Borough of Queenscliffe Council election candidates

I promise to go back to basics, to focus on what matters. Our biggest challenge is to remain relevant and independent – not overtaken by neighbouring councils. That requires an efficient administration which delivers quality projects and provides services that improve our lives. To do this we need tight governance that gets the basics right. Clear budgeting. Streamlined systems. Environment and heritage protection. Completing projects on time and on budget. Funding more capital works by trimming costs and thinking outside the square to raise revenue. Our history and natural features rival any destination and have the potential to attract visitors from all over. My aim is that the Borough not just survives but thrives through sustainable development and balanced economic growth for the benefit of residents and the pleasure of visitors. Community engagement – and then representing ratepayers’ interests with honesty and transparency – is essential. I’m committed to listening, to being accessible, to making informed decisions and building a strong community and a bright future for all. Let’s Reimagine The Borough – please include Brendan Monahan and Peter Jewell in your top preferences – and make our twin towns an even more brilliant place to be.

This past term on the council has been eye-opening, revealing inefficiencies and poor decision-making that prioritises global over local issues, offering little value to Queenscliffe ratepayers. The Borough must focus on core responsibilities: asset renewal, maintenance, and efficient local services. With over $5.6 million allocated to staff wages and contractor fees from a small rate base of $7.5 million, little remains for asset upkeep. Queenscliffe is reliant on income from caravan park revenue, investments & operational grants. Without this income, council will be posting losses. I believe local government should be responsible and accountable for ratepayer funds, delivering local services and enhancing community amenities. We must prioritise asset maintenance to a community-acceptable standard, protect the environment, and ensure our community is liveable and attractive to visitors. The council must enforce local laws and policies fairly to represent everyone, avoiding division and favouritism. My vision includes elevating council service levels and fostering pride in Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff. We must recognise our identity as a coastal, regional, rural township—not a suburb of Melbourne or Geelong. Vote for me, Donnie Grigau, as your first choice, and preference candidates with similar platforms. Back to basics.

Rob Minty, Deputy Mayor and your independent Councillor for the Borough. After years of renting my family built a home in Point Lonsdale almost 30 years ago. My qualifications include a Commission in the Australian Army, graduate Diploma in Business Studies and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Before retiring to Point Lonsdale I worked and lived in the USA and Hong Kong. As an independent I feel compelled to stand for council again as I support a strong independent Borough. Many of you have heard and seen in the daily press, discussions of a merger of the Borough and Geelong. I hold the portfolio of Health and Wellbeing and will request to do so again if re-elected. I believe strongly in the benefits of ageing in place, support for seniors, veterans and residents with disabilities who need support in living their lives with dignity. I support the continuation of a balanced, transparent and externally audited budget for the Borough. As an independent I am not beholden to anyone but residents. My job is to represent all borough residents on matters you care about. I will continue to act diligently, compassionately and with integrity.

My name is Ross Ebbels and I am asking for your support to continue as a Councilor for The Borough of Queenscliffe. I have been a resident of The Borough for over 40 years and I am standing as an independent candidate. I am not a member of any political party. Married with two girls who attended Queenscliff Kindergarten and Queenscliff Primary, my family and I have always been keen participants in community life. Why am I standing again? I still have a lot to contribute and there is still plenty more to achieve. Over the past eight years I have been able to connect with our community and would love the opportunity to again represent The Borough of Queenscliffe as an elected Councillor. If re-elected as your Councillor I Will continue to Work Hard, Engage, Listen and Communicate with our community. Remember that small things do matter to our residents. Ensure the Borough remains independent and financially viable. Continue to provide stability and leadership for all our residents. We live in such a beautiful and safe part of the world and with your help we can keep it that way. Thank You rossebbels@me.com

I am an actuary and have run a business that I founded and managed for 38 years. During this time, I was managing director of an Approved Trustee company and well understand the requirement to spend other people’s money wisely and in their Best Interests. I have an MBA and graduated with Special Distinction – a degree that is the foundation for how I operate – friendly but firm, but persuading people along the way. I am now working with a team in the longevity space – improving retirees’ incomes and happiness. Local Council’s role is to manage local (not State not Federal government) issues and plan for the community's needs in the most effective and efficient way. Councils must spend their money wisely and only in their interests. The cost of living is biting us all. As your Councillor, my focus will be on ensuring fiscal responsibility, making sure ratepayer funds are spent efficiently and effectively and in the interest of Queenscliff residents. I am committed to protecting our historic town and its surrounds, including our beautiful foreshore and ensuring the maintenance of open spaces for recreation and sport. Vote 1 David Orford, Vote 2 Donnie Grigau, Vote 3 Di Rule

Ralph has lived in Queenscliff for 31 years and believes this unique coastal village, the jewel in Bellarine’s crown, is the best place to raise their two teenage daughters. He has proven skills and qualifications in environmental and business management, spending 27 years in public service working in all tiers of government and 13 years in corporate life while pursuing academic interests. Actively involved with local sporting and community clubs he is cognisant of their needs for ongoing maintenance and upgrades. He has owned and managed 3 businesses in Queenscliff, served on tourism committees and appreciates the challenges this industry faces, in particular effective promotion of our most remarkable features. Extensive experience as a coastal land manager has equipped him to deliver innovative ecological friendly solutions to complex environment problems. If elected his priorities include improved budget allocation, pursue increased revenue, grant funding and apply an empathetic approach towards the most vulnerable by reducing some fees and charges, while improving services. He aspires to build coastal resilience to address hazards due to changing climate, promote tourism and business opportunities, renew public facilities, improved parking and revitalisation of the Point Lonsdale oval. Always applying an informed approach to decision making.

