Tricia Jones

After two terms representing Drouin ward Tricia Jones is hoping to continue on council as one of three to be elected to the new West ward that includes Drouin and parts of the previous Mount Worth and North wards.

She said council made a lot of steps forward in the last four-year term and she wants to continue being part of meeting the challenges ahead.

Financial stability, roads and drainage works, asset management and an infrastructure strategy are some of the achievements Cr Jones lists of the previous council.

“The Warragul Leisure Centre and pool redevelopment and Baw Baw equestrian centre were major projects completed”.

A lot of ground was covered in the four years, she said.

Cr Jones said roads continued as the core responsibility for council, highlighting the need to devote more money to improve safety especially on unsealed rural roads.

But she is well aware council has to live within its means.

That is one of the reasons Cr Jones is non-committal about the plans to expand and upgrade the West Gippsland Arts Centre.

“It does need an upgrade but projected costs have gone up considerably from the initial estimate”.

The issue is “can we afford it?” she said.

Cr Jones said that throughout her time on council she has spoken up about the rates burden on people that also face other increasing overhead costs.

She would continue to do that if re-elected but pointed out council rate rises were going down before the State government’s capping of increases this financial year.

Effective economic management and a focus on core responsibilities were essential if infrastructure was to keep pace with the needs of all sections of the community, Cr Jones said.

She has served on a number of council committees and said she took pride in being accessible, approachable and reliable and of the priority and commitment she has given to listening and representing the public.