Overview
We asked candidates for the Bayside Ward of Bleazby 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:
- Jenson Galvin
The following candidates were sent the questions but did not respond:
- Lily Andrews
- Tony Fischetto
- Robert Irlicht
- Lyn Maver
- John Rundell
- Jerry Soldatos
Please read the responses below for more detail about each candidate's level and type of support for native wildlife.
The Responses
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?
Jenson Galvin - Having lived in the Bleazby Ward my whole life, I have always had a special connection with Landcox Park. I have distinct memories of riding my bike there from my home in Brighton East as a young child, as well as recollections of picnics there during the brief reprieves we had during COVID lockdowns. Like many community members, it can be hard for me to balance time outdoors with a busy schedule. However, I push myself to take walks around our community as often as I can, and I absolutely love stopping for a while to take in our beautiful parks in Brighton and Brighton East.
Question 2
What are the most important values/benefits of Bayside’s natural (as opposed to built) environment to the Bayside community?
Jenson Galvin - With Bayside taking actions to establish new green spaces in our community, an emerging issue that I have had the pleasure of discussing with our community members is existing green spaces, as well as our tree-lined streets and naturestrips. We are privileged to have leafy, green streets - and maintaining these is an important issue that will ensure wonderful walks through our neighbourhoods can still be enjoyed for many decades to come. One of my campaign points is stopping irresponsible development - and incorporated into this is ensuring that we balance our existing trees, naturestrips and green spaces with residential and commercial developments being proposed. My plans to resolve our development issue will include consideration of our fantastic trees and green spaces in Bayside.
Question 3
What Bayside-wide environmental matters/issues are most important in your view?
Jenson Galvin - Ensuring that our flora and fauna are protected amid development, and ensuring that council plans for planting greenery are well-researched to prevent future distriptions to infrastructure later down the track. We do not want to be in a position where we are uprooting trees to fix infrastructure - but we do not want to be in a position of having no greenery at all - hence ensuring responsible decisions are made is an important matter in Bayside.
Question 4
What local Ward environmental matters are most important in your view?
Jenson Galvin - Ensuring accessibility to parks is a key aspect of my campaign. We all love visiting the park - so why should some of us be restricted from doing so? I'll consult our community groups in the Bleazby Ward to increase accessibility for those with mobility issues, as well as those pushing prams, ensuring all can enjoy the beauty of our Bayside parks.
Question 5
What do you think Council does well, environmentally?
Jenson Galvin - Our council offers opportunities for all to interact with an enjoy our environmental facilities. Whether it's your family enjoying time in the park, individuals taking a walk down lovely green streets, or those interested in interacting with our environment through volunteer work, Bayside offers it all.
Question 6
In what respect(s) is Council lacking, environmentally?
Jenson Galvin - Council must look at ways of more impactfully making environmental decisions, considering all aspects of the planning process. One element of our council's environmental policies that must be immediately reevaluated is our economic strategy.
Question 7
What environmental issues/matters/challenges do you actively want to address, if any, as a Councillor? In what way?
Jenson Galvin - Increasing accessibility to green facilities in our council is of utmost importance to me, and I will seek to ensure that accessibility concerns for all are considered in existing and new facilities.
Question 8
Is biodiversity important for Bayside? Why or why not?
Jenson Galvin - Biodiversity is important in Bayside. We have amazing green spaces, and with our coastline, it is important to consider the way we interact with and incorporate our flora and fauna into our daily lives.
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?
Jenson Galvin - I believe that opportunities for these programs and activities should be provided for those who seek them in our council. If you are interested in caring for our local environment, our council should provide you with the opportunity to do so.
Question 10
Will you work to progress the implementation of the Urban Forest Strategy and the Fresh Waterbodies Management Plans?
Jenson Galvin - I believe in a consultative community approach to all matters. If our community seeks the implementation of these plans, then this voice should be represented in the decision-making process..
Question 11
Do you support providing supplementary water for wildlife in Bayside's open spaces?
Jenson Galvin - I believe in a consultative community approach to all matters. If our community seeks the implementation of these plans, then this voice should be represented in the decision-making process.
Question 12
Will you work to ensure that the Bronzewings will be effectively protected at Wangara Road?
Jenson Galvin - I believe in a consultative community approach to all matters. If our community seeks the implementation of these plans, then this voice should be represented in the decision-making process. That considered, I would strongly advocate for the protection of these Bronzewings given the support of the community.
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
