Preserving Bayside’s Natural Treasures: A Candidate Spotlight
The upcoming 2024 Bayside Council election presents a pivotal opportunity for the community to elect representatives who will prioritize the protection and enhancement of the local environment. As an organization dedicated to supporting native wildlife, the Friends of Native Wildlife (FoNW) has closely followed the candidate responses to understand their level of commitment to safeguarding Bayside’s unique natural spaces and biodiversity.
One of the key battlegrounds is the Boyd Ward, which encompasses the suburbs of Sandringham and Hampton. The candidates vying for this seat have provided thoughtful and detailed responses, demonstrating a deep appreciation for Bayside’s natural heritage and a willingness to advocate for its preservation.
Kylie McIntosh: A Passionate Protector of Bayside’s Ecology
Kylie McIntosh, a long-time Bayside resident, has emerged as a standout candidate in the Boyd Ward. Her responses to FoNW’s questionnaire showcase a comprehensive understanding of the importance of Bayside’s natural environment and the challenges it faces.
McIntosh expresses a profound appreciation for the local beaches, foreshore vegetation, and the recently established Willam Yalukit Nature Reserve, which has witnessed the return of critically endangered species like the Swift Parrot. She also highlights the value of Cheltenham Park and Merinda Park as havens for recreational activities and peaceful retreats.
“Absolutely! The beach, including its foreshore vegetation – I love walking along the beach & also the coastal path. It has also been exciting to see the establishment of the Willam Yalukit Nature Reserve and the return of native birds, including the critically endangered Swift Parrot to the Reserve. Cheltenham Park & Merinda Park are also fabulous to go dogwalking.”
In her responses, McIntosh emphasizes the multifaceted benefits that Bayside’s natural environment provides, from supporting local wildlife to enhancing the community’s health and well-being through passive recreation and carbon sequestration. She recognizes the need to address pressing environmental issues, such as declining biodiversity, plastic pollution, and air quality, through targeted local action.
“The natural environment is of great benefit to the Bayside community, both in terms of our health and wellbeing (e.g. passive recreation spaces and the benefit to our mental health also of being outside in nature), in helping to sequester carbon (esp large trees and other vegetation) and in supporting and providing habitat for local wildlife. Trees and other vegetation also help to improve air quality, provide shade and can reduce traffic & other noise.”
As a councilor, McIntosh pledges to advocate for the protection and enhancement of Bayside’s natural habitats, with a particular focus on maintaining and expanding the tree canopy, reducing litter and plastic waste, and addressing air pollution. Her vision aligns closely with FoNW’s mission to safeguard the region’s unique biodiversity.
Fiona Stitfold: A Champion for Bayside’s Natural Heritage
Another candidate who has resonated with FoNW is Fiona Stitfold, who has demonstrated a deep commitment to preserving Bayside’s natural heritage. Stitfold’s responses highlight her extensive knowledge and appreciation for the local environment, from the foreshore and reserves to the rare remnant vegetation communities.
“All places in both the public and private realm with flora and fauna are precious. I particularly appreciate indigenous vegetation for its uniqueness, evolution to cope with local conditions, ecosystem functions and intricate beauty. Particular areas are the foreshore and reserves such as Bay Road Heathland, Gramatan, George Street, Long Hollow, Highett Grassy Woodland and other areas with remnant vegetation.”
Stitfold emphasizes the vital role that Bayside’s natural environment plays in sustaining the community’s health, well-being, and environmental sustainability. She recognizes the fragility of these natural assets and the need to advocate for their protection, especially in the face of increasing development pressures.
“Not only is Bayside’s natural environment of great beauty and diversity, we depend on it for our joy, survival and wellbeing. Trees and other vegetation also help to improve air quality, provide shade and can reduce traffic & other noise.”
As a councilor, Stitfold pledges to actively engage with state-level authorities to ensure that major infrastructure projects, such as the Suburban Rail Loop, do not compromise Bayside’s environmental integrity. She is committed to strengthening partnerships with community groups, such as the Friends of Native Wildlife, to collectively address weed management and habitat restoration efforts.
