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WARRNAMBOOL City Council candidates have been put to the test.
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 second question.
We asked our 25 nominees – What is your stance on the central business district revitalisation?
Warrnambool’s CBD will undergo a $15-million facelift for the ageing infrastructure and streetscape. Upgrades include footpath widening, road narrowing, landscaping, parking, roundabout and traffic lane modifications.
The state government estimated in June the project would generate up to 396 jobs during construction and create 260 full time jobs upon completion. Local, state and federal tiers of government will fund the project.
Go to standard.net.au or grab a print edition to follow the candidate question-and-answer series.
Saturday’s question will tackle Warrnambool’s Reid Oval redevelopment plans.
Voting in the local government elections close on Friday, October 21 across Victoria. Postal ballot packs are expected to arrive in residents letterboxes from Tuesday.
(Candidates have been listed in alphabetical order.)
JACINTA ANDERSON:
The CBD is an important element for locally run businesses. I believe a revitalisation to the city centre will be an investment in the future of small business, which benefits the whole community. Looking forward to seeing the finished outcome.
ROB ASKEW:
Continued population and infrastructure growth in Warrnambool has changed the way people shop and move within our city. The CBD needs a revitalisation and upgrade to cater for these changed expectations and shopping experiences. More attractive spaces and ease of movement will encourage shoppers to come and stay longer.
TRICIA BLAKESLEE:
The city centre renewal works are a great opportunity to revitalise the city centre. The three tiers of government contributing funds gives confidence in the project proceeding. As one retailer said: “Warrnambool is going ahead. We need to move with the times.”
ADRIAN CALDERWOOD:
The CBD revitalisation project is a good news story with the initial stages being very well handled. Hopefully the disruption to all businesses will be kept to a minimum. The follow-up to attract unique businesses will be crucial in bringing the people back to the city centre.
THOMAS CAMPBELL:
Across the country, main streets have been suffering and closing down. The CBD revitalisation is a strong first step in attracting people back to the centre of town. Next year, in particular, will be a tough time for retailers. We need a united council to support them.
SUE CASSIDY:
I am part of the committee for the CBD and I am very excited about being part of one of the biggest projects Warrnambool may ever undertake. I am a Liebig Street trader and, yes, there will be hard times over the two years – but I can see the bigger picture and it looks sensational.
KYLIE GASTON:
The city centre redevelopment is the single biggest project council has undertaken. This project will need to ensure adherence to budget and completion in the spirit of the community driven design. The end result will be a vibrant, people friendly main street, great for our retail sector, community members and tourists.
JOHN HARRIS:
I am fully in favour of the CBD revitalisation and support full communication with business houses to make sure there is little and short disruption for people access to their shops where possible all materials to be sourced locally and that regular updates to businesses on the progress.
TONY HERBERT:
I fully support this redevelopment. There must be minimal disruption to businesses. Free parking within CBD during construction phase. I strongly support the use of local trades and local products and engaging with landlords to assist with premises upgrades at the same time.
PETER HULIN:
The CBD redevelopment is long overdue. Shopping should be stress free and enjoyable. We must strive to create our CBD into the destination precinct of our region. Long-term vision is what’s needed to further continue the upgrades to include infrastructure, footpaths and tree plantings throughout our city.
ADRIAN JACOBS:
I was on council when we did all the community consultation and workshops between 2004-08, for the city centre renewal. Other major cities have done it and the rewards are there for businesses. Unfortunately in the short term many businesses will suffer and possibly close during the process.
BRIAN KELSON:
I believe that a revamp of the CBD is required but should proceed one block at a time. This would reduce the impact on traders, shoppers and tourists alike. I don't want to see any businesses close as a result of the redevelopment.
JENNIFER LOWE:
CBD revitalisation is vital for economic prosperity, but not to the detriment of traders. Night works can be implemented – we see it done across the state. Appropriate staged development will minimise impact. Access for customers must be maintained. Strict deadlines must be adhered to. Quality and price must be scrutinised.
DAVID MACPHAIL:
The city must appear new, vibrant and safe to the public – this being a matter of people’s visual perceptions. If the shops age and become uninteresting, they will lose business and close – leaving only pubs. The knock-on effect is we risk losing the heart of our beautiful city forever.
MICHAEL MCCLUSKEY:
Revitalisation plan has merit, however we need to be mindful that every dollar spent on one project is a dollar no longer available elsewhere. Wise allocation of funding to areas in most need is crucial. This requires bigger picture, inter-generational thinking. Are there other projects we needed to complete first?
MICHAEL NEOH:
I fully supported the CBD revitalisation to encourage renewal and attract new employers. As chair of Regional Cities Victoria, I advocated and succeeded in achieving bi-partisan support for a multi-million dollar fund for the 10 regional cities – that is where our $5 million state government funding came from.
DAVID OWEN:
This is long overdue. The CBD has looked tired for over 20 years. It’s the heart of our great city and we’ll have only one chance to create an exciting, pedestrian safe and prosperous CBD. The current tenants must be looked after while the work is being done.
BEN POHLNER:
Bringing people back into the CBD needs to be a priority. However, proposed works need to be done with comprehensive community and stakeholder consultation and landlords support. Care must also be taken to ensure disability access where possible.
PETER SYCOPOULIS:
Redevelopment of the CBD is overdue but my fear is that many businesses will face prolonged hardship during construction. For this reason, council needs to seek greater funding in order that no short cuts are taken and the result is worthwhile. Do things once and do them right.
TROY TAMPION:
The revitalisation of the CBD is a terrific initiative. There is no doubt by the end of the project, business confidence will be boosted and that we will have a wonderful asset to the Warrnambool city environment. The council needs to be fully supportive of businesses throughout construction works.
CHRISTINE THOMPSON:
The CBD needs revitalising using local available resources. Council needs to be mindful of traders’ genuine concerns during the construction period and ensure quality communication between all parties. Working together managing this disruptive construction period is a must. Small business is a vital part of our economy and employment.
ALLAN WOOD:
The CBD should be the economic, retail and entertainment heart of Warrnambool. The project scope is appropriate and should attract more users to build on the significant energy and progress made in the central and south blocks. More funds should be made available to restore and highlight original architectural features.
RICHARD ZIEGELER:
The CBD looks tired. Refurbishment and regular maintenance is overdue. It’s the responsibility of owners to maintain their properties to an acceptable standard. The city’s job is to make it an easy and pleasant area for businesses, shoppers and visitors. Decent, safe toilets and baby facilities are essential.
- Remaining candidates Robert Anderson and Barb Witham did not submit responses.