David Rooks
Caring for our community
2024 election
I've decided to leave the words I wrote in 2020 on my webpage. It's interesting for me, and I hope you, to look back at what I said in 2020. All the 2020 words are unchanged.
Some of my focuses for this term are:
- A network of pedestrian and cycling paths across the Island
- Development of the Phillip Island Recreation Reserve
- To maintain our town boundaries from further development
- To continue caring for our land
And my goals listed below from last term remain the same.
2020 election
My name is David Rooks; I'm an independent candidate in the 2020 Council Elections. My goal in standing for council is to protect and enhance the community assets of Phillip Island:
- its natural attractions
- environment
- industries
- and people
The Environment
Ventnor Sunrise
2024 election
Our Council group achieved positive results for the environment.
- Endorsed and began implementation of our Urban Forest Strategy. This sets out tree planting in the urban area to try and reach a goal of 40% canopy cover.
- Continued funding into our 2018 Biolinks plan. With the help of our partnership with the Bass Coast Landcare Network, over 1 million trees planted over the four years.
- Strengthened our Coastal Reserve Policy to further protect vegetation
- Approved an Environmental Fund. We believe we are the first Council to undertake this initiative. The Fund is a separate entity to Council that will attract philanthropic and other funding with the intention of re vegetating land and purchasing environmentally significant land.
- Introduced regenerative tourism into our Economic Development Strategy and our local Destination Management Plan
- Implementation of the significant tree register.
2020 election
Of particular interest to me is the environment and I value and support the overarching direction and first guiding principle of Council's Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, viz.: "
to preserve and enhance Phillip Island and San Remo's natural environment through sustainable development and management practices".To this end I will: (my 2024 comments are in italics)
- Maintain our town boundaries from further residential development.
I've advocated hard on this through the Distinctive Area and Landscape process.
- Help drive the implementation of the Climate Change Action Plan.
I've supported all climate change initiatives brought to Council including the current climate change community partnership plan.
- Push for a network of pedestrian and cycling paths across the Island
We endorsed the Bass Coast Tracks and Trails plan in 2021. I successfully advocated for an additional 3 million to immediately begin implementing the plan. During my term we delivered on Guy Rd, Corinella and have signed contracts to complete Surf Parade – Inverloch and Wonthaggi to Inverloch inland route. This coming term is Phillip Island's time with the completion of Cowes to Rhyll and a feasibility study on Cowes to Ventnor in line with our current Tracks and Trails strategy.
- Continue the support established by previous Council for the following community assets: aquatic centre, regional skate park, waste facility, sports recreational hub and our cultural centre.
We developed the Master Plan for the PI Recreational Reserve, including land set aside for the aquatic centre and sub regional skate park. We delivered the magnificent Berninneit cultural centre. Waste centres are difficult to plan for as regulations and process continue to evolve.
- Oppose AGL plans for a floating gas terminal in Western Port Bay.
The plans for the floating gas terminal did not go ahead and I'm pleased to have supported that position.
- Reinvigorate our business industry association
I attended numerous business network forums and remained in contact with the group through the term.
- Support the current Council's position on the protection and preservation of the Grantville forest corridor and conservation areas.
We are seeking a comprehensive review of the Extractive Resources Interest Area (ERIA), with appropriate consultation, until the review is complete, we are calling for a moratorium on the issuing of any new permits. The intent of the review is to take into consideration the environmental value of sites and amend the ERIA accordingly. We are calling for that no issuing of permits/works authority to take place on valuable environmental land.
Work History
2024 election
In July 2023 I started a new role as Centre Manager at Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre (PICAL). It is a richly rewarding role working alongside 80 active volunteers serving the needs of our community.
2020 election
In the past 10 years I've worked in Event Management, owning
my own event company before beginning work with Event Operations Group - a local
company. As a small business owner, I
understand the challenges of being in business and will take that knowledge
with me to the position of Councillor. Previous
to this, I have held roles in Tourism, in Human Resources and Primary School
Teaching. These work roles are
complimented with higher education studies with a degree or post graduate
degree in each sector.
Community Connection
2024 election
I've continued my connection with community. I remain on the Landcare committee and in May 2022, I initiated a new group called Phillip Island Land Alliance. This group, which I chair, has representation from the nine coast care groups on our Island, Landcare and the Conservation Society. It's an important alliance representing community groups who care for the land on Phillip Island and surrounds. The time spent with my local community is very rewarding.
2020 election
I have a strong connection with the community of Phillip
Island. During my childhood I spent many
holidays here at my parent's house in Ventnor.
Since 2000 I've lived on the Island, most years in Cowes and now on a rural
property in Ventnor. While my daughters were
growing up I became involved in their community with three years as President
of Phillip Island Kindergarten, one year on School Council and another three as
President of Scouts. Currently I'm
serving as President of Phillip Island Tennis Club (one year) and President of
Phillip Island Landcare (four years). I
love playing tennis and caring for the land is a passion of mine. I value the importance of community groups and
look forward to working with them to achieve their goals.
2023 Ventnor Beach weed clean up with Secondary School from Melbourne
Landcare planting day held in 2019 at Dever's property.
Communication and Leadership
2024 election
In the last 4 years, I've strengthened my belief that successful groups are those who share common values and seek similar goals. This is the strength in my leaderships style as I bring people together. Groups who have individuals who are divisive in their approach fracture groups. Those groups miss the opportunity for achieving goals through a common purpose.
Early in my term of Council, I undertook and passed the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) course. This meaningful and relevant course further developed my skills and understanding of the Councillor role.
I'm enthusiastic to continue providing experienced and strategic leadership as an Island Ward Councillor for the betterment of all.
2020 election
I've developed the necessary skills and experiences to be a
successful Island Councillor through my broad work history, and commitment and
service to the community in leadership roles. As candidate for the Island Ward,
I look forward to the opportunity to extend my work and community involvement
to a strategic level for the betterment of the Island for both permanent and
part-time residents, and for the environment.
My communication style is calm and consultative. I build relationships with individuals and groups, as together more can be achieved. I have a positive outlook on life and recognise the good work achieved by our current Council. It will be my job as Councillor to continue improving the lifestyle for all residents and visitors to our Island, and be a voice for all.
Ward boundaries
2024 election
After a redistribution by the Victorian Electoral Commission the Island Ward now encompasses the whole Island.
2020 election
The Island Ward does not include all voters who live on Phillip Island. Townships within the Island Ward are: Ventnor, Cowes, Silverleaves, Wimbledon Heights, Sunset Strip, Smiths Beach, and Rhyll.
And Finally...
2024 election
I seek your vote at the Council Elections October 2024.
2020 election
I seek your vote at the Council Elections October 2020.
Feel free to contact me at:
Email: david@eventsupport.com.au
Website: https://david-rooks.webnode.com/
Regards
David Rooks
I acknowledge the traditional owners of this land, the Bunurong / Boonwurrung people and pay respects to their elders past, present and emerging and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in our community today.