Important Local Issues in the State Election
We share the same challenges as other communities however our topography and risk of natural disasters add extra layers of complexity….
We are edging towards the Victorian State election on November 26 and with 5200+ voting members, Mums of the Hills is keen to understand how candidates will address our local issues. The Yarra Ranges is a stunningly beautiful part of Melbourne, a mecca for adventure seekers, romantics, wine buffs, foodies, and fashionistas. We share the same challenges as other communities however our topography and risk of natural disasters add extra layers of complexity. We are wanting to hear our candidates' views on the following issues. If you meet with a local candidate, I hope this list of local issues provides you with some questions of your own.
Telecommunications
In 2021, the Victorian Government committed $73 million to establish the ‘Victorian nbn State Program Fund’ to be held on trust by NBN Co for co-funding new nbn™ network infrastructure in key areas of the state, as part of the company’s various area switch technology change programs. The Yarra Ranges was ignored. This needs to change.
MotHs is pleased that the Federal and State Government have funded two new phone towers – in Menzies Creek and Silvan – to address black spots in coverage. These improvements will ensure local communities have access to life-saving information during emergencies, improve connectivity when help is needed, and keep people in touch with loved ones. However, more needs to be done.
You can find out why MotHs wants telecommunications recognised as an essential service here. https://www.mumsofthehills.com.au/news/essential-services
Childcare: More centres or a case of valuing parenting more?
As Australian census data shows, women are still more likely to be the ones looking after our children. Earlier this year an ABC article¹ described our region as a childcare ‘desert’ with between 15.43 and 15.87 children competing for every 1 childcare place. While without a question our region needs more long daycare centres, I think we also need to address the elephant in the room, that our kids benefit from being with their parents.
It’s an inconvenient truth that is rarely discussed and when it is, inevitably creates parental concerns and politically charged cries around the suppression of women’s equality. The job of parenting is an incredibly important one and yet it continues to be undervalued in western society. Building more centres is important but can not be the only solution. If women choose to take on the role of parenting over returning to jobs and sending their child to childcare, how will this be better supported in the current economic climate?
Housing
Increasingly, MotHs is receiving requests for help from mums needing rental accommodation because of a relationship breakdown. Some of these mums are escaping a domestic violence situation and have been helped by organisations like Orange Door and EDVOS. Others who describe their relationships as toxic but not imminently dangerous fall between the cracks. These single mums need to leave but do not have the ability, opportunity or support services to do so.
The surge in the number of single mums at risk of homelessness in Australia is extremely concerning and sadly what we are witnessing in the Yarra Ranges reflects this trend. Rental crisis or not, single parent families (notably single mums) have never had equal rental opportunities and are frequently overlooked in favour of dual income families and results in a no-win situation. Single mums are often forced to choose between remaining in a toxic, dangerous relationship or risk homelessness. This is something that we at Mums of the Hills simply can not sit back and allow to occur in our beautiful hills community.
Funding for mental health services
Our response and recovery plans from the global pandemic and the recent storms and floods in our community still lack the input of women’s voices to address the mental health needs of women faced with emerging challenges. In addition, women’s post-partum health and care has been neglected and is due for a much needed overhaul. We are facing a nation of women that are overworked, burnt out, physically and mentally traumatised from our current birth practices and the lack of post-partum support and healthcare. We want to know what will be done to improve the mental health outcomes for local women in the face of emerging challenges.
NDIS
The diagnosis process for ‘invisible disabilities’ such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder (AD/HD) is not straightforward, and those requiring fewer supports or with less common presentations easily slip through the cracks. From finding a sympathetic GP to linking into allied health professionals, the cost of diagnosis is prohibitive for many families who most dearly need the support. The fact that ADHD is not supported under NDIS (even though it is a comorbid with ASD) creates further social and financial strains on families. Finally, therapists in our area are grossly oversubscribed, with some waitlists upwards of a year. What will candidates do to help our area overcome these challenges?
Planning Laws and Local Roads
Natural disasters have ravaged our area, particularly since June 2021 leaving many residents with homes destroyed or too damaged to live in while being repaired. Current state planning regulations restrict homeowners’ ability to remain on their property in temporary accommodation until their home is rebuilt or repaired. While there are clear reasons these laws exist, they need reviewing in the face of climate change that has exacerbated this region’s chronic rental housing shortage.
Our roads have also been heavily impacted by recent natural disasters and great change is required in this area to mitigate the effects of climate change. In addition, our villages along the ridge are not connected with safe walking paths. This particularly impacts our school kids, residents with mobility issues and stay at home parents and restricts our community to using private cars or public transport. A lack of footpaths has prevented these members from participating equally in our community. We would like to see footpaths on roads connecting our villages.
These are just some of the issues our community is facing. I welcome local candidates to respond about these issues and other topics in the comments below. Please ask your local candidates about these issues. They are important to this area and awareness is key.
A sink hole under a road caused by a combination of a fallen tree and heavy rains.