General News
11 October, 2024
Council Watch survey puts spotlight on candidates
TWO Loddon Shire election candidates want a back-to-basics action plan to measure council’s delivery of core services. Miki Wilson (Inglewood Ward) and Charmain Sheppard (Tarnagulla Ward) supported the call in Council Watch Victoria’s survey of...
TWO Loddon Shire election candidates want a back-to-basics action plan to measure council’s delivery of core services.
Miki Wilson (Inglewood Ward) and Charmain Sheppard (Tarnagulla Ward) supported the call in Council Watch Victoria’s survey of candidates across the state.
Only three of seven Loddon candidates responded to the survey.
Wendy Murphy, who is seeking a second term in Ingleward Ward, replied in the survey that she was unsure about the the back-basics action plan.
Both Cr Murphy and Ms Sheppard chose the answer option that rates should not be reduced by Ms Wilson went with “council should always be looking to reduce by being efficient”.
Rate capping, introduced by the State Government and limiting annual increases, also received a mixed response. Cr Murphy said caps were unfair on councils but Ms Wilson and Ms Sheppard said the cap “is vital and must remain unchanged”.
The three agreed that councils should focus on local matters only and stay out of state, federal or international issues as much they could.
Ms Wilson listed her top five priorities as rubbish and waste; roads, footpaths, drains (new and maintenance); Improving the efficiency of the planning process; civic cleanliness and civic pride; value for money in service delivery. Cr Murphy went with roads, footpaths, drains (new and maintenance); rubbish and waste; value for money in service delivery; new housing; sports and aquatic facilities. Ms Sheppard’s top five were rubbish and waste, roads, footpaths, drains; cutting council waste and community safety.