Jim Mason - Answers to Questionnaire provided by 93.9 Bay FM

93.9 Questionnaire 10 Oct. 2017

Name: Douglas James (Jim) Mason AM

Contact number (for publication): 0490802350

Email (for publication): This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

In what suburb do you live?

Marcus Hill (in between Drysdale and Ocean Grove)

How long have you lived in Geelong?

38 Years total.

I was Raised on the Bellarine – attended Point Lonsdale PS and Queenscliff High School

• I studied Civil engineering at the Gordon and later, a Masters in International relations Deakin

• I contribute and volunteer locally. I have devoted much time as President of Bellarine Landcare

Occupation:

• Currently I live and farm at Marcus Hill and
• I formerly worked as a civil engineer, a Maths and Environmental Science Teacher and a farmer

• My most recent 20 years’ profession has been Leading, planning and implementing International Humanitarian Recovery and development Programmes for the UN, EU, and the Australian Government.

What do you hope to bring to the council in a professional sense?

Professional qualifications and heaps of experience working with and strengthening communities

• Associate Diploma of Civil Engineering (1968); Gordon Institute of Technology.
• Trained Technical teacher’s certificate (1972).
• Governance Certificate IV (2008)
• Master of Arts (International Relations). Deakin University
• I worked in the humanitarian space since 1987 in a broad range of complex and natural emergencies and where there has been transition to the recovery phase. For many years I worked at the level of Country Director for various NGOs in African countries such as Mozambique, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Sudan, and others like Afghanistan, Pakistan, Indonesia, Philippines and PNG.

What do you hope to bring to the council in a personal sense?

I want to make a useful and lasting contribution to the City of Greater Geelong, its people, culture, economy and environment.

I can do this by applying the principles, knowledge and skills which I have developed over a lifetime of a challenging and diverse professional career. This is my opportunity.

My Vision supports the Greater Geelong 30-year plan for a clever and creative future. I see an environmentally sustainable, consultatively socially-equitable detailed plan, carefully and well implemented.

Elements of this vision include a prosperous, safe, educated, happy, healthy, inclusive, well connected and welcoming multicultural community. Parks, cultural and lifestyle amenities will abound.

Your greatest personal attribute:

I have a capacity to establish sound and constructive relationships

Favourite football team:

Cats

Favourite food:

Thai Tom Yum

Favourite band/singer:

Van Morrision

The three top issues facing Geelong:

• Cohesive and good governance
• Ensuring the 2018 council plan forms a strong foundation for the Clever and creative 30 year plan
  • Ensuring Sustainable and carefully planned housing, industrial and recreational development, with properly protected natural and rural assets.

The three top issues facing the ward in which you are standing:

• A fair go for the Bellarine
• Sustainable and carefully planned housing, industrial and recreational development,
• Properly protected natural and rural assets.

Are you a member of a political party?

Yes

If yes, which party?

I am a member of the Portarlington branch of the ALP

• I am Not running as an endorsed candidate – Council elections should not be party political
• I think and act independently; and I
• Judge issues on their merits

Who is funding your campaign?

I am funding my campaign. I have received some donations, all amassing a total of $1100

What are your plans for preferences?

I have advertised on my website, and Facebook

www.jimmason.com.au

https://www.facebook.com/jimmasonbellarine/

and in The local; Newspapers Geelong Advertiser, Echo, Voice and Bellarine times

Here are my preferences