Helen Breier did not answer our survey questions. Instead she provided this statement.
Thanks for raising these issues to my attention and posing these questions.
These are crucial issues to our local community and deserve proper research and information. If elected, in line with our Moreland Labor policy I would pay respect to the interest and knowledge of your group and consult with your members to assess which of the needs could be prioritised and achieved. In other words, I would rather that you told me what you thought rather than the reverse and we would work from there.
I cannot do this survey justice without research, and consultation with yourselves and others. Each of your questions deserve a comprehensive and considered answer. Some of the questions raised are covered generally in our policy platform available on our website: www.morelandLabor.com.au In particular : Parking and Transport; Economic development (includes plans for Sydney road); Sustainable transport; urban planning; parking; infrastructure and most importantly, building local democracy which advocates for the consultation with community groups such as your own. The construction of our policy was assisted by a team of local residents some of whom were present and former councillors of Moreland and also with specialist expertise in transport and infrastucture. These people also provide a depth of knowledge which I would tap when required.
I encourage you to consider our policy which alongside your questions, could provide a starting point for further discussions and identification of priorities. https://morelandlabor.com.au/moreland-labor-policy-platform-2020/
You are very welcome to contact me at any time regardless of the election outcome.
Our survey questions were as follows.
1. What are your most important priorities to increase pedestrian safety specifically in the ward you hope to represent as well as in the rest of Moreland?
2. If elected, what will you do to help reduce pedestrian road trauma in Moreland?
3. What vision do you have to actively encourage older adults to walk in Moreland?
4. In what ways should Council increase its investment in the maintenance and improvements to footpaths and other outdoor public infrastructure to reduce falls injuries?
5. If elected, how will you encourage Council to implement proven street design measures to reduce vehicle speeds?
6. What measures would you implement to stop speeding near schools?
7. What improvements are needed for footpaths to make them safer for pedestrians after dark?
8. The majority of surveyed Sydney Rd. users support the removal of all on-street parking to make way for wider footpaths and protected cycling lanes in both directions. Do you agree with this and if so, how would you work to achieve this if elected?
9. What strategies are needed by Council, in collaboration with the State Government, to introduce a driver education campaign in regard to stopping for, giving way and slowing down for pedestrians at intersections, zebra crossings, school crossings and other hot spots?
10. As the local population grows, so does local traffic and through traffic. How do you propose to address the competing interests of different transport users i.e. pedestrians, cyclists, private and commercial vehicle drivers and public transport (trams and buses)?
Walk on Merri-bek 