Overview
We asked candidates for the Bayside Ward of Beckett some questions, hoping to learn about their level of support for our local native wildlife. Here are their answers.
We also have responses from other Wards.
In our opinion, the following candidates provided responses broadly supportive of our local native wildlife:
- Chris Sutton
The following candidates were sent the questions but did not respond:
- Debbie Taylor-Haynes
- Jess Clark
The following candidates did not supply any contact details to the Victorian Electoral Commission:
- Garry Hoover
The Questions
Question 1
Does Bayside have any natural areas/places or flora or fauna that you particularly appreciate? Where are they? How and why do you appreciate them?
Chris Sutton - I am familiar with and appreciate Long Hollow and Gramatan Avenue Heathland Reserves , George Street Reserve, Beaumaris foreshore, Donald MacDonald Reserve, Jim Willis Reserve, Bay Road Heathland and Cheltenham Park Reserve. I also appreciate that we are surrounded by golf courses in Beaumaris, particularly Royal Melbourne who make a commendable effort to protect the natural flora and fauna. I particularly enjoy Long Hollow Heathland, Donald MacDonald Reserve and the Beaumaris Foreshore which are within walking distance to home.
I value the vital role these areas have protecting our natural environment and the natural beauty of these areas help me remember how wonderful Beaumaris was before development. While we have lost much of our natural environment, these areas remind us of what we must strive to protect and promote.
Question 2
What are the most important values/benefits of Bayside’s natural (as opposed to built) environment to the Bayside community?
Chris Sutton - Bayside's natural environment provides a link to the natural environment that evolved over thousands of years. These areas provide a refuge from the built form which benefits our physical and mental health. These areas provide the opportunity to show residents the beauty of native/indigenous vegetation which they can grow in their own gardens.
Question 3
What Bayside-wide environmental matters/issues are most important in your view?
Chris Sutton - The need to protect our natural environment from development in private and public spaces.
The need to prevent further loss of our fauna and flora diversity caused by our use of public and private space.
The impact of invasive species.
Question 4
What local Ward environmental matters are most important in your view?
Chris Sutton - The impact of council spraying weeds. A lack of Council resources allocated to maintaining our public spaces.
Question 5
What do you think Council does well, environmentally?
Chris Sutton - The community nursery, the contribution and expertise of our bushland crew and support provided to Friends groups.
Question 6
In what respect(s) is Council lacking, environmentally?
Chris Sutton - The community nursery should receive more funding and resources to expand opening hours, stock and be more widely promoted to residents.
As for question 4, a lack of Council resources allocated to maintaining our public spaces.
Question 7
What environmental issues/matters/challenges do you actively want to address, if any, as a Councillor? In what way?
Chris Sutton - I want Council to continue to investigate the use of more environmentally friendly weed controls. I often see indigenous plantings die from what I observe is overspray of weed killer.
The conflict between using public space to protect the natural environment and the demands for using public space for recreation.
Dog owners who don't respect the natural environment by not picking up dog pooh and allowing dogs to enter sensitive areas.
Question 8
Is biodiversity important for Bayside? Why or why not?
Chris Sutton - Biodiversity is important for the whole world and Bayside must do its part protecting our biodiversity.
Question 9
Do you think Council should have a role in educating, engaging and empowering its residents to appreciate and actively care for the local environment?
Chris Sutton - Definitely yes. Hopefully, the more residents understand the local environment the more they will respect our public and private spaces and hopefully plant more indigenous species.
Question 10
Will you work to progress the implementation of the Urban Forest Strategy and the Fresh Waterbodies Management Plans?
Chris Sutton - I was one of the original proponents who researched adopting an Urban Forest Strategy as a critical strategy to retain and promote our vegetation cover in Bayside. I worked with Cr Evans and Cr Martin to explain the importance of adopting a UFS by Council. I will continue to support the development and implementation of the Urban Forest Strategy and the Fresh Waterbodies Management Plans.
Question 11
Do you support providing supplementary water for wildlife in Bayside's open spaces?
Chris Sutton - I would need to hear professional opinion to decide if this is appropriate or may actually be harmful to native wildlife.
Question 12
Will you work to ensure that the Bronzewings will be effectively protected at Wangara Road?
Chris Sutton - Yes. I will support where I can measures to promote and expand the
diversity of our native wildlife across Bayside.
References
The following references were included with our questions.
Fresh Waterbodies Management Plans (formerly "Ornamental Lakes Management Plans") BCC Meeting Agenda, June 2024, https://www.bayside.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-06/18%20June%202024%20Council%20Meeting%20Agenda_2.pdf pp 627 - 782
Urban Forest Strategy https://www.bayside.vic.gov.au/urban-forest-strategy
Water for Wildlife https://www.bayfonw.org.au/projects/waterbowls https://www.bayside.vic.gov.au/news/water-wildlife
Wangara Road Masterplan https://yoursay.bayside.vic.gov.au/future-use-wangara-road-site