David Williams: A Steadfast Advocate for Bayside’s Open Spaces
David Williams, another candidate for the Boyd Ward, has demonstrated a deep appreciation for Bayside’s natural environment and the importance of preserving its open spaces and recreational amenities.
“Our wonderful foreshore. This is a great natural place for our whole community to enjoy. Roadside green space, tree cover and our many natural reserves and parks are essential for the health and wellbeing of our community. They provide friendly places for relaxation, passive and active recreation as well as providing habitat for our many native creatures.”
Williams recognizes the multifaceted benefits that Bayside’s natural assets provide, from supporting local wildlife to enhancing the community’s physical and mental well-being. He pledges to prioritize the maintenance and enhancement of Bayside’s parks, reserves, and foreshore, ensuring that these precious resources remain accessible and thriving for all residents.
“Protecting and enhancing our many open spaces, parks and reserves. Reducing heat island effects and working to reduce our collective carbon emission.”
As a councilor, Williams aims to champion initiatives that protect Bayside’s natural environment, including measures to address climate change and promote more sustainable practices. His commitment to safeguarding the community’s open spaces and recreational amenities aligns closely with FoNW’s vision for a thriving, nature-rich Bayside.
Empowering the Community: A Council’s Role in Environmental Stewardship
The responses from these Boyd Ward candidates highlight the crucial role that local government can play in fostering environmental stewardship and community engagement. The candidates have demonstrated a keen understanding of the value of Bayside’s natural assets and the need to actively protect and enhance them.
One of the key areas that the candidates have identified is the importance of council-led education, engagement, and empowerment of residents to appreciate and care for the local environment. As Kylie McIntosh articulates:
“Yes, absolutely! Both through educating and engaging, but also through its ongoing support of local Bayside conservation and environment groups, including all the ‘Friends of’. Supporting and promoting awareness days/weeks/months e.g. September as Biodiversity Month, featuring Wildflower Wanders and other events.”
Faiza Nouman, another candidate, echoes this sentiment, stating that the council should play a significant role in “educating, engaging, and empowering residents to appreciate and care for the local environment.” By providing resources, workshops, and community programs, the council can foster a greater sense of stewardship and collaborative efforts to protect Bayside’s natural spaces.
The candidates have also recognized the importance of council-led initiatives, such as the implementation of the Urban Forest Strategy and the Fresh Waterbodies Management Plans, in enhancing biodiversity, improving air quality, and creating more green spaces for the community. Fiona Stitfold and Faiza Nouman have both expressed their commitment to progress the implementation of these critical plans.
Moreover, the candidates have highlighted the need for councils to support the provision of supplementary water sources for wildlife in Bayside’s open spaces, ensuring the survival and resilience of local fauna, particularly during periods of drought or dry conditions. Kylie McIntosh and Faiza Nouman have both voiced their support for this initiative.
A Call to Action: Electing Eco-Conscious Leaders for Bayside’s Future
The 2024 Bayside Council election presents a pivotal opportunity for the community to elect representatives who will champion the preservation and enhancement of the local environment. The responses from the Boyd Ward candidates, such as Kylie McIntosh, Fiona Stitfold, and David Williams, have demonstrated a deep understanding and commitment to safeguarding Bayside’s natural treasures.
As an organization dedicated to supporting native wildlife, the Friends of Native Wildlife urges Bayside residents to carefully consider the environmental platforms and track records of all candidates vying for council seats. By electing eco-conscious leaders, the community can ensure that Bayside’s unique biodiversity, open spaces, and recreational amenities are protected and nurtured for generations to come.
The future of Bayside’s natural heritage lies in the hands of its residents. By engaging with the electoral process and supporting candidates who prioritize environmental stewardship, the community can shape a greener, more sustainable future for this beloved region.
