of the Warrnambool Fly Fishing Club. Our members often use the boat ramp. Do stage one. Then see how that goes and progress from there. We need to source funding so that rate payers are not hit again.
BRIAN KELSON: I advocated strongly to make our harbour a safer place for launching and retrieval of boats. With a safer facility, we would see an increase in usage bringing a welcome financial boost to our city, as well as respecting the majority views of our citizens.
JENNIFER LOWE: Warrnambool needs leaders who are prepared to conduct strong conversations with state and federal government to capitalise on all opportunities including our harbour. Private investment needs to be encouraged. Our port and surrounding area should be developed in an environmentally sustainable way to enhance usage, the region and economic prosperity.
DAVID MACPHAIL: Extensive work needs done on that boat ramp as a matter of urgency. Warrnambool's people are losing faith in council’s ability to commit to any real decision. It’s unsafe and needs fixing to the highest standard council can facilitate. No use putting a plaster on something requiring a major operation.
MICHAEL MCCLUSKEY: Our boat ramp is the only ramp of many that I have used where I have been concerned that both my vehicle and boat would end up in the sea. I see improving the harbour as an important priority - for the sake of both local users and our tourism industry.
MICHAEL NEOH: Council has taken a responsible staged approach for a safer launching facility. At each stage we can assess improvements to safety and monitor environmental impact before moving to further stage(s) if needed. The Lady Bay needs to remain a shared precinct and balance the needs of fisherman and all users.
DAVID OWEN: Councillors have already voted for option A and l believe a business case is currently being worked on. Option A will have the least environmental impact on our harbour and marine sanctuary. An upgrade of the ramp will be affordable and will increase safety for recreational boats.
BEN POHLNER: I’m a regular user of this ramp and am perplexed and frustrated by the lack of action. The swell (not the wind chop) with a high tide is very dangerous. Only option three provides adequate protection from the swell and a safe boat ramp. The ramp needs to be raised.
PETER SYCOPOULIS: The boat ramp in its present form is inadequate and in need of safety improvements. I am in favour of a major development of the entire precinct. An enclosed harbour has merit, however, if considered in the future, major improvements will be required to accommodate increased car and boat traffic.
TROY TAMPION: Priority must be given to ensure we have a safe harbour to launch and retrieve vessels. It is important that a proven and environmentally sound solution be implemented. Instead of people bypassing our city for safer launching areas, let’s make Warrnambool a prime destination for all boat users.
CHRISTINE THOMPSON: Redoing the boat ramp alone is not working. A better, workable harbour would be a valuable asset to Warrnambool and retain visitor spending within our city. A redevelopment of this harbour could address fishing and tourism whilst maintaining our natural coastline beauty. This area is underutilised to its full potential.
ALLAN WOOD: Lady Bay is a vital, shared community asset. The recent consultative project solutions were technically dubious, environmentally inappropriate or visually unacceptable. A correctly configured scaled down enclosure with marinas can be environmentally responsible, aesthetically pleasing and provide safe launching and disability access, without penalty to commercial and recreational users.
RICHARD ZIEGELER: At least option B as soon as possible. Preferably C.
Remaining Warrnambool City Council candidates Robert Anderson, John Harris and Barb Witham did not submit responses.