Better representation needed in east

Better representation for small communities is a common theme for candidates standing in Baw Baw Shire’s east ward election.

Closure of the shire’s Trafalgar customer service centre and the loss of services to other small towns were cited as common concerns among candidates.

Many of the candidates have said they wanted a better deal and fairer representation for the east ward.

East ward candidates in ballot paper order include David Lyons of Willow Grove, Darren Wallace of Trafalgar, Peter Kostos of Darnum, Darren Short of Noojee, Michael Leaney of Walhalla and Fred Boreham of Narracan.

The east ward covers the largest geographical area of the three wards including Darnum, Trafalgar and Yarragon and all smaller towns north and south of the highway from Hallora to Thorpdale and Walhalla.

Mr Lyons is Trafalgar Community Development Association president.

He said he wanted to stand for council to work with the community to get services and infrastructure to prosper and grow and consult with the community in meaningful ways, not a tick box style.

Mr Wallace has a long involvement in the CFA and other community organisation. He said the east ward required strong community engagement and advocacy to ensure it continued to grow and receive services.

“I am not a single issue candidate, but will work hard to represent the east ward on all issues,” he said.

Incumbent Cr Kostos was elected by vote countback following the death of Cr Bill Harrington.

He said he had achieved a lot done over the past three years but there was a lot more to do with the continued growth of the shire.

Mr Short said he wanted council to make a difference.

“I just want to have my say and help improve the running of this area. I want to see what I can contribute to the community,” he said.

Mr Leaney said he had seen a slow decline in services in small communities in the shire including the loss of a library at Noojee and the customer service centre at Trafalgar.

He said the shire made these decisions for economic reason but they “did a lot of damage in undermining people’s sense of worth.”

“Small communities in the shire need to be looked after,” he said.

Mr Boreham also wants to provide stronger representation to rural communities in the eastern end of the shire.

He said in recent years council had come under fire for closing its service centre despite sustained community and business growth in the area.

He said he would provide a fresh start for ratepayers in the eastern end of the municipality.