Jan Thompson is a candidate for the Western Port Ward in the Bass Coast Shire Council election. 1. Where do you live?
I bought land in Corinella four years ago and due to COVID home completed in July 2022.
2. How long have you lived in Bass Coast?
I have lived in Bass Coast for two years. Have spent time in Cape Patterson at my father’s home for many years.
3. What is your previous community involvement (voluntary work or membership), either in Bass Coast or another area?
My previous Community involvement is extensive:-
Previous
Brownie Leader, Meals on Wheels, Knox Council Volunteer, President Seville Liberal Party Branch, Liberal Party State Council Representative, St Johns Ambulance Craft co-ordinator Mt Evelyn, Secretary of Mansfield Rotary Club, Leader Cancer Support Program Maryborough Qld, Member of Lioness Club Maryborough Qld, Member of Heartkids (Royal Children’s Hospital) and coordinated a large Horse Show & Family Fun Fair in Yarra Glen, Volunteer driver for Bass Health.
I bought land in Corinella four years ago and due to COVID home completed in July 2022.
2. How long have you lived in Bass Coast?
I have lived in Bass Coast for two years. Have spent time in Cape Patterson at my father’s home for many years.
3. What is your previous community involvement (voluntary work or membership), either in Bass Coast or another area?
My previous Community involvement is extensive:-
Previous
Brownie Leader, Meals on Wheels, Knox Council Volunteer, President Seville Liberal Party Branch, Liberal Party State Council Representative, St Johns Ambulance Craft co-ordinator Mt Evelyn, Secretary of Mansfield Rotary Club, Leader Cancer Support Program Maryborough Qld, Member of Lioness Club Maryborough Qld, Member of Heartkids (Royal Children’s Hospital) and coordinated a large Horse Show & Family Fun Fair in Yarra Glen, Volunteer driver for Bass Health.
Current
Secretary Corinella & District Community Centre (CDCC).
Grants/Events (former Treasurer) Corinella Residents & Ratepayers Association.
Corinella CFA member – Grants/Events Support Group.
Member of Boomerang Bags an initiative of Totally Renewable Tenby and CDCC.
Assist Coronet Bay Fun Run 2023 & 2024 as a volunteer.
Volunteer Mondays at CDCC assisting with Aged Care, Housing, Visas, Social Security and navigating other Government Departments for residents.
4. What experience or attributes do you bring that will help you in the role of shire councillor?
As a former chief of staff to a federal parliamentarian, I have gained experience on procedures, research, constituent advocacy, while also developing expertise in various areas of government. This background equips me to effectively navigate council procedures and make impactful decisions for the Community. I am a dedicated volunteer and have ties to the community and council. I will work diligently for the Western Port Community.
5. Have you stood for election before in local, state, or federal government?
No
6. Do you belong to a political party?
Yes, Liberal Party with a social conscience. Not all candidates have allegiances to a party and may swing left, right, or indifferent depending upon the issue and what is being asked and consequences of supporting. I am transparent. However, in Council I will be objective, rational and will consult ratepayers for the best outcome for Western Port.
7. Are you directing preferences?
Yes - 2 Rochelle Halstead – her experience and commitment to Bass Coast Council is exemplary and I know I can work with her objectively and achieve good outcomes. 3 Brian O‘Farrell – I have worked with Brian on committees, and I admire his tenacity to complete tasks efficiently and with transparency. He has extensive Council and economic experience.
8. Name up to five local issues that you consider important and explain how you think the council should tackle them.
Issue 1: Basics
We need a council that returns to doing basics better and focus on services and maintaining infrastructure while empowering our diverse community to thrive and prosper.
Roads are a major concern right throughout our shire including highways, arterial roads, and local roads where potholes are a common occurrence. I will advocate we allocate monies to upgrade and repair roads, culverts, drains, and bridges.
Residential footpaths play a vital role in communities. The humble footpath provides links to shopping, community centres and to our magnificent shoreline. There are many local residential pathways throughout Western Port that need to be made or maintained. Good example is Cutty Sark Road, Coronet Bay to Gellibrand unmade. Then a path starts on the other side of Gellibrand down to the shops and foreshore. This needs to be completed. I have seen mothers with prams and children walking down the roadway – so unsafe. From Colonnades Circuit, Coronet Bay down to Corinella Road only a small section made to the telephone exchange then nothing. Children get off school bus at Corinella Road and walk up Agar Road until they reach the pathway, this is so dangerous.
Proper hard rubbish collection is critical for maintaining environmental health and public safety. Incorrect disposal can lead to pollution, risk of injury and unwanted clutter. We are currently charged $132 per collection. I will be advocating for all ratepayers to have one free hard rubbish collection.
