General News
17 August, 2024
Greater connection call by challenger
MOLIAGUL businesswomen Charmain Sheppard has become the third challenger to emerge for October’s Loddon Shire election in Tarnagulla Ward. Ms Sheppard wants council to listen and engage more with local communities. She says one way to achieve...
MOLIAGUL businesswomen Charmain Sheppard has become the third challenger to emerge for October’s Loddon Shire election in Tarnagulla Ward.
Ms Sheppard wants council to listen and engage more with local communities.
She says one way to achieve better connection would be through rotating monthly council meetings around Loddon towns.
Meetings should also be held outside normal working hours to allow more people to sit in the gallery and observe council debates.
Ms Sheppard, who moved from Melbourne to Moliagul last August, said: “Though my journey began in Jamaica, for many years of my adult life I have called Australia home.
“Over the past year, I’ve made it my mission to listen to the voices of our community. I’ve engaged in deep conversations with council members and residents, conducted surveys, and knocked on doors across the ward.
“The message has been loud and clear: people want change! They’re tired of stagnant communities, lack of social opportunities for our youth, and the ever-present threat of droughts and bushfires.
“People are frustrated with endless committees and reports that lead nowhere. They’re done with empty promises. What they want is action - real, tangible action that brings our towns back to life, supports our farmers, and ensures the safety and prosperity of our families.”
Ms Sheppard, who has been a regular at Loddon Shire meetings in Wedderburn this year, said water buybacks now being opposed by Loddon Shire as a member of the Murray River Group of Councils had seen community thoughts divided “as there are disadvantages and advantages on both sides”.
“I would have to look at it (buybacks) a lot closer before I decided and have to consider the negatives or positives for the public,” she said.
Ms Sheppard is campaigning on three key planks - Economic Revitalisation – Growth Without Burden, Environmental Stewardship – Protecting Our Natural Heritage and Emergency Preparedness – Ensuring Safety for All.
“Our community deserves a council that is proactive, not reactive,” she said on the need for better emergency responses.
Ms Sheppard has her vending machine and online businesses based at Moliagul. She also assists at Maryborough’s visitor information centre and Central Goldfields Art Gallery.
Tarnagulla Ward is currently held by Cr Linda Jungwirth who won the seat by a margin of 118 votes in 2020.
Laanecoorie’s Nick Angelo and Arnold’s Carly Noble have also announced they will stand in the ward.