The new Bass Coast councillors, November, 2016. Pamela Rothfield, front row, second from left, was elected by her fellow councillors to serve the first two years as mayor. Former Bass Coast mayor and departing councillor reflects on the achievements, the surprises, the frustrations, the naysayers, and the challenges ahead.
Bass Coast Post: When you decided to stand in 2016, what did you hope to achieve?
Pamela Rothfield: My campaign in 2016 was based on a Better Deal for the Island. I believed, being an “outsider looking in”, that Phillip Island and San Remo did not receive equity in relation to the investment in capital works compared to the rates paid. Once on the “inside” I pushed for the only way I could see to secure decent capital works projects – through advocacy as Council just did not have the funds.
Bass Coast Post: When you decided to stand in 2016, what did you hope to achieve?
Pamela Rothfield: My campaign in 2016 was based on a Better Deal for the Island. I believed, being an “outsider looking in”, that Phillip Island and San Remo did not receive equity in relation to the investment in capital works compared to the rates paid. Once on the “inside” I pushed for the only way I could see to secure decent capital works projects – through advocacy as Council just did not have the funds.
| e set a strategy for the projects we wanted to fund. There were countless trips to Melbourne and Canberra advocating to the state and federal governments. We advocated through our Gippsland Local Government Network; We advocated to our local state member; to state ministers; to our federal member and federal ministers. Within the first year or 18 months, our advocacy list was just about ticked off and the next list was established. | "Don’t allow negative people to steal your time and energy." |
Each of the goals I set out to achieve is either completed or under way.
Did you achieve it?
PR: Certainly did. We secured the new secondary college in Wonthaggi, the sub regional hospital (almost ready for construction); we secured a 24 hour medical facility in Cowes and a soon to be constructed Phillip Island Hospital; we secured a new junior high school in San Remo, due for completed in 2023;
Aside from what we achieve in advocacy, we purchased land in Cowes to develop a recreational reserve which will offer everything from aquatics to football to skate – it will be amazing.
We secured land for a new transfer station, which will house the latest in waste technology, upholding the new EPA requirements, and is large enough to include a sustainable community energy project – which is something the next council will decide on.
We also look forward to the new Cowes Cultural Centre, for which Council obtained a $2.5m grant and secured a low interest $10m loan from the State Government. This will generate jobs during and after construction, offer wonderful facilities for the entire community ranging from large event spaces to a fully equipped theatre, new library, historical museum and art gallery spaces and more.
When I stood for council the greatest demand I heard from the community was for a 24-hour medical facility, which we have.
What surprised you most about the job?
PR: Having been in the business world for some 40 years, probably the most surprising thing to me was the glacial speed in which projects or activities materialise from inception to completion in government. This is not meant to be a criticism; it’s just an observation. Understanding that officers in local government must comply with policies, procedures, strategies, regulations and various government acts is essential – as is patience!
There were seven men and only two women on your council – did it matter?
No, it didn’t. However, it was great having Clare on Council as it did provide a balance and she always offers another perspective. Having said that I would also add that there was total equality in the council and the men were a pleasure to work with.
Were you bailed up about council business in the supermarket?
Continually – but more surprisingly in one of my volunteer roles, I was sometimes buttonholed, and the conversation turned political.
Were you ever abused or threatened?
Yes. The behaviour of a very small number of our community members over the car ferry was unfortunate. The Island ward councillors were abused in public and many emails we received were quite brutal. There was one group which even posted the location of my home on social media, which I found was just overstepping the line. Of course in every LGA there will always a few within the community who thrive on negativity – they seem to a have a problem for every solution. That is something you learn to overlook and endeavour not to let them suck your energy or derail your objectives.
What was the hardest decision you had to make as a councillor?
There are many hard decisions we have to wrestle with and many compromises had to be made. This is especially true at budget time when you are presented with numerous submissions for funding but can only accept a handful. That is always a tough decision.
What was the most difficult aspect of the job?
Not being able to please everyone! For everyone who supports a decision, there will be someone against it. I also found the circulation of misinformation, especially on social media, was (and is) a difficult thing to combat. So often only half the truth is reported.
Did you achieve it?
PR: Certainly did. We secured the new secondary college in Wonthaggi, the sub regional hospital (almost ready for construction); we secured a 24 hour medical facility in Cowes and a soon to be constructed Phillip Island Hospital; we secured a new junior high school in San Remo, due for completed in 2023;
Aside from what we achieve in advocacy, we purchased land in Cowes to develop a recreational reserve which will offer everything from aquatics to football to skate – it will be amazing.
