Four way contest for Cardinia’s Port ward

Four candidates will contest two vacancies for election in Cardinia Shire’s Port ward this month.

The two-councillor Port ward includes Koo wee rup, Bunyip, Nar Nar Goon, Tynong, Garfield, Tonimbuk, Pakenham South, Lang Lang and part of Pakenham.

The four candidates, in ballot paper order include Graeme Moore, Monica Murnane, Ray Brown and David Young.

The two sitting councillors are Cr Moore and Cr Young.

Cr Moore said good communication and negotiating skills are necessary to represent Port ward residents for another term.

He said his primary goal was to ensure council provides the infrastructure, responsible development, environmental stability and agricultural security, along with a well-planned roads and drainage maintenance program.

“I am keen to continue the successful work undertaken so far, and create future opportunities to ensure value for the community, securing job and business opportunities for the district. I am willing to listen and address the concerns of the community,” he said.

Ms Murnane said residents needed councillors who would fight for common sense and not shy away from important issues like supporting CFA volunteers.

“We need councillors who will advocate for our V/Line services. We need councillors who will ensure money isn’t wasted and is spent appropriately on improving local roads, footpaths and street lighting to make our community safer,” she said.

Ms Murnane said she would be a strong advocate and deliver better outcomes for our community. Mr Brown’s motto is “less talk more action.” He said he would represent everyone in the Port ward with a fair, honest and unbiased manner.

Mr Brown said he wanted to ensure funds were spent wisely and major projects proceeded only after proper scrutiny.

“I am concerned about the growing council debt. I want council to do the basics well, look after our roads, footpaths, drains and infrastructure to an acceptable standard,” he said.

Cr Young said he stood for council to represent the views and aspirations of the rural community and the small townships that make up Port Ward.

“I believe I have worked in a constructive and positive manner with the senior management of council for the good of the entire Cardinia Shire.

He said there was increasing pressure on the ward with the delay in provision of infrastructure and services.

Cr Young said he worked hard to advocate for these issues, particularly local and arterial roads.