SUE BAKER for Pines Ward Frankston City Council 2024

Less than a week remains to submit your ballot—make sure your voice is heard!

As your Independent Councillor, I’m committed to building a stronger, more connected Frankston. With your support, I aim to continue delivering real solutions and championing local needs over the next four years.

Your engagement matters. Let’s keep the conversation going as we work together for a brighter future in Frankston.














Authorised by Sue Baker, PO Box 6023, Frankston 3199.

As election time approaches, I'd like to take a moment to introduce myself and share my vision for the future of Frankston.

As a candidate for Council, I believe the role of a Councillor goes beyond decision-making. It’s about being present, accountable, and working with the community for their best interests. My focus is on fostering transparency, strong governance, and meaningful community engagement to ensure that every decision reflects the voices of residents in Pines Ward and across Frankston.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
One of my core principles is ensuring that every decision made by Council is transparent and accountable. I believe in explaining my decisions at Council meetings, ensuring the public knows that I have carefully considered all the relevant information, listened to submissions, and engaged with community feedback. Drawing on my leadership experience, including my work on Council's Audit and Risk Committee, I have developed a sharp eye for asking incisive questions that lead to better outcomes.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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Respect for good governance is at the heart of my approach. By following best practices and adhering to codes of conduct, I am committed to building a culture of civility, respect, open communication, and a safe environment for both Council Officers and fellow Councillors. Open debate and the exchange of diverse ideas is critical to making informed, balanced decisions for our community.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
Building relationships with organizations and other levels of government is essential to finding solutions that work for Frankston. A diverse range of views and experiences enriches our decision-making and helps us achieve the best outcomes for the community. As a Councillor, I will continue to foster these connections to explore opportunities, resolve local issues, and advocate for Frankston at the regional and state level. I will continue to work with community groups concerned for the welfare of those who are struggling, disability access and inclusion, the environment and climate, our local indigenous gathering place, housing, the CALD community, gender equitable facilities in sports pavilions and many more.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
Community engagement is the cornerstone of effective local government. I am passionate about collaborating with representative groups. These partnerships foster great ideas and generate tangible results for Frankston. I believe Councillors should regularly review and question the 2040 Council Plan to ensure it continues to meet the evolving needs of our community. I will support extended use of the IAP2 (International Association of Public Participation) engagement tool by Council to foster more co-design on the solutions to issues that affect our community.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
Housing affordability and availability are major concerns for Frankston, and I am dedicated to addressing them. With the city's growth, including the 2026 hospital opening and the Chisholm TAFE expansion, the demand for diverse housing types is rising significantly. Local government must work closely with state and federal partners to secure grants and funding that enable the development of affordable housing across the municipality, delivering outcomes that suit the character of Frankston.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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As the inaugural chair of the Council’s Housing Advisory Committee, I have a strong track record in tackling homelessness and supporting housing initiatives. I championed the Winter Shelter project and led work to create an Affordable Housing Policy, which will be open for community consultation in early 2025. I also support further development of the FMAC, whilst questioning preferred height limits along Kannanook Creek, as we need to attract both people and businesses to the CBD.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
I have long been an advocate for community groups and the incredible contribution volunteers make to them. Having been a volunteer myself I know these organisations are the backbone of our community, offering support, social connection, and essential services. Council grants are vital to sustaining these groups, and I will continue to advocate strongly for their funding. I also believe in the importance of training and education, whether it’s providing leadership development, Mental Health First Aid training, or mentoring programs.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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𝐓𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
Our environment is a precious resource, and I am committed to ensuring Frankston remains a beautiful, green place to live. I have been a strong advocate for climate action, supporting efforts to reduce emissions, increase renewable energy, and expand our green spaces. The pandemic underscored the importance of accessible outdoor spaces for our mental and physical well-being, and I am committed to their sustainability and development. I also believe that mitigation strategies should involve the entire community. By working together and co-designing initiatives, we can all work towards meeting net-zero targets while preserving our unique neighborhood character. Our green spaces not only provide enjoyment and relaxation but also support a rich, biodiverse environment where flora and fauna can thrive.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
Responsible management of Council's budget is a core belief of mine. With about 60% of the budget based on rates revenue, I believe Councillors have a duty to regularly review the costs of services, programs, and infrastructure to ensure they align with what the community needs. This involves making informed decisions about reducing or adjusting spending, whilst maintaining a contingency fund for emergencies and future developments. Now that many major infrastructure projects are complete, it’s time to focus on the services that truly make a difference to our residents and put our attention on building partnerships to attract investment into Frankston’s bright future.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
I believe that by focusing on transparency, community engagement, housing, the environment, and responsible budgeting, we can create a thriving, inclusive, safe and sustainable community for all.

The Biersal Brewery and Bierhall is another fantastic attraction in Pines Ward—a great local spot for anyone looking to relax and enjoy a refreshment. Supporting local businesses like Biersal is vital, as they are the heartbeat of our community, bringing people together and strengthening our local economy.

Let’s keep working together to support and grow the businesses that make Pines Ward a great place to live.














Authorised by Sue Baker, PO Box 6023, Frankston 3199.

There’s nothing better than some Thai takeaway! Seaford Thai is just one more example of the fantastic local businesses we have here in Seaford. I’m grateful to live in a community supported by so many local stores.

Let’s work together.

I’m grateful for the support from The Flying Fish in Seaford. In a coastal city like ours, you can never have too many great fish and chip spots!

With election day fast approaching, I encourage you to reach out with any questions. Let’s work together to continue building a stronger community.














Authorised by Sue Baker, PO Box 6023, Frankston 3199.

I’m grateful for the support from The Local Bakery in Seaford. Local businesses like this are why I’m committed to pushing for more progress in the Pines Ward.

With election day fast approaching, I encourage you to reach out with any questions. Let’s work together to continue building a stronger community.














Authorised by Sue Baker, PO Box 6023, Frankston 3199.

Everyone in Pines Ward knows the Bakery on Mahogany Ave! I’ll be there from 11 AM to 12:30 PM on Friday, 4th October, ready to meet, greet, and answer your questions.

Come by, share your thoughts, and let’s figure out together how I can best support your voice in Frankston City Council.

Let’s work together.














Authorised by Sue Baker, PO Box 6023, Frankston 3199.

I’m grateful for the support from Dolphin Fish & Chips in Seaford. It’s fantastic to see a local business in the Pines Ward actively engaging in the upcoming elections.

With election day just around the corner, I encourage you to reach out if you have any questions. Let’s work together to continue building a stronger community.














Authorised by Sue Baker, PO Box 6023, Frankston 3199.

Nomination is a vital part of our democratic process, and it was a pleasure to meet the dedicated representatives overseeing our election here in Frankston. Their commitment ensures that our community has a fair and transparent election. I’m excited about the opportunity to work together for a brighter future for our local area.