Since the last post regarding the Batemans Bay Boaters Association Questionnaire we have been contacted by Candidates to ask how we are going to use the answers to the Questions posed and how the scorecard will be scored.

On the former we will be publishing the scorecard as widely as we are able prior to the elections as we did last Council election.  More importantly when an issue comes up during their term and they have addressed it in their answers we will remind them of what they said prior to the election and expect them to act accordingly.  Politicians are not allowed to change their minds and what they said maybe 15 years ago will return to haunt them!

During the current Council many ignored what they said at the previous election but that is what we came to expect from this current bunch.

The score card and scoring see below.

The Association is looking for specific answers to the questions posed and will create a score card of answers received. To assist them and their team here is the method we will use to score the responses:

Each answer will be rated out of 10 . A score of 10 is the best answer. In the first group A. a clear concise and unequivocal answer like Yes or No without quantification get top score.

The second group B. to get a top score an explanation on how it will be achieved and a timeline on achievement because this is more difficult and needs support from other Councillors and the Council staff.

The final group C. Requires a strategy to influence other entities. Here we will be looking at your “policies” and statements to see if the rhetoric is backed up by commitment.

Questions

A. When it comes time to deal with matters in Council will you:

* vote to keep the Clyde Street boat ramp open indefinitely?

* support increasing the number of floating pontoons along the foreshore of the CBD? 

* support allocation of Council funds to improve tourist and boating facilities at the local boat ramps such as seats, tables, and safety lights?

* ensure due process such as consultation with community user groups is followed by Council staff during grant application, submission, planning and implementation phases?

* support the immediate removal of water restrictions at boat ramps for the cleaning of vessels such as at Bermagui.

B. In considering future developments in Council will you support

* the establishment of a Council Marine Infrastructure Advisory Committee?

* a commensurate allocation of funds to marine infrastructure as to playgrounds, bike tracks and coastal walks? 

* increased water based promotions, events and activities?

C. As a council candidate therefore, would you support action on the following issues across the Shire:

* upgrading boat launch ramps and other boat docking facilities?

* the upgrade of rundown amenity blocks at boat ramps and installing black water pump-out facilities at the major river locations?

* establishing publicly owned and run, safe and secure vessel storage facilities, on and off the water?

* better management of storm water run-off to keep our waterways cleaner?