Climate Action, Cost-of-Living, Council Transparency

Sally is a true Independent candidate in the upcoming local government election for Elwood Ward, in October.

A political scientist by training, she has long been very concerned about the capture of local governments, including ours, by the major political parties that dominate politics throughout the country. They make decisions about the spending of our hard-earned in line with their national party agendas driven by their big funders.

Sally believes this is an abuse of democracy and most certainly of local government which is designed to provide basic services.

Instead, she offers true independence in a self-funded campaign, meaning my commitment, experience, ideas and skills can be dedicated to YOUR interests only.

Sally has a vision of Elwood continuing to develop its strong community feel and becoming a model of real sustainability both socially, economically and environmentally - particularly by being proactive in investing in adaptions to climate changes which are creeping up on us.

For visible change and improvements across the board, Vote 1 for Sally Gibson for Elwood Ward.

Sally is actively involved in our community through many channels, such as:

• worked with the community to get lasting height limits in Ormond Road 
• drove a Port Phillip-wide petition to successfully recommit the federal government to funding childcare
• former board member, Elwood Community Bank 
• former President, Tennyson Street Elwood Children’s Centre
• former President, St Columba’s Primary School 
• member, Yalukit Wilam Nature Reserve Association
• active member, Bayside Climate Crisis Action Group, and XR
• regular contributor to Elwood residents' social media platforms.

Her experience makes Sally highly qualified to represent you, including:

• worked in senior roles in State Government for over 27 years so understand how to get action at the controlling State level 
• highlevel knowledge of the following relevant areas: environment, catchment management, education, infrastructure including ports and public transport, major projects, and justice 
• delegate to the global climate change conference, 2019
• editor and publisher of a book on the UN climate change regime (see acknowledgements in attachment)
• understanding of creative industries as a former journalist and TV scriptwriter.

• Get serious on climate 

Ensure all council plans, policies and procurement are in alignment with the Climate Emergency declared in 2019. Rapidly implement the long-overdue Climate Emergency Action Plan 2023-28 including electrifying the city, increasing tree canopy, addressing water pollution, improving active transport and managing waste responsibly. Identify progressive deadlines and update as required.

• Pull us together

Foster increased community connections and neighbourliness to help provide support in challenging times and to involve us in the shared work ahead. Support our small businesses which play a key role in bringing us together 

• Open sesame!

Release all modelling and other documents being used to inform policy and activities, reduce secret meetings (currently 9%), record all councillor meetings with senior officers, create a register with full details of developer meetings, and include Citizen Panels in decision-making. Include more detail on expenditure including consultancies in the annual report.

• Reduce the cost of our lives

Find greater efficiencies across council including spending on external consultants, catering, executive salaries and full-color printed materials and pass on savings to all.

• Create in Elwood

Recognise and support the important role that creative industries play in fostering community and social cohesion and fund more small-scale community projects including co-working spaces

• Alleviate our parking pain

Scrap paid parking permits for residents; increase parking restrictions in Ormond Road to 2 hours to facilitate increased patronage of local business

• Talk to us more! 

Improve consultation around the Elwood Foreshore Plan especially for affected elderly residents. Engage residents better in major consultations eg. only 0.38% of all voters responded to the current Council Plan.

• Maintain our assets 

Allocate a full-time, roving Elwood Council Officer to log and ensure follow-up of maintenance related to trip hazards, blocked stormwater drains, pet management, removal of dumped rubbish, pot holes 

Place maximum pressure on the State Government re:

• Safety first

Restore a police presence in the former Elwood Police Station, formerly in Broadway, to help deter crime and increase safety of residents including women and our long-standing Jewish community

• Affordability 

Pressure on the State to invest in housing over infrastructure. Investment in Elwood’s 2 and 3-storey walk up apartment blocks to protect affordability in Elwood. 

• Up, up and away

State Government aims to increase Port Phillip density by 41% by 2041. Resist increased density in Elwood due to parking issues, heritage, flooding risks and associated liabilities

• Get us around

Ensure the State’s #246 bus contract includes the need to meet the Elsternwick train and #96 tram.