Council & Business
18 October, 2024
Council Candidate Q&A 2024
The Advertiser asked candidates standing for the upcoming Central Goldfields Shire Council Elections a set of important questions — read their responses below.
With the Central Goldfields Shire community now on the doorstep of the 2024 local government elections, out of the 13 candidates, 11 are vying for a seat at the council table.
The shire is broken into seven separate wards with the Flynn, Paddys Ranges and Tullaroop wards each having one vacancy each for a councillor, while the former Maryborough Ward has now been divided into the Maryborough Central, Maryborough East, Maryborough North and Maryborough West wards, each with one vacancy.
This year’s election is taking place entirely by post and ballot packs must be completed correctly, following the instructions provided, and returned in the mail before 6 pm next Friday, October 25.
Any voter who hasn’t yet received their ballot pack should visit the Victorian Electoral Commission website to complete an online replacement ballot pack form.
Extended hours for voters to hand deliver their completed ballot pack apply from 9 am to 8 pm on Thursday, October 24 and 9 am to 6 pm on Friday, October 25.
Voting is compulsory for voters who were on the state or council roll for this election and those who fail to vote may be fined.
The Maryborough District Advertiser has a proud history of providing fair and balanced news to this community and with this in mind, has asked each candidate the same four questions as part of the following Q&A feature.
Candidates appear in ballot paper order.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Anna De Villiers for the Tullaroop Ward and Grace La Vella for the Maryborough West Ward do not appear, as they were uncontested at the close of nominations. The third candidate in the Paddys Ranges Ward, Gregory Corcoran has contacted the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) to withdraw from the race — he is no longer contesting the seat. However, due to the decision being made after the VEC’s deadline to withdraw, voters in Paddys Ranges will still see Mr Corcoran’s name on ballot packs. According to the VEC after nominations have closed, a candidate can only retire if the retirement would result in an uncontested election or if the candidate is not eligible.
FLYNN WARD
LIESBETH LONG:
What’s the first tangible thing you’ll do for this community if elected?
The first thing I’d do is to thank residents for choosing me to serve as their Flynn Ward councillor for another term. I would then engage with my councillor colleagues and councils’ Executive Management Team to initiate relationship building — ensuring a cohesive team is formed right from the start.
What’s one thing you think the council is doing well, and how would you build on it?
Energy Breakthrough is a standout event that punches above its weight for such a small shire. Its economic benefit to the community is astounding! I’ve proudly been involved with EB for 22 years — as a parent, community volunteer and through council. I’ll continue to do so, until I’m physically unable to.
What’s one big project you want to leave behind as your legacy if elected?
Deledio’s Recreation Reserve Pavilion build has been one of my highest priorities this term, with current facilities sub-standard and well past its use. To see this built at last, after two decades of work by the community, will be something I will continue to pour my heart and soul into.
Why should residents vote for you?
I work hard with demonstrated proven results in successfully advocating for two Dunolly Goldrush Festivals, Dunolly Neighbourhood Centre’s solar panels, Deledio’s $137K electronic scoreboard, almost $1M worth of netball courts, a $1M grant for Deledio’s pavilion build, Bealiba’s Town Hall refurbishments and funding to restore and relocate the horse trough.
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RAYMOND SEXTON:
What’s the first tangible thing you’ll do for this community if elected?
I’d collate all issues raised in the campaign and agree a FLYNN WARD Small Wins List called the FLYNN TOP 50. Some issues will be easy to follow up and resolve, others will be slow and tedious and some impossible. Tackling these issues together will start to improve the relationship between council and its customers.
What’s one thing you think the council is doing well, and how would you build on it?
Maintenance and upkeep of various public gardens and reserves helps lift the mood of the shire. More pride in and more recognition for the work of the council’s parks and gardens staff. Encourage better cohesion between community and council to establish and maintain more natural amenity spaces.
What’s one big project you want to leave behind as your legacy if elected?
Greater cohesion in the shire and work to clarify the brand promise of Central Goldfields. Once we know our positive story I will work to raise greater awareness locally, nationally and internationally. Championing our brand will assist with tourism, investment and most importantly build pride in our community.
