Profile
Andrew Fawcett
I am a retired secondary school teacher and have lived in Warrnambool for most of my life. My tertiary training was in accounting and commerce. As a teenager my parents owned “Fawcett’s Family Store” on the corner of Japan Street and the Highway. Along with my brothers, I spent many hours serving in the shop.
Upon retiring from Brauer College, I had the time to pursue my interest in politics and stood for Council. I stood in the by-election for the Pertobe Ward when Cr. Graeme Rodger resigned in 2004. After coming a close second to Mitch Preston, I decided to stand at the 2004 General Council election, and was delighted to be elected.
Having gained experience in local government and, at the same time enjoying the job, I decided to stand again for another term. As Council is losing 3 long serving and knowledgeable councillors, I see the need for some continuity within Council.
Some of the specific issues that I will pursue if re-elected are as follows:
I want to continue my efforts (often lone efforts) to make the Council more accountable to the ratepayers for their expenditure. Rates have increased over 30% in the term of the outgoing Council. I understand the strain this puts on households, as the economy is slowing down and costs such as petrol, food and interest rates are putting extra financial stress on families. Council must also put pressure on the Federal and State governments to secure a source of funding from their large tax take!
Warrnambool City Council does not have a Planning Committee of Council to review all planning decision. Most planning decisions are made by officers under delegation, with no participation from councillors. As this creates much angst and stress on ratepayers who live near new developments, I see the need for such a committee with at least two councillors on it to oversee potential developments in the city from a ratepayer perspective.
Being a coastal city, we need to create more views of our beautiful Lady Bay for residents and tourists to sit in their cars and eat their lunch or simply enjoy the view. I believe that Council should be able to work with the Department of Sustainability and Environment to re-create some car parking with a sea view at McGennan’s Carpark at a small cost to Council.
Parking meters within inner city blocks, such as the Ozone carpark is another area that I have opposed vigorously during my time on Council. If the CBD is to compete with the Eastern Retail Precinct and Northpoint, we have to provide free, controlled car parking for shoppers. Other cities I have visited operate without any parking meters and still collect significant revenue through fines.
There are many other issues that ratepayers have concerns about, and I look forward to hearing these concerns so I can truly represent the citizens of Warrnambool. I have always made myself accessible to ratepayers and I promise that I will to continue to respond to issues they raise with me.