Hi there. My name is Lucille Colombo. Most people know me as Lucie. I own and run a small art, design and vintage enterprise on Hobson Street, Queenscliff. I have lived and worked here in the Borough for 20 years. As an artist, I am a deeply creative thinker. A compassionate and empathic person, committed to honesty, integrity and strongly ethical. These are all qualities I feel are important in fostering a cohesive and functioning council, able to bring real outcomes that consider the needs of our community. Queenscliff comprises many different people, businesses and organisations. It is a town that has a multitude of different aspects: local residents, sporting groups, tourism, events, travel and leisure. I would like to represent a coucil focussed on the Queenscliff community as a whole, that strives to bring together all the elements into a thriving, and vibrant culture. I have worked with several community groups to bring about very successful outcomes, and I strive to become a true representative of local concerns. I seek to represent the voice of the resident, to bring about positive change within the council and work towards the effective distribution of resources on time, and within budget.

I’m an independent candidate running to support an inclusive, thriving Borough, now and into the future. My great grandparents were pioneers of Queenscliff and I’m inspired to continue their legacy of celebrating our heritage. I love raising my young family here. I’ve represented our community on the Council since April 2022 and served as Mayor from 2022-2024. In the role, I drove exploration of more effective ways to inform and connect with community. I led the development of a Lived Experience Disability Group in partnership with local advocates. I facilitated a community conversation on the Voice to Parliament referendum, committed to working with Traditional Owners. I delivered a local trader forum, aiming to improve business support. If elected, I’ll continue working with community to deliver positive outcomes. I’ll care for our environment, championing the Climate Emergency Response Plan and strengthening strategies for weed management. I’ll help our economy to thrive, focusing on rejuvenating Hesse Street and Point Lonsdale streetscape improvements. I'll push for a strong advocacy strategy that secures more state and federal funding. I want to provide better services for families, improving playgrounds and supporting playgroups. For a candidate that values community, collaboration, and communication, Vote 1 - Isabelle Tolhurst.

Reimagine the Borough - I have lived in the Borough for ten years. I have worked in the planning and design industry for 40 years and have run my business for 32 years. I co-host the planningxchange podcast (10th year) which considers improving towns and communities. I know what works well in local government. If elected I will hold true to the following: 1 Council will work hard to serve it’s community. 2 Council resources should be directed to where they best serve the community. 3 Council strongly supports community groups and businesses to strengthen our Borough. 4 Wise spending. 5 Council acts to generate pride and respect within the community. We all love our area. I play tennis at Lonnie, volunteer with the QMF and work with my neighbours in tackling weeds along the dunes. Teamwork is key. There is plenty of opportunities to improve our area. The Borough is small which is an advantage in terms of accountability and action. We can unleash the potential within the community. If elected I commit to doing my best to make the Borough better. Vote for me and please preference my running mates Brendan Monahan and Di Rule.

Reimagine The Borough Dear Fellow Borough residents, For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Brendan Monahan, proudly born and Bred in the Borough. In running for local council I believe we need to prioritise the services our community needs and concentrate on local issues: 1 We must prioritise basic support services for all, especially the elderly. 2 We must invest and maintain our local and community infrastructure 3 We must invest in our parks, gardens and natural beauty – protecting them for the future 4 We must encourage and innovate to support our local traders – especially those who provide core services for our community 5 We need to invest in cost-effective attractions - so that visitors and tourists can explore and enjoy our area, bringing in much needed revenue 6 We need to maintain the strength of our giving nature, our volunteers – supporting our many and diverse groups, festivals, non-profits and community movements. Importantly we need to invest in these basics with financial care. We can’t afford to have a council in debt. The Borough must be financially viable to provide for our amazing community. Vote 1 for me and please preference my running mates Peter Jewell and Di Rule

I have lived in Point Lonsdale for 29 years and, been actively involved volunteering in the community while raising my family. My roles have included, Treasurer and Secretary for the senior citizens, President of the Historical Museum and kindergarten, current Deputy Chair of QPLCE and Director of QBTC. I have represented the community as an elected Councillor from 2008-2012 and the honour of being elected Mayor from 2012-2016. During that time, we achieved important outcomes for the community including, land for the PLSLSC, home for the Board Riders, Point Lonsdale foreshore revitalisation, completed stage one and finalised stage two of the Monahan Centre. Hesse Street revitalisation, lower Hesse street roundabout, Queenscliff Community Hall, green bins and installation of LED streetlights. I believe in community consultation reaching all members of our community via all communication means, so a true representation of this community's views is represented. Building a strong partnership by lobbying state and federal governments to secure funding to accomplish our priorities and maintain a strong revenue flow for the Borough through our caravan and camping reserves. I am passionately committed to this community and will bring leadership, integrity and informed decision making. Vote 1 Helene cameron