We secured land for a new transfer station, which will house the latest in waste technology, upholding the new EPA requirements, and is large enough to include a sustainable community energy project – which is something the next council will decide on.
We also look forward to the new Cowes Cultural Centre, for which Council obtained a $2.5m grant and secured a low interest $10m loan from the State Government. This will generate jobs during and after construction, offer wonderful facilities for the entire community ranging from large event spaces to a fully equipped theatre, new library, historical museum and art gallery spaces and more.
When I stood for council the greatest demand I heard from the community was for a 24-hour medical facility, which we have.
What surprised you most about the job?
PR: Having been in the business world for some 40 years, probably the most surprising thing to me was the glacial speed in which projects or activities materialise from inception to completion in government. This is not meant to be a criticism; it’s just an observation. Understanding that officers in local government must comply with policies, procedures, strategies, regulations and various government acts is essential – as is patience!
There were seven men and only two women on your council – did it matter?
No, it didn’t. However, it was great having Clare on Council as it did provide a balance and she always offers another perspective. Having said that I would also add that there was total equality in the council and the men were a pleasure to work with.
Were you bailed up about council business in the supermarket?
Continually – but more surprisingly in one of my volunteer roles, I was sometimes buttonholed, and the conversation turned political.
Were you ever abused or threatened?
Yes. The behaviour of a very small number of our community members over the car ferry was unfortunate. The Island ward councillors were abused in public and many emails we received were quite brutal. There was one group which even posted the location of my home on social media, which I found was just overstepping the line. Of course in every LGA there will always a few within the community who thrive on negativity – they seem to a have a problem for every solution. That is something you learn to overlook and endeavour not to let them suck your energy or derail your objectives.
What was the hardest decision you had to make as a councillor?
There are many hard decisions we have to wrestle with and many compromises had to be made. This is especially true at budget time when you are presented with numerous submissions for funding but can only accept a handful. That is always a tough decision.
What was the most difficult aspect of the job?
Not being able to please everyone! For everyone who supports a decision, there will be someone against it. I also found the circulation of misinformation, especially on social media, was (and is) a difficult thing to combat. So often only half the truth is reported.
What was your proudest moment as a councillor?
I was very proud to be given the opportunity to take the role of mayor on for two terms. The support of the councillors was wonderful. As far as achievements I think what we achieved in our advocacy to both state and federal governments has been our greatest achievement. It started in 2016 and has continued with a vengeance throughout the entire term.
What was your biggest disappointment?
One of my biggest disappointments is the delay on the regional skatepark. Despite the upgrading of a number of skateparks in the shire, I feel the younger generation have missed out on the really amazing facilities of a regional park. I believe it should be located in Cowes and hope the masterplan for the recreation precinct, when completed, can satisfy all the government prerequisites to have the regional park located there.
I was also disappointed that the State Government did not come to the party in respect to reviewing the business case for Cowes Jetty location for the proposed car ferry. I believe the car ferry would have been a wonderful addition to the visitor economy – opening up a magnificent world class touring route.
How arduous was the job? How much time did it take? What did you have to give up to do it?
For the two years as mayor, I put my life on hold and worked, almost exclusively, for council – I now wonder how I did it. Daily I would receive hundreds of emails and endeavoured to attend every meeting and invitation I could across the shire. I drove tens of thousands of kms in that time. As a councillor, I’ve had more time to concentrate on other activities – but it is still seven days a week and still no golf!
Did you enjoy being a councillor/mayor?
It was an honour and a privilege to represent the community as mayor. I felt a keen sense of obligation to do my very best and took the responsibility both of mayor and councillor very seriously, giving 110 per cent. There were countless enjoyable occasions, especially getting out into the community, meeting and catching up with the wide and diverse range of our residents.
Any advice for someone weighing up whether to stand?
Don’t allow negative people to steal your time and energy. You will come across a handful of people who will continually complain and blame. They create drama and sometimes play the victim. Do not feed their need for attention, affection, and applause.
If you are able to – ignore these fault finders and instead look toward problem solvers.
You represent a wonderful community. Provided you give what you can, act with integrity and keep an open mind, you will have done your job well.
What are the future challenges?
