Linda Champion

2022 candidate for Light Regional Council.
Heritage survey responses.

Do you think that Councils and community members need to have a greater voice in planning and development decisions affecting their local area?
Of course. Council and community members' objectives must be a paramount consideration and adhered to at all times unless faced with a situation with no reasonable alternative but to go against the community collective. For a hypothetical example, unstable grounds could be identified, risking an avalanche, and repair would be impossible without some destruction of community-loved property.
What role should Councils play in protecting local heritage places from demolition or inappropriate development?
Councils should play the ultimate primary role. Councils should have complete control regarding the protection of local heritage places from demolition or inappropriate development, with only the rarest exceptions.
How would you seek to improve protections for heritage places in your area?
As a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) degree, I have the know-how regarding the procedures to cement the protection of heritage places in my area successfully.
We rarely see new places added to local heritage listings. Why do you think this is?
The lack of knowledge of councils coupled with the cost of legal experts would play a significant role in reducing the number of places added to local heritage listings. My training and education would assist in combatting this obstacle. The benefits of adding to local heritage listings are extensive. A few examples are: retaining the picturesque natural beauty of our older regions, enabling cleaner air, a higher standard of enjoyment for the community, and guarding against the possible extinction of rural life by overdevelopment and urbanisation.
How has the Planning and Design Code impacted on the heritage, amenity, and environment of your area? What changes would you seek to the Code?
To answer this question effectively, I would need to research extensively as I have not been directly involved in anything that the Planning and Design Code has impacted. However, I would seek changes to put the predominant power to the Council affected, with decisions that affect heritage, amenity, and the environment.
What are the impacts of infill development in your area? What changes would you seek in the rules around infill development?
Again, I would need to research to become knowledgeable enough to formulate a proper response. If elected, I will dedicate the time to do it in a very timely manner.
Construction of new housing typically uses 30% labour and 70% materials. Renovation of existing housing stock typically uses 70% labour and 30% materials. What policy changes would you like to see made to encourage people to renovate, rather than demolish and build anew?
It seems that it is more likely to be a cheaper project to demolish than renovate. Perhaps offer financial concessions for those that choose renovation over demolition.
How should the community be informed and involved in decisions about new developments?
All available avenues of communication need to be utilised with such activity. For example, newsletters by post, internet, social media, and regular public family-friendly community meetings whereby the public is strongly encouraged to attend.
Do you think there is adequate tree canopy across your local government area?
No. Not at all.
How would you like to see significant and regulated trees in your area protected from removal?
Community education and signage as a start.
What involvement should Councils have in decisions about protecting or removing significant and regulated trees?
Again, councils should have the primary role in such decisions.
What actions would you advocate to slow or mitigate the impacts of climate change in your local government area?
Advocate for funding to increase renewable energy sources within the region. Provide a public transport system which is non-existing in parts of our region to reduce the number of cars on the road. Reduce waste and energy use. Improve and grow green spaces.
What issues are there with traffic and parking in your area?
The lack of public transport is the biggest issue. It is non-existent in most areas of our region.
How could transport options be improved in your area?
Secure a public transport bus and railway system.
What would your top three priorities be for improving planning policy and outcomes in your local government area?
Grow and protect wildlife habitats and green spaces
Increase access to renewable energy solutions
Resist all efforts that put the region at risk of urbanisation