Candidates stand for council clean out

By Cherie Donnellan
BUDDING Surf Coast councillors are standing to install an entirely new council at the October municipal elections.
Torquay candidate David Bell said a “complete change of council” was needed to adequately represent the community’s views after the current councillors failed to support the community’s view on a number of issues.
“Local council is meant to be the closest thing to a true representation of democracy,” he said.
Winchelsea ward candidate Heather Wellington said there was a “greater opportunity under the new ward system to be better engaged with the community”.
“We should be getting more understanding around council table of the smaller communities and what their needs are,” Ms Wellington said.
Ms Wellington said the previous council had a “problem” reflecting the needs of the varying communities.
The new councillors should demonstrate a high level of “skilled leadership” to effectively manage the shire, she said.
Winchelsea candidate Jeff Dans said “finding a balance between supporting coastal towns and rural areas” was important under the ward system.
He said issues in Moriac and Winchelsea had “been overlooked” by the current council.
Torquay candidate Merrin Wake said the new council needed to “bring the local back into local government”.
“Council should be the voice for the community and should stay away from political agendas,” Ms Wake said.
Anglesea candidate Margot Ann Smith said the current council had failed to “engage the community in planned projects”.
“We should be looking at how we can improve our planning and communication processes for our constituents.”