Why should residents vote for you?
Married and living in Dunolly, I’m originally from Ireland. Being an experienced Chartered Engineer I have the expertise and flexibility to fulfil a councillor’s role. A newcomer, with unique perspectives, I’m well versed in community and infrastructure related issues. I’ll call out discrimination, ensure proper governance and enhance performance.
PADDYS RANGES
CHRIS MEDDOWS-TAYLOR:
What’s the first tangible thing you’ll do for this community if elected?
Ensure the council plan and advocacy strategy creates the prosperity and opportunity needed to obtain the funding and investments we need for housing, roads, sporting facilities, community halls, heritage assets as well as services including skills training to support jobs, childcare, telecommunications, added train services and assistance accessing medical appointments.
What’s one thing you think the council is doing well, and how would you build on it?
Funding and grants are drying up. The improvements residents want in roads, infrastructure and services depend on adequate funding, investments and successful lobbying. Council has been successful with our priority projects plan and advocacy strategy. I have the experience. know-how and ability to extend this success, achieving important, needed priorities.
What’s one big project you want to leave behind as your legacy if elected?
Implementing council’s housing and population growth strategy enabling new jobs, attracting and retaining younger people and families. We need more housing including affordable housing with enabling infrastructure. Population growth with new jobs create new opportunities. Importantly it adds new rates and enables council to provide better roads, infrastructure and services.
Why should residents vote for you?
My opponent claims it’s time for change. The reality is local government and our council has never faced greater challenges. We have so much to deliver in added infrastructure and services with so little funding. I have the extensive experience, track record and demonstrated success to deliver results we need.
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BEN GREEN:
What’s the first tangible thing you’ll do for this community if elected?
Two things at the same time: seek real time status of road and bridge maintenance (including state roads) in shire and then redirect resources appropriately and also liaise with CFA Brigades to plan for summer.
What’s one thing you think the council is doing well, and how would you build on it?
Energy Breakthrough held in November — build on it by providing pop up stalls and general festival for all to enjoy at the same time.
What’s one big project you want to leave behind as your legacy if elected?
One project, two aspects: firstly to bring Talbot FNC facilities up to scratch and install proper lighting and secondly to reopen Maryborough swimming pool to create destination sporting hub for district and beyond (in addition to proper road/infrastructure maintenance (see first question above) — let me state that the poor state of roads is not due to men and women who work on them but rather allocation of resources.
Why should residents vote for you?
Broad experience in farming, construction and law.
MARYBOROUGH CENTRAL
LOWEN CLARKE:
What’s the first tangible thing you’ll do for this community if elected?
All Aboard! The ‘Maryborough Roadshow’ is off to Ballarat, Bendigo and Melbourne to link up, show our products, our art, and our tourist potential.
We need interest, funding and investment for our great Goldfields. I can do this! Dr Lowen Clarke is the one to communicate our community to all.
What’s one thing you think the council is doing well, and how would you build on it?
The community grants program is a strong start for really motivating the community to test new ideas, show off their talents and create new stories. With better funding, the program can link into our arts and tourism, and make us more liveable. This can be engaging and fun for all.
What’s one big project you want to leave behind as your legacy if elected?
Family safety has to have a visible improvement. Family traumatisation must decline. We can support our families to their best potential. Women and children need empowerment. ‘Love of story’ can lead to literacy. All councillors and officers need to be trauma informed. I am a doctor in this challenging field.
Why should residents vote for you?
I have knowledge, skills and experience to create networks for our shire. I have computer and media skills, from 3D animation to production. I am not held ransom by conflicts of interest. I have known the town since my teenage years, and want to share it with the wide world to everyone’s advantage.
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GERARD MURPHY:
What’s the first tangible thing you’ll do for this community if elected?
As a councillor I bring stability to the shire. A proven record, not just promises.
What’s one thing you think the council is doing well, and how would you build on it?
The council is a $40 million dollar business, it is financially sound. I am determined to keep this on track.
What’s one big project you want to leave behind as your legacy if elected?
A councillor cannot make big promises. There are seven councillors, it is a collective. Proper balance must be our goal.
Why should residents vote for you?
