WARRNAMBOOL City Council candidates have been put to the test.
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The Standard has asked the 24 candidates seeking election for their stance on some of the city's big issues.
The first issue was their preferences. See here. A war of words has since broken out on preferences.
The second was whether general business should be returned to council meetings.
Candidates were allowed 50-word responses.
Candidates have been listed in the order they appear on the ballot paper.
Here's a link to profiles on all candidates.
What should the harbour redevelopment look like?
BEN BLAIN: I hope to see the harbour made into a safe launching facility for all users, currently, it is one of the two worst ramps in Victoria. I believe we need a fully enclosed harbour which would be safe for all users of the facility and bring more visitors to Warrnambool.
JACINTA ANDERSON: Safety first including an upgraded boat ramp, structurally sound breakwater using concrete that is suitable for marine vegetation growth. Preserve the natural environment as much as possible. Control sand erosion, kelp forest vegetation projects, artwork, stalls, music and bring back the new year's eve bonfire.
JIM BURKE: I have no firm view on a particular vision. However, the harbour should enhance the tourist experience and meet the needs of amateur fishermen. The redevelopment should be environmentally and financially sound. This should be achieved based on expert advice and only after extensive community consultation.
TRACEY TOGNI: Finished! Bustling! Families, fishermen, vibrant, memorable, safe, colourful, artistic, fun, boats, people, watching, walking, swimming, exercising.
DEBBIE ARNOTT: This is a huge project for the city and it needs to be done right with careful planning. AW Maritime is a very reputable company and have the expertise to help Warrnambool plan for a safe harbour with an innovative design concept to bring our harbour area back to life.
MICHAEL McCLUSKEY: I support improving the harbour including the boat ramp. Gaining funding for the breakwater is also crucial. It protects the harbour and is a drawcard that showcases our beautiful bay and ocean views. If it deteriorates to the point of collapse the money spent on the redevelopment will be wasted.
ANGIE PASPALIARIS: A majority of 2018 submissions supported an enclosed harbour, which I also support. I would like to see development which encompasses a design sympathetic to the local area providing a wonderful community space for food, entertainment, and recreation. I believe there should be further consultation with all user groups.
BRUCE CAMPBELL: I am a member of the Harbour Community Reference Group. The design for a safer boat ramp is ready and should be built urgently. We must get state government funds urgently to repair the crumbling breakwater. If it collapses we will have no harbour at all.
STEVE MOORE: Fully-enclosed breakwall that can double as fishing platforms. Secured, fenced floating pontoon to allow safe access for the Coast Guard and professional fishing boats. Signed car/boat trailer parking-only all year round and additional trailer parking. Garden beds with plants that suit the harsh environment, for visual appeal.
RICHARD ZIEGELER: The option chosen by the Harbour Advisory Group formed by the council is the format that should be created for the harbour. These people were chosen for their experience and their knowledge of the harbour and their recommendation should be followed. They chose an enclosed harbour.
SUE CASSIDY: The harbour redevelopment is happening. The first stage may solve everything and if not, move onto the next stage, as we have continually stated. Why spend extra money if it is not needed? The dredging program needs to be resolved so that it happens periodically.
MICHAEL NEOH: If anyone thinks they can control nature they are kidding themselves. The trepidation shown by the reference group to make any decision shows there are no guarantees. You can only keep dredging. Hand back the port to the state so ratepayers' money is not used to fund a state asset.
ANTHONY EARNSHAW: I support the current Warrnambool harbour foreshore project plans. We have waited far too long for any progress. Although it will not appeal to everyone it is a good start.
KYLIE GASTON: I support safe boat launching facilities. My priority is to protect our beach for us all to enjoy and continue supporting existing tourism businesses.
THOMAS CAMPBELL: Priority should be making the boat ramp safe to use (no more cars slipping into the ocean) and with adequate bin facilities. Any proposed development that requires a greater ongoing financial cost to council and ratepayers (increased dredging costs) or has the potential to cause environmental harm should be avoided.
CASSANDRA PRIGG: We need the Port of Warrnambool to be a fully functioning facility for industry and tourism, and we need to balance this with protecting the biodiversity of Lady Bay.
VICKI JELLIE: State-of-the-art, safer boat launching facilities, including improvements to the foreshore landscape and restoration of the breakwater pier, providing upgraded public amenities and safety for all users. Constructed of long-lasting materials, ensuring reduced maintenance costs into the future. This will provide jobs and boost the local economy.
MAX TAYLOR: The harbour development should be an enclosed harbour so that boats may be launched safely without any tidal surge and the current breakwater requires major attention.
DAVID OWEN: The harbour upgrade will depend on state and federal funding. Any changes require a diligent scientific approach for safer launching and retrieval of boats, dredging and strengthening the breakwater. Changes must be assessed according to potential environmental impacts.
MATTHEW WALSH: The harbour redevelopment should be a multi-use development that enhances on the pristine coastline. A state of the art boat facility that caters to all vehicle sizes with ample parking and areas to move safely either by foot or bicycle. The design should consider the future growth of the community.
LYNN HUDSON: I would like council to provide better access for less able bodied people. I would like to ensure coastal erosion is minimised. Better user-friendly facilities for boaties. Longer term I would encourage a manageable commercial fishing fleet to breathe life into the harbour and provide jobs.
ANDREW SQUIRES: The design of harbours must be an optimisation process. Major consultancy into protecting a harbour's structure and saving the coastline are two important objectives that demand attention is given to the defence structures, including breakwaters. Every type of harbour requires its own design and management considerations.
PETER SYCOPOULIS: I have always been in favour of a major redevelopment of the foreshore precinct. A new functional boat ramp, increased boat and car parking facilities, financially pending, an enclosed harbour to facilitate a marina. Beautification and careful and considered development of boardwalk area to improve public participation and enjoyment.
OTHA AKOCH: The harbour precinct needs to facilitate professional fishing facilities for the economic benefits this can bring to the city. It must be a long-term vision, not just something that solves today's problems. We must anticipate challenges of the future and consider the environmental impacts.