Debbie Brown

Debbie Brown is seeking reelection for a second term on council.

Previously representing the North ward that has been abolished in the electoral boundary redistribution, the Labertouche resident said the past four years had been successful in preparing the shire for growth.

Cr Brown served one year as mayor and two as deputy.

She said policies and master plans including Precinct Structure Plans for Warragul and Drouin, settlement plans for smaller communities and master plans for recreation reserves had been adopted to guide the shire development and council had worked hard to involve communities in setting the path for the future.

The Warragul Leisure Centre redevelopment and Queen-Alfred Sts railway underpass in Warragul were listed by Cr Brown as examples of major projects completed in the last term of council.

But she said there was a lot more to be done and her priorities were to continue the programs to upgrade roads, drainage and footpaths throughout the shire.

Of particular importance to her is the reduction of traffic, especially trucks, in Princes Way, Drouin.

Cr Brown said the Precinct Structure Plan for Drouin adopted by council identified by-passes of the shopping area to be progressively built as the town grows but she also sees needs for more roundabouts to improve safety and give better access for heavy vehicles to industrial areas in Roberts Crt and Weerong Rd.

She said she strongly supported protecting agricultural land and the right to farm and was passionate about the shire’s “clean, green rural” image.

“However, Baw Baw’s farming is no longer only about dairying”.

There are a growing number of other enterprises such as organic vegetables, hydroponics, tree farms, vineyards, wineries and goats, Cr Brown said.

Cr Brown has been a volunteer with many community organisations over the past 35 years - Lions, hall committee and progress association at Longwarry, school councils and is the co-ordinator of Baw Baw shire’s food relief committee - and her six children and their families all live in the shire.