Hi Ron, thanks for taking the time to chat to Forte. How have you found the election campaigning process so far?
It’s great to be out listening to the community – hearing what issues really matter to the communities here on the Bellarine.
What excites you most about the Bellarine region?
Most exciting are the potential tourism opportunities here, such as food and wine, recreational fishing, diving and our fantastic beaches. It’s a great place to live.
What projects/changes would you see be completed as Member for Bellarine?
I have announced many, but the big ones include building the Drysdale Bypass, fixing our roads and upgrading our schools. The Bellarine has been neglected for 12 years by the current Member, because she doesn’t even live here. How on earth can someone not live where they are supposed to represent?
Forte currently goes to around 20 Universities and TAFEs, as member for Geelong what would you do to help those who are or plan to be studying?
Since 2010 under the Coalition, funding for TAFEs to deliver skills training has actually *increased* by 23 per cent, to $600 million. More recently, the Napthine Government committed to $4.7 million if re-elected for The Gordon TAFE, to implement new blended learning programs for students in Geelong and surrounding areas. That’s part of the plan announced to provide opportunities for 850,000 Victorians to get the skills they need to find or change jobs, deliver 60,000 new apprenticeships and created 200,000 new jobs. Students will reap the rewards of that investment in their future.
What kind of music do you enjoy listening to and are you interested in the arts at all?
After a long afternoon of door-knocking yesterday, I kicked back and listened to Counting Crows on my iPod, whilst getting dinner ready. I like all kinds of music, and am constantly adding to my iTunes collection on my iPod.
There has been much talk about the Live Music scene and how it is lacking in support. How do you view the situation and what would you do to help bring it back to life?
Just last week my partner and I went to the Piping Hot Chicken Shop here in Ocean Grove to see Carrus play. It’s great to be able to walk from home to the Chicken Shop watch a band, I love it. Would love to see more live local events, and places like the new $7 million sports precinct we’ve committed to at Drysdale could be used after hours for more than just bringing more sporting events to the Bellarine.
What events do you see as vital to the town and where would you like to see grow?
We have some fantastic events on the Bellarine. As the current Chair of Geelong Major Events I am always looking for new and exciting events to suit all tastes and budgets, with over 70% of events free to the public. Events such as the Queenscliff Music Festival, Motor City Music Festival, Avalon Air Show, Toast to the Coast, National Celtic Festival in Portarlington and the ever-popular New Year’s Eve Fireworks really help showcase Geelong and the Bellarine for the fantastic region it is. I love it here and we need to showcase this area as a world class destination.
For voters who are yet to decide, why should they vote for you and what would you do for the people of Geelong?
Voters deserve someone who will fight for better schools, jobs and training, improved local roads and better and more connected public transport. We have been neglected here on the Bellarine for far too long, and as a local I will work tirelessly on their behalf.