SO, WHAT IS THE ROLE OF A COUNCILLOR?

Our Council used to be bold, controversial, and progressive – and delivered good value for the rate dollars we invest in it. It was listened to at all levels. But over recent years it has lost both its community touch and the interest and allegiance of residents. It is the responsibility of Councillors to restore these things. They set the tone.

HERITAGE IS A CULTURAL ADVENTURE

We must not let the future trample over our heritage. We must take what we value with us into that future.

THE ESPY CAMPAIGN AND TRIANGLE WARS: LESSONS LEARNT

A strong council with the community behind it can stand up to powerful interests, and win. Two public campaigns of recent times – the Espy Hotel campaign (1997–2003) and the Triangle Wars (2007-2009) – demonstrate how a wise council listens to its citizens, while an out of touch Council pushes ahead regardless, and eventually comes unstuck.

THE PROBLEM WITH FITZROY STREET: LET'S FIX IT TOGETHER

Chris has run our local milk bar in Fitzroy St for the past 37 years

My aim is to fix Fitzroy St, but it’s not as though I have all the answers myself. The solutions must come collaboratively from the people who best understand the questions themselves – the committed community of landlords, traders, residents. Let’s have a summit to thrash out the future of Fitzroy Street. Let’s come together for a debate, heated if necessary.

OUR PUBLIC SPACES ARE BEING INVADED BY EVENTS. IS THIS THE CULTURAL VISION WE WANT?

Sustaining a rich and inclusive cultural life is ultimately the City’s most profound responsibility to its residents. Is the culture of our city becoming increasingly defined by mega events? What is their relationship to those more local cultural activities, with clearer community licence, such as our theatres and galleries, music venues and film festivals?

WHO CAN AFFORD TO LIVE HERE?

Long-time residents are being forced out of St Kilda, Elwood and Albert Park, reducing the cultural, social and economic mix of our diverse community.

ST KILDA JUNCTION: TOWERS PROLIFERATE... STILL NO VISION

It’s easy to blame VCAT for another desecration/violation of St Kilda Junction. It’s easy to rage against VCAT for ignoring the wishes of the community and paying lip service to Council’s planning amendments. Indeed, I do too. But I must add that Council is not entirely without fault.

ST KILDA JUNCTION: A VISION SQUANDERED

An effective council should see things earlier and act!

BROOKES JETTY: LOST ON COUNCIL'S WATCH

I remember where I was when I heard they were pulling down Brookes Jetty. It was a Monday morning, 12 October 2015. My neighbour phoned. He asked whether I knew what they were doing to the pier.

Nobody knew.

Except that Council actually did know.