I am an honest, hardworking and sincere person. I understand the workings of council.
I have diverse experience and expertise, along with valuable community connections which helps me serve you.
MARYBOROUGH EAST
JACOB MEYER:
What’s the first tangible thing you’ll do for this community if elected?
The first tangible thing I will be doing is working with the youth and community to see what we need and trying to achieve this.
What’s one thing you think the council is doing well, and how would you build on it?
Council is doing many things right. Our parks and gardens are looking amazing. And I love hearing tourists say how pretty they are.
What’s one big project you want to leave behind as your legacy if elected?
One thing I’d love to see here is a splash park for our younger generations, give them something fun to do during summer. And get more kids outside.
Why should residents vote for you?
I believe people should vote for me as I’m here for the people, a younger view. I have plenty of ideas and will bring a lot to the table.
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TREVOR STEVENS:
What’s the first tangible thing you’ll do for this community if elected?
As your local council candidate, my first tangible action will be to establish a community feedback platform to ensure transparent communication.
By listening to your concerns and ideas, we can work together to create positive change and build a stronger, more inclusive community for all.
What’s one thing you think the council is doing well, and how would you build on it?
I believe the council has excelled in promoting community engagement through online platforms. I commend their efforts in increasing transparency and accessibility.
To build on this, I propose organizing regular virtual town hall meetings to gather feedback and ideas from ratepayers, ensuring their voices are heard in the decision-making processes.
What’s one big project you want to leave behind as your legacy if elected?
As a candidate for local council, my priority is to establish a community centre that serves as a hub for education, cultural events, and social services.
This project will strengthen community bonds, provide vital resources, and leave a lasting legacy of unity and support for future generations.
Why should residents vote for you?
Residents should vote for me because I am committed to improving our community through transparency, accountability, and inclusivity.
With a background in community development and a passion for positive change, I will work tirelessly to address local issues and represent the voices of all ratepayers on the council.
MARYBOROUGH NORTH
WAYNE SPROULL:
What’s the first tangible thing you’ll do for this community if elected?
Telecommunications has come up a lot. I would make contact with our local State Government member and ensure that the lack of services specific to Maryborough North are known and confirm what improvements (if any) are scheduled. I would then ensure the community are kept up to date with any notifications.
What’s one thing you think the council is doing well, and how would you build on it?
I think our council support our youth well which is testament to the dedicated staff.
The continuation and enforcement of our youth council and greater inclusion of youth input into future planning would be ideal to help ensure they have access to the things they want and need.
What’s one big project you want to leave behind as your legacy if elected?
I would like to see the establishment of a successful fully supportive university quality study-hub. The facility would have high speed internet access, extended hours access and a selection of study rooms and cubicles. The study-hub would be available to any resident that may have considered further study.
Why should residents vote for you?
I understand that council is more than just the three R’s. Our society is complex and our council need to reflect that diversity. I have a proven ability to work with varied community organisations. I successfully argued against officer recommdations to grant another take-away liquor licence, upholding the community petition.
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GEOFF BARTLETT:
What’s the first tangible thing you’ll do for this community if elected?
My advocacy for constituents will be focused on opening up council meetings to question time and the hosting of good will briefings between councillors, council officers and the citizens and ratepayers.
What’s one thing you think the council is doing well, and how would you build on it?
The parks and gardens within the shire are a credit to that department and its dedicated employees.
By the fostering of partnerships between citizen lead groups and council, we could retain and enhance our natural amenity even more, with care of bushland reserves, nature strips and streetscape beautification works.
What’s one big project you want to leave behind as your legacy if elected?
A legacy will be for others to decide. Bringing before fellow councillors the needs and concerns of the ratepayers is what you’re elected for. To make the ideal of service the basis of all enterprise and rendering altruistic service to all of humanity is the core of my fundamental beliefs.
Why should residents vote for you?
‘Making Locals Matter’ again is the basis for my campaign. I’m focused on working for ratepayers by rebuilding trust, concentrating on the basics of roads rates and rubbish, reviewing state and council operated services.
Diversifying, growing and supporting our economic base. Reopening the toddlers and intermediate pools and unifying us as together we shape our future.