Jo Connellan - South Ward

Jo is a current Moreland Councillor, and a senior project manager in public land and asset management. Her work involves both a technical understanding of the issues, and a 'hands on' approach to working with land managers and the community.

Jo was elected to Council in November 2004. She has been actively involved in urban planning, economic development, transport and open space issues, and has been the Portfolio Councillor for City Development for the last 2 years.

"There is so much to do in the next four years. I would like to see the Central Coburg Initiative really take shape, and in the process demonstrate how to incorporate housing affordability into major redevelopments. There has been a lot of talk about this in recent years, but few real examples. Coburg could be Victoria's premier example.

"Open space is also one of the issues where I would like to see major improvement. With increasing housing density, open space – already a scarce resource in some parts of the city – needs to be cared for, better utilised and made much more attractive.

"The old expression 'think global, act local' has never been more relevant if we are to address what I think is the challenge, not of the next Council term, nor even the next decade, but the remainder of this century. I want Council to do more faster on this issue, and to help Moreland residents do the same."

Jo can be contacted by email jo.connellan(at)vic.greens.org.au, or on 9380 6704.
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Toby Archer - North-East Ward

Toby is a policy worker for a community legal service where he works to improve the rights of public and private renters and campaigns for more affordable housing. He lives in Coburg.

Toby was The Greens candidate for Wills in the 2004 Federal Election. He has been involved in local campaigns on sustainable transport and public open space.

Toby is passionate about making Moreland a more environmentally and socially just city – he believes local government can help residents create the city they want to live in. His priorities are restructuring Council's community committees to give them real decision-making powers and fighting for a better deal from the state government on planning, transport and social services. He will continue to fight to save the parklands on the Merri and Edgar's Creek in Coburg North.

"The City of Moreland can lead the fight against climate change, the crippling price of petrol and the obesity crisis. We need to improve local sports and recreation facilities as well as bike and foot paths, and invest in public transport to give people the choice to leave the car at home."

To get in touch with Toby, you can email him on toby.archer(at)vic.greens.org.au or call him on 0422 488 957.
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Rob Humphreys - North-West Ward

Rob is a Uniting Church minister and has worked for various churches for more than 30 years. He has lived in Moreland City since 2005.

"I want a society where all people are treated with dignity and respect. As Moreland City attracts more residents, it is essential that we ensure those on lower incomes are not forced out through increased rent and property prices. It is vital that affordable housing options be included in all major housing developments within the city of Moreland.

"As a father of young adults I worry about violence in our society. Every time a young man gets bashed in the street I think it could have been my son. But I know that is more likely that my daughter will be hurt - as a victim of domestic violence. A safe community means a community that is tolerant, respectful and equal - whether it be race, gender, religion or sexuality. I want to get to the heart of where safety should start."

"The present system of property rates is inadequate in the 21st century. In order to meet the range of services residents expect from local government, we need a greater share of state and federal tax revenue. State and Federal governments should allocate local governments a specific percentage of GST tax revenue. This way, we can help fully provide for services like meals-on-wheels.

"We must encourage the wonderful diversity of peoples who make up Moreland City. Through interaction between people of different backgrounds, we foster a sense of well-being throughout the community. For example, the city council could provide more employment opportunities for disadvantaged people."

If you would like to call Rob with your concerns about local government please do so on 0438 190 248 or rob.humphreys(at)vic.greens.org.au
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Peter Elgood - South Ward

Peter worked in the Victorian public hospital sector for many years. He now works as an electorate officer for a state MP focusing on education, employment and local planning issues.

"Moreland is a growing city, and that growth requires thoughtful planning and consistent application of policy. Growth needs occur in our designated activity centres, where there is ready access to public transport, shops and services."

Within his local community, Peter has worked on the committees of management of the kindergarten and primary school which his four children attended. He is also involved in a not-for-profit employment agency for people with psychiatric problems.

"I want to see that the family and child services we have in Moreland are better connected, and I believe that the Council has a greater role in making this happen."

"It an exciting and challenging time to be alive and Moreland is a place with many advantages for the world we will be living in over the next forty years. The choices we make now will be critical for that future."

Peter invites you to contact him on 0417 059 071 or by email on peter.elgood(at)vic.greens.org.au
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Lenka Thompson - North-East Ward

Lenka is an Environmental Scientist who assesses contaminated land and groundwater. Her work implementing remediation strategies brings accountability to natural resource management. She lives in Brunswick.

Lenka has been an active member of the Moreland Greens since 2006. She is a Waterwatch Monitor and a keen participant in a community-based stream monitoring group on the Merri Creek.

Lenka believes the health and prosperity of Moreland can be enhanced through our natural environment. In highly urbanised areas like Moreland, it is vital we ensure all public spaces are accessible and enjoyed by every resident in the city.

"Moreland is graced with natural open spaces which need to be sustained and protected for the benefit for all Moreland residents. The Greens will maintain the current open space areas and support investing in more as opportunities arise."

Lenka has a strong commitment to advocating arts and culture in Moreland. As a musician, she will continue to support the Moreland Arts Board, and also encourage buskers and performers to activity centres of Moreland.

"The arts are the breath of creative progress. By expanding community festival programmes and supporting neighbourhood houses, Moreland can reach out to its residents and generate dynamic networks available to everyone."

Lenka can be contacted by email at lenka.thompson(at)vic.greens.org.au or by phone on 0425 786 377.
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Liam Farrelly - North-West Ward

Liam Farrelly is a small business owner who has lived in Moreland for 10 years.

As a psychologist and community worker, Liam has seen first-hand the direct impact that government decisions have had on families and other members of the community. Liam cites the drastic increase in personal debt, and housing and education costs as the significant concerns facing our community.

If elected Liam commits to renewing and re-energising the Moreland area by:

Supporting locally-based businesses, jobs and education.

Reducing petrol costs for the Moreland community by advocating for frequent and reliable public transport, and pushing for the council to purchase non-petrol cars.

Ensuring quality and responsive customer service by council.

Increasing urban renewal public infrastructure projects.

Liam can be contacted on 0422 503 005 or liam.farrelly(at)vic.greens.org.au
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