Issue 2: Housing
The three fundamentals for every human being are adequate food, access to health and a roof over their head. Housing is not just in a crisis but as Former Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria, Kevin Bell said “Australia is experiencing a housing disaster.” In his paper on Housing Affordability 27th July 2024, he says “there are too few affordable dwellings to buy or rent”. Housing affordability in 2024 is the worst on record. Social Housing has been run down for decades. The worst affected are woman with children fleeing domestic violence, people living with mental illness, low-income older people, especially older woman and first nations people.
Although housing is a State issue our Council can shine a light and guide the way. We have the planning and the means to encourage more use in our community for Pods or portable units. The State Government has given the green light for a second home to be built and be placed on land without a permit except where there are bushfire and flooding hazards. Not only will the homeowner get a boost to their budget with rent, but it will also give a homeless or struggling person a cheap and safe option to have a roof over their head.
We need to do better at every level of Government.
Issue 3: Farmers
The rating system for farmers is up for review early 2025. Speaking to a farmers group recently, they tell me this is a major issue and believe they are unfairly treated by Council.
Farmers are carrying too much of the rate’s burden and the use of the property-based rating system is broken. The main problem is that the price of rates is currently tied to the value of the land, which does not accurately capture the true value. Often, the value of the land is based on the proximity to Melbourne, a regional centre, or amenity values.
Although farmers get a rebate under the Rural Land Management Program this is still not enough to make up for the current 80% differential. With the upcoming review, if elected to Council, I will ensure the system changes are fair and equitable and do not further disadvantage our farming community in Western Port.
Issue 4: Communication & transparency
We can improve transparency by involving community engagement in decisions. I would support live streaming of Council Briefings. However, a transcript would also suffice for those who do not use computers.
A keyway for involvement of ratepayers is to have representatives from a diverse background to advise by way of panels, consultations, and meetings. Even a tabling of important high-level minutes to be made available to the public. This would allow feedback from ratepayers before decisions are made by Councillors.
We need to be mindful there are residents who are not computer literate, particularly our older population who still require information in a written form.
Issue 5: Economic responsibility
We expect to pay rates so our Council can provide basic amenities. What we do not want is costly infrastructure that appeals to some but does not address the needs of the majority. We need more focus on delivering value for money with projects that the majority want.
Sporting facilities in some areas are either run down or non-existent. This is where our children, who are our future, learn about teamwork, diligence, and hard work to achieve goals. Townships are crying out for better services, and no one is listening.
We need to stop wasteful spending and set clear and responsible targets within our budget framework. The 2024-25 council cap is set at 2.75 per cent. Which is much lower than the previous year of 3.5 per cent. With the latest CPI rate of 3.8 per cent this means we more than ever must be responsible and deliver basics.
Was a cultural centre the right financial decision or the highest priority during an economic crisis, particularly when the majority are crying out for other infrastructure. A resounding NO. Now we the Western Port rate payers must maintain and continue to pay for this indulgence which is not easily assessable for most. Try getting there during major events, summer holidays and long weekends – impossible!
Instead, we should have been focusing on coastal erosion, advocating protection for our Woodlands, Wetlands and weed control. We need a Strategic plan for Western Port, and this is a priority to protect our Environment.
9. Name one thing you would most like to achieve if you are elected a Bass Coast Shire Councillor
At present many ratepayers are disgruntled and unhappy with the direction the council is heading. To achieve a successful council with outcomes the ratepayers are expecting, all Councillors need to work together to achieve high standards in governing our community. I would like to see communication between Councillors and ratepayers as a priority. As a Council group set budgets that are responsible, achievable and what the majority want.
Secretary Corinella & District Community Centre (CDCC).
Grants/Events (former Treasurer) Corinella Residents & Ratepayers Association.
Corinella CFA member – Grants/Events Support Group.
Member of Boomerang Bags an initiative of Totally Renewable Tenby and CDCC.
Assist Coronet Bay Fun Run 2023 & 2024 as a volunteer.
Volunteer Mondays at CDCC assisting with Aged Care, Housing, Visas, Social Security and navigating other Government Departments for residents.
4. What experience or attributes do you bring that will help you in the role of shire councillor?
As a former chief of staff to a federal parliamentarian, I have gained experience on procedures, research, constituent advocacy, while also developing expertise in various areas of government. This background equips me to effectively navigate council procedures and make impactful decisions for the Community. I am a dedicated volunteer and have ties to the community and council. I will work diligently for the Western Port Community.
5. Have you stood for election before in local, state, or federal government?
No
6. Do you belong to a political party?
Yes, Liberal Party with a social conscience. Not all candidates have allegiances to a party and may swing left, right, or indifferent depending upon the issue and what is being asked and consequences of supporting. I am transparent. However, in Council I will be objective, rational and will consult ratepayers for the best outcome for Western Port.
7. Are you directing preferences?
Yes - 2 Rochelle Halstead – her experience and commitment to Bass Coast Council is exemplary and I know I can work with her objectively and achieve good outcomes. 3 Brian O‘Farrell – I have worked with Brian on committees, and I admire his tenacity to complete tasks efficiently and with transparency. He has extensive Council and economic experience.
