Election forums

Public forums to get views of candidates for the Baw Baw Shire elections next month have been announced for the west and central wards.

The central ward forum will be held tomorrow night at the Warragul RSL clubrooms in Albert St starting at 7.30pm.

The forum is being hosted by the Baw Baw Shire Ratepayers’ and Citizens Association.

Preference will be given to questions received in writing in advance of the event.

Questions can be sent to “Forum” at PO Box 953, Warragul, or by email to haighfam@bigpond.com

BBSRCA vice president Bruce McDonald said advertisements in last week’s Gazette referring to using the forum to question candidates about a proposed subdivision near Brooker Park were independent of the ratepayer’s group.

“Whilst the BBSRCA would expect to take a couple of questions about the Brooker Park subdivision proposal on the night, we do not expect that issue to carry any greater emphasis on the night than possibly the arts centre proposal or the Warragul CBD streetscape project.

“We hope to provide the opportunity for central ward voters to ascertain candidates’ views on any issues of priority to those who submit questions in the time available both before and on the night,” he said.

Local identity Tony Osler will MC the forum and convene the delivery of questions and answers between candidates and the audience.

The Committee for Drouin will host the west ward forum at Drouin Secondary College’s Moondah Room on Monday, October 3, at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.