Jennifer Smith

Working in Warragul and living in Drouin Jenny Smith says she runs into many local people looking for employment.

Addressing that through supporting local businesses and industries and encouraging new ones to the shire is her main goal and reason for seeking election in West ward.

Ms Smith, who moved to the area almost five years ago, says she has experienced first hand the many good things to offer in Baw Baw but jobs for young people and those wanting to get back into the work force are a priority.

She said council could do more to promote the opportunities and believes some incentives, such as rate concessions for the first couple of years a new business or industry is established, should be considered.

Ms Smith said there also needs to be some major improvements to road access for trucks such as B-doubles to industrial areas, especially from Princes Way to Roberts Crt and Weerong Rd in Drouin.

“We should be more proactive in trying to help”.

A good starting point to boost business would be improved parking in the Drouin and Warragul shopping centres to encourage people to stay local, Ms Smith said.

With young family members that will be looking for employment in a few years and already involved in sport she sees support for youth as key area for active council involvement.

Sporting facilities need to be improved, particularly grounds built in low-lying areas and others that get badly affected by wet weather.

Ms Smith said council needed to seek and listen to feedback from people on how they think the area’s growth could be best managed and to be more transparent.

Many people have raised the need for council to better explain the “how and why” of decisions it makes, she said.

As a councillor Ms Smith said she would listen to voters, encourage ideas and welcome inputs.

We want Baw Baw to be more progressive and supportive of the community, she stated.