8. Name up to five local issues that you consider important and explain how you think the council should tackle them.
Issue 1: Basics
We need a council that returns to doing basics better and focus on services and maintaining infrastructure while empowering our diverse community to thrive and prosper.
Roads are a major concern right throughout our shire including highways, arterial roads, and local roads where potholes are a common occurrence. I will advocate we allocate monies to upgrade and repair roads, culverts, drains, and bridges.
Residential footpaths play a vital role in communities. The humble footpath provides links to shopping, community centres and to our magnificent shoreline. There are many local residential pathways throughout Western Port that need to be made or maintained. Good example is Cutty Sark Road, Coronet Bay to Gellibrand unmade. Then a path starts on the other side of Gellibrand down to the shops and foreshore. This needs to be completed. I have seen mothers with prams and children walking down the roadway – so unsafe. From Colonnades Circuit, Coronet Bay down to Corinella Road only a small section made to the telephone exchange then nothing. Children get off school bus at Corinella Road and walk up Agar Road until they reach the pathway, this is so dangerous.
Proper hard rubbish collection is critical for maintaining environmental health and public safety. Incorrect disposal can lead to pollution, risk of injury and unwanted clutter. We are currently charged $132 per collection. I will be advocating for all ratepayers to have one free hard rubbish collection.
Issue 2: Housing
The three fundamentals for every human being are adequate food, access to health and a roof over their head. Housing is not just in a crisis but as Former Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria, Kevin Bell said “Australia is experiencing a housing disaster.” In his paper on Housing Affordability 27th July 2024, he says “there are too few affordable dwellings to buy or rent”. Housing affordability in 2024 is the worst on record. Social Housing has been run down for decades. The worst affected are woman with children fleeing domestic violence, people living with mental illness, low-income older people, especially older woman and first nations people.
Although housing is a State issue our Council can shine a light and guide the way. We have the planning and the means to encourage more use in our community for Pods or portable units. The State Government has given the green light for a second home to be built and be placed on land without a permit except where there are bushfire and flooding hazards. Not only will the homeowner get a boost to their budget with rent, but it will also give a homeless or struggling person a cheap and safe option to have a roof over their head.
We need to do better at every level of Government.
Issue 3: Farmers
The rating system for farmers is up for review early 2025. Speaking to a farmers group recently, they tell me this is a major issue and believe they are unfairly treated by Council.
Farmers are carrying too much of the rate’s burden and the use of the property-based rating system is broken. The main problem is that the price of rates is currently tied to the value of the land, which does not accurately capture the true value. Often, the value of the land is based on the proximity to Melbourne, a regional centre, or amenity values.
Although farmers get a rebate under the Rural Land Management Program this is still not enough to make up for the current 80% differential. With the upcoming review, if elected to Council, I will ensure the system changes are fair and equitable and do not further disadvantage our farming community in Western Port.
Issue 4: Communication & transparency
We can improve transparency by involving community engagement in decisions. I would support live streaming of Council Briefings. However, a transcript would also suffice for those who do not use computers.
A keyway for involvement of ratepayers is to have representatives from a diverse background to advise by way of panels, consultations, and meetings. Even a tabling of important high-level minutes to be made available to the public. This would allow feedback from ratepayers before decisions are made by Councillors.
We need to be mindful there are residents who are not computer literate, particularly our older population who still require information in a written form.
Issue 5: Economic responsibility
We expect to pay rates so our Council can provide basic amenities. What we do not want is costly infrastructure that appeals to some but does not address the needs of the majority. We need more focus on delivering value for money with projects that the majority want.
Sporting facilities in some areas are either run down or non-existent. This is where our children, who are our future, learn about teamwork, diligence, and hard work to achieve goals. Townships are crying out for better services, and no one is listening.
We need to stop wasteful spending and set clear and responsible targets within our budget framework. The 2024-25 council cap is set at 2.75 per cent. Which is much lower than the previous year of 3.5 per cent. With the latest CPI rate of 3.8 per cent this means we more than ever must be responsible and deliver basics.
Was a cultural centre the right financial decision or the highest priority during an economic crisis, particularly when the majority are crying out for other infrastructure. A resounding NO. Now we the Western Port rate payers must maintain and continue to pay for this indulgence which is not easily assessable for most. Try getting there during major events, summer holidays and long weekends – impossible!
Instead, we should have been focusing on coastal erosion, advocating protection for our Woodlands, Wetlands and weed control. We need a Strategic plan for Western Port, and this is a priority to protect our Environment.
9. Name one thing you would most like to achieve if you are elected a Bass Coast Shire Councillor
At present many ratepayers are disgruntled and unhappy with the direction the council is heading. To achieve a successful council with outcomes the ratepayers are expecting, all Councillors need to work together to achieve high standards in governing our community. I would like to see communication between Councillors and ratepayers as a priority. As a Council group set budgets that are responsible, achievable and what the majority want.