FORMER South Gippsland Mayor and Korumburra Shire Councillor Jim Forbes has nominated this week to make a return to local government.
Dismayed by the local laws fiasco, poor governance and a lack of action on improving infrastructure in growing areas within the Strzelecki Ward in particular, he’s put his hand up to serve the community once again.
Jim’s commitment to the local community and his interest in local government and politics generally runs pretty deep.
His great-grandfather, JY Davis, served as the Shire President of the former Shire of Korumburra way back in the 1920s, a legacy that Jim was proud to carry on.
He served an extended term at Korumburra himself and two terms as a councillor with the South Gippsland Shire following amalgamations, including in the role of mayor in 2000.
These community leadership positions were complemented by other board roles including with the West Gippsland Catchment Authority and the Dandenong Valley Westernport Water Authority, demonstrating his commitment to sustainable development and responsible stewardship of our local resources.
He has also been active in community service at the grassroots level on many local committees, contributing to the Poowong hall, swimming pool, sports centre, and recreation reserve. His collaboration with the Rural Financial Counsellors Service Network, the PCCC, and Landcare was born out of his experience as a dairy farmer for more than 40 years and a determination to make things better for the farming community and the environment.
And, after more than 30 years, Jim continues to serve his community as a local Justice of the Peace.
Recently, Jim took the lead in celebrating Poowong’s 150th anniversary, uniting the community in a time of pride and reflection. His initiative to write grant applications for the Ausnet resilience grants, as well as pursuing funding opportunities for the football & netball club and the hall are examples a his proactive approach to community needs.
So, why has he decided to throw his hat into the local government ring once again?
“To get back to basics and refocus local governance on its core responsibilities, including roads, rates, planning, and recreation.
“The recent local law fiasco in late 2023 could have been avoided if council members had been truly connected to the community they serve,” Mr Forbes said this week.
You remember the sorts of things that sent social media into meltdown:
· You can’t put your bin out early or leave it out for a couple of days.
· Unsightly structures on private property, including farms aren’t allowed.
· And no smelly cowsheds on the edge of town.
“Put simply, woke won’t work," he said.
Jim advocates for community-driven policies that prioritise the needs of residents while resisting unnecessary distractions from larger government issues.
With Nyora and Poowong poised for growth, Jim is concerned by “the past five years of stagnation in council initiatives”. He says councillors have missed vital opportunities to introduce essential programs and infrastructure, putting Strzelecki’s vibrant rural character at risk.
“With new housing estates nearing completion, the impending population influx demands immediate action on supporting infrastructure, including early childhood services and vital capital works like drainage, footpaths, and kerb/channel systems.
“The current council has been asleep at the wheel,” Jim claims, when it comes to providing the necessary infrastructure to complement growth.
Growth and development, he says, must be well-planned to preserve the magnificent countryside and foster strong communities that are the pride of South Gippsland.
Jim Forbes says he has the experience, time, and passion to reinvigorate Strzelecki Ward. He says he’ll work collaboratively with the community to enact meaningful policies that enhance our quality of life while respecting the heritage and beauty of our shire.
“Together, let’s build a brighter future for Strzelecki Ward,” he said this week.