FARMERS in the Western Port Ward of Bass Coast Shire hammered candidates at a local government election forum at Grantville on the rising cost of planning permits.
With every seat taken at the Grantville Community Hall, lightning flashing over Western Port Bay and heavy rain drumming on the roof speakers struggled to be heard.
“Planning permits are required for everything,” said one audience member.
Bass Coast is one of only four shires in Victoria to have exceptional permit restrictions the meeting was told.
“The cost of planning permits is very expensive,” the audience member continued.
“We want a commitment to lower costs for poor farmers.”
Four candidates attended the forum, retired accountant Brian O’Farrell, beef farmer, teacher and social worker Nikole Schellekens, third-generation Korumburra-born retired teacher of 35-years and farmer of 40 years Glenda Minty, and community leader- consultant Jon Temby with an apology and prepared statement from Jan Thompson.
Brian O’Farrell told the audience cutting permit costs for farmers would come at a price.
“If you drop the cost to farmers, you increase the cost to other parts of the community.”
John Temby criticised inconvenient public transport timetables between Grantville and Wonthaggi, inaction over the former Wonthaggi High School site, which he believes would make a good library space or business incubator, and poor access for local residents to the main highway at San Remo during peak periods.
“You can’t get onto the highway,” said John Temby.
The ongoing cost of running the Berninneit cultural centre in Cowes was raised as a burden on local ratepayers.
Volunteerism was also raised as a matter of concern with candidates called on to provide support and encouragement for volunteers.
“Volunteerism is on the decline.”
“It’s an insurance problem.”
“Younger people are busy.”
Sitting in the audience was retiring Western Port councillor and Bass Coast Mayor Clare Le Serve who was commended several times during the meeting for her work supporting farmers and members of the local community.
“Farmers now have a differential rate, and we can thank Clare.”
“We need to make it easy to engage with Council,” said Brian O’Farrell.“Be seen and talk to people who want to talk to you.”