Knox’s new mayor: Proper structure planning around activity centres the key

Cr Pearce, a councillor for eight years who previously served as mayor in 2013-14, was elected to the top job again at last night’s Knox Council meeting.

Cr Pearce, 51, said development was a “burning issue” in Knox.

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“We’re expecting another 15,000 residents (to live in Knox) by 2030, that’s probably being conservative the way Melbourne’s population is growing, and it’s critical that we stay ahead of the curve on that to get the best outcomes for our community in that area,” Cr Pearce said.

“What we have to critically do is set up proper structure planning around our commercial activity centres, especially those close to public transport particularly heavy rail, so that we concentrate the development in those areas so people can live and work and play locally; and at the same time protect residential amenity.”

Cr Pearce said council also had to ensure it continued to deliver services and programs the community expected, within the tight environment of rate capping.

“(Rate capping) is a reality of life and it’s something we as a council have to come to terms with and that means two things: making sure that where we channel our resources gets the best outcomes for the maximum number of people in our community.

“And also that we improve productivity and efficiency within the council so we can stretch those resources further to deliver more.”

Cr Pearce, a dad of two, works teaches finance and business subjects at TAFE and also runs his own small consulting business.

He is also the director of a small public company that owns the Bendigo Banks in Wellington Village and Ferntree Gully.

He will continue to work part-time during his term as mayor.

He said he was a member of the Liberal Party, but wasn’t endorsed or funded by them in the recent council elections, and never has been.