Leticia Laing, Bunurong Ward Where do you live?
I live in Cape Paterson.
How long have you lived in Bass Coast?
Almost five years.
What is your previous community involvement (voluntary work or membership), either in Bass Coast or another area?
Currently:
Current secretary of the Nature Adventures Playgroup
Core group member of Bass Coast Climate Action Network.
Media coordinator for Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club
Current member of the Wonthaggi Primary School Council (general member)
I live in Cape Paterson.
How long have you lived in Bass Coast?
Almost five years.
What is your previous community involvement (voluntary work or membership), either in Bass Coast or another area?
Currently:
Current secretary of the Nature Adventures Playgroup
Core group member of Bass Coast Climate Action Network.
Media coordinator for Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club
Current member of the Wonthaggi Primary School Council (general member)
Previously:
Secretary, Kathleen Day Playgroup, Kalgoorlie
Secretary, Kalgoorlie Toy Library
Volunteer Journalist Sivakasi Times magazine, Sivakasi, India
Have you stood for election before in local, state or federal government?
Yes I ran unsuccessfully once in 2001/2002 in the City of Darebin when I was 19 years old.
Do you belong to a political party?
Yes I am a member of the local Wonthaggi Bass Labor party branch. However I am an unendorsed, independent candidate. This means I am not bound by my party allegiance for any decisions made in council and have not been financially supported by the ALP for the council campaign. My goal first and foremost is to best represent the needs of my local community and leave the party stuff at the council door.
Name the five local issues that you consider most important and explain how you think the council should tackle them.
Issue 1: Community Facility Upgrades
I will strongly advocate for better community facilities and infrastructure. In Wonthaggi this means a cultural arts hub and regional aquatic centre. With 30% projected population growth by 2036 we need to be prepared and have improved facilities to enjoy.
There is also considerable demand for improved footpaths and traffic calming needs across the shire which I am keen to keep moving on and initiate subject to community consultation.
Issue 2: More local jobs
I will work closely with local businesses and the community for council to do doing everything it can to support our post-COVID recovery. We have been hit hard and I want to boost local jobs and training within the community. No one should need to leave the Bass Coast for a job.
Issue 3: Develop a Social Housing Strategy
With increased population growth and the growing awareness that the Bass Coast is a fantastic place to live, there is increased pressure on housing prices and the cost of rentals.
Social housing strategies by council that require developers to allocate a portion of new developments to low cost, affordable housing or government-owned/not-for profit housing will ensure that those who are most vulnerable will have a home. Construction of social housing can also create job opportunities in the community.
Issue 4 Protected Environment
We love the Bass Coast for its natural spaces. I will uphold sustainable planning that doesn’t overstep town boundaries. I will work to protect and enhance our natural areas and advocate against the size of the Northern Development in Cape Paterson. I will push for stronger enforcement of planning conditions across the Shire.
It is fantastic to see the council pass the Climate Action Plan and I look forward to working on its implementation and working with local community groups to fill in the identified gaps in the plan to reduce the Shire’s carbon emissions.
Issue 5 Better Value For Ratepayers
I will use my community engagement skills to keep the communication lines open with community. My journalistic skills will help me dig deeper for transparency in council and financial responsibility.
Secretary, Kathleen Day Playgroup, Kalgoorlie
Secretary, Kalgoorlie Toy Library
Volunteer Journalist Sivakasi Times magazine, Sivakasi, India
Have you stood for election before in local, state or federal government?
Yes I ran unsuccessfully once in 2001/2002 in the City of Darebin when I was 19 years old.
Do you belong to a political party?
Yes I am a member of the local Wonthaggi Bass Labor party branch. However I am an unendorsed, independent candidate. This means I am not bound by my party allegiance for any decisions made in council and have not been financially supported by the ALP for the council campaign. My goal first and foremost is to best represent the needs of my local community and leave the party stuff at the council door.
Name the five local issues that you consider most important and explain how you think the council should tackle them.
Issue 1: Community Facility Upgrades
I will strongly advocate for better community facilities and infrastructure. In Wonthaggi this means a cultural arts hub and regional aquatic centre. With 30% projected population growth by 2036 we need to be prepared and have improved facilities to enjoy.
There is also considerable demand for improved footpaths and traffic calming needs across the shire which I am keen to keep moving on and initiate subject to community consultation.
Issue 2: More local jobs
I will work closely with local businesses and the community for council to do doing everything it can to support our post-COVID recovery. We have been hit hard and I want to boost local jobs and training within the community. No one should need to leave the Bass Coast for a job.
Issue 3: Develop a Social Housing Strategy
With increased population growth and the growing awareness that the Bass Coast is a fantastic place to live, there is increased pressure on housing prices and the cost of rentals.
Social housing strategies by council that require developers to allocate a portion of new developments to low cost, affordable housing or government-owned/not-for profit housing will ensure that those who are most vulnerable will have a home. Construction of social housing can also create job opportunities in the community.
Issue 4 Protected Environment
We love the Bass Coast for its natural spaces. I will uphold sustainable planning that doesn’t overstep town boundaries. I will work to protect and enhance our natural areas and advocate against the size of the Northern Development in Cape Paterson. I will push for stronger enforcement of planning conditions across the Shire.
It is fantastic to see the council pass the Climate Action Plan and I look forward to working on its implementation and working with local community groups to fill in the identified gaps in the plan to reduce the Shire’s carbon emissions.
Issue 5 Better Value For Ratepayers
I will use my community engagement skills to keep the communication lines open with community. My journalistic skills will help me dig deeper for transparency in council and financial responsibility.