NINE people have nominated for the three Bunurong Ward seats on the Bass Coast Shire Council, covering most of Wonthaggi, all of Inverloch and Cape Paterson and the rural areas east of Wonthaggi. Why so many?
The new candidates, including former South Gippsland councillor Meg Edwards, the latest to nominate Eddie Halaijian, Greens’ candidate Mat Morgan, family services professional Caitlyn Robertson, Inverloch Tourism Association President Brian Robinson, and Wonthaggi North-East Precinct activist Pru Scholtes have all raised issues of interest and concern.
Former president of the Bass Coast Ratepayers and Residents Association Kevin Griffin believes he knows why they’re standing.
“Could be they’re supporting other candidates, they might be interested in politics or just want the money but there’s certainly a level of dissatisfaction with the council and the lack of progress on issues affecting Inverloch, including the beach erosion and family services,” said Mr Griffin.
“The level of rates, garbage charge and cleanliness around the towns are other issues. At Cape Paterson there’s concern about over development and like the mayoral chains, we haven’t received a proper explanation about what happened with the Environmental Audit Overlays in Wonthaggi.
“We’re looking for councillors with integrity, honesty and transparency, who’ll stand up to the bureaucracy and represent the people. It’s not that hard but we’re not seeing much of that,” he said.
One of the candidates, Meg Edwards summed it up in a statement on social media recently as less ideology and more getting back to the basics.
“My approach is always to treat others with respect, honesty, compassion and open communication, which I believe is essential for fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment,” Ms Edwards said.
“Many of our local roads are appalling at the moment, yet the focus of council over recent years has been on flagship monuments causing cost blowouts and ideology. Council needs to stick to core services; done well, effectively and efficiently and otherwise get out of the way, especially where small business (and agriculture) is concerned, which is the engine room of a local economy that fuels both the needs and wants of our community.
“Let’s fix our local roads, encourage investment and development that is done in an environmentally balanced way, and provide opportunities in our region.
“Let’s get council back to basics and get Bass in business,” she said.
A member of Inverloch Community Voice, Monique Wilson, has reached out to candidates seeking their views on a range of issues, and claiming Inverloch hasn’t been adequately represented.
“Over recent years, it has become increasingly clear that Inverloch has not been adequately represented in local government. Many pressing issues continue to go unaddressed, and it feels as though our town is being left behind compared to other parts of the Bass Coast region,” Ms Wilson said.
“Despite our growing population and status as a popular tourist destination, Inverloch currently lacks key infrastructure and services such as electric vehicle charging stations, new and improved play spaces for families, sufficient parking for large vehicles, and designated off-leash dog areas.
“We also do not have a comprehensive streetscape plan to maintain the town’s charm or initiatives like public Wi-Fi, CCTV, and a visible police presence to enhance safety and security.
“Additionally, Inverloch has not been properly branded or promoted as a destination in its own right. On the ‘Visit Bass Coast’ website, for instance, our town does not even have its own dedicated page — it is bundled together with Cape Paterson, despite the unique character and needs of each community.”
Ms Wilson goes on to express concern that the Inverloch Boat Ramp might soon be closed during school holidays and possibly well into summer as well. Will that sort of community sentiment be enough to sweep the three sitting Bunurong Ward members from office; Leticia Laing, Les Larke and Brett Tessari? Time will tell.
Meanwhile seven candidates have declared they’ll be standing for the Island Ward including Ron Bauer (incumbent), Tracey Bell, the latest to nominate Marnie Chadwick, Tim O’Brien, David Rooks (incumbent), Darrell Silver and John Trigt.
And there have been six nominations in Western Port, ahead of Tuesday’s close of nominations including Rochelle Halstead, Glenda Minty, Brian O’Farrell, Nikole Shellekens, Jon Temby and Jan Thompson.
At South Gippsland
At South Gippsland Shire, the nominations were initially slow to arrive at the Victorian Electoral Office in Smith Street Leongatha but they rolled in late on Tuesday morning.
Nominations in Tarwin Valley (Leongatha/Mirboo North) include Rosemary Cousin, Don Hill, Kathleen Murray, John Schelling, Brad Snell, Aaron Taylor, and Clare Williams.
In Coastal Promontory Scott Rae, Sarah Gilligan, Steve Finlay and Emma McKay have nominated ensuring there will be an election for the three positions.
In Strzelecki Ward, early nominators, sitting councillors Nathan Hersey and Jenni Keerie have been joined by Bronwyn Beach, veteran former South Gippsland councillor Jim Forbes and Korumburra businessman John Kennedy.
Nominations closed at 12 noon on Tuesday, September 17, and there may still be a few late names to add before the ballot draw which will be held for both shires on Wednesday, September 18 and the mailout of voting packs, in the all-postal election, will begin on Monday, October 7.
Voting closes at 6pm on Friday, October 25 and results are expected to be known on Wednesday after the Melbourne Cup.