I believe that one of the biggest immediate challenges is the Phillip Island roadway corridor across the Island. Rural Roads Victoria’s design for the Newhaven section of the duplicated roadway from the bridge to Boys Home Road would destroy ancient golden cypress and other mature trees in favour of wider roadways and change the face of the Island entrance forever. Residents should ensure that their voices are heard.
It’s not difficult to imagine that this plan for Newhaven is the thin edge of the wedge as to what is planned for the entire Island roadway system. Do we need a duplicated highway across the Island and does this fit with the Island’s environmental strategies? The Distinctive Areas and Landscape Program, Bass Coast’s Climate Change Action Plan and Visitor Economy Strategy are focussed toward nature based tourism with walking and bicycle paths.
Other challenges are the need for more pathways and bicycle paths plus the issue of State Government support to mitigate erosion of our beaches.
The declaration of the Climate Emergency and our emissions target gives us the strategic justification to pursue renewable energy options with very exciting possibilities for our local community. The Climate Change Action Plan, in development now, needs a strong commitment from the next council to ensure its success.
Elected to Bass Coast Shire Council in 2016 with by far the highest primary vote of any candidate, Pamela Rothfield served two terms as mayor.
I was very proud to be given the opportunity to take the role of mayor on for two terms. The support of the councillors was wonderful. As far as achievements I think what we achieved in our advocacy to both state and federal governments has been our greatest achievement. It started in 2016 and has continued with a vengeance throughout the entire term.
What was your biggest disappointment?
One of my biggest disappointments is the delay on the regional skatepark. Despite the upgrading of a number of skateparks in the shire, I feel the younger generation have missed out on the really amazing facilities of a regional park. I believe it should be located in Cowes and hope the masterplan for the recreation precinct, when completed, can satisfy all the government prerequisites to have the regional park located there.
I was also disappointed that the State Government did not come to the party in respect to reviewing the business case for Cowes Jetty location for the proposed car ferry. I believe the car ferry would have been a wonderful addition to the visitor economy – opening up a magnificent world class touring route.
How arduous was the job? How much time did it take? What did you have to give up to do it?
For the two years as mayor, I put my life on hold and worked, almost exclusively, for council – I now wonder how I did it. Daily I would receive hundreds of emails and endeavoured to attend every meeting and invitation I could across the shire. I drove tens of thousands of kms in that time. As a councillor, I’ve had more time to concentrate on other activities – but it is still seven days a week and still no golf!
Did you enjoy being a councillor/mayor?
It was an honour and a privilege to represent the community as mayor. I felt a keen sense of obligation to do my very best and took the responsibility both of mayor and councillor very seriously, giving 110 per cent. There were countless enjoyable occasions, especially getting out into the community, meeting and catching up with the wide and diverse range of our residents.
Any advice for someone weighing up whether to stand?
Don’t allow negative people to steal your time and energy. You will come across a handful of people who will continually complain and blame. They create drama and sometimes play the victim. Do not feed their need for attention, affection, and applause.
If you are able to – ignore these fault finders and instead look toward problem solvers.
You represent a wonderful community. Provided you give what you can, act with integrity and keep an open mind, you will have done your job well.
What are the future challenges?
I believe that one of the biggest immediate challenges is the Phillip Island roadway corridor across the Island. Rural Roads Victoria’s design for the Newhaven section of the duplicated roadway from the bridge to Boys Home Road would destroy ancient golden cypress and other mature trees in favour of wider roadways and change the face of the Island entrance forever. Residents should ensure that their voices are heard.
It’s not difficult to imagine that this plan for Newhaven is the thin edge of the wedge as to what is planned for the entire Island roadway system. Do we need a duplicated highway across the Island and does this fit with the Island’s environmental strategies? The Distinctive Areas and Landscape Program, Bass Coast’s Climate Change Action Plan and Visitor Economy Strategy are focussed toward nature based tourism with walking and bicycle paths.
Other challenges are the need for more pathways and bicycle paths plus the issue of State Government support to mitigate erosion of our beaches.
The declaration of the Climate Emergency and our emissions target gives us the strategic justification to pursue renewable energy options with very exciting possibilities for our local community. The Climate Change Action Plan, in development now, needs a strong commitment from the next council to ensure its success.
Elected to Bass Coast Shire Council in 2016 with by far the highest primary vote of any candidate, Pamela Rothfield served two terms as mayor.