Greater Shepparton is truly ‘the land of opportunity’. As the region’s largest ward, Pine Lodge boasts a long list of food growers, education options, dynamic businesses, sports clubs, residential estates and an enviable lifestyle. It really is a great place to live, work and play.
I am a dairy farmer, businessman, employer and investor in the Pine Lodge Ward, which has been my family’s home for 112 years. With decades of experience in rural and regional advocacy, I have dedicated myself to showcasing our products on both the national and international stage.
‘Premium Foods Grow Here’ — our produce is a key economic driver of local industries and services, creating jobs and opportunities for all people, so we must prioritise ‘protecting the water that grows our food’ and grow our local economy.
I have advocated for our region for 30 years on rural and regional issues, working with local, state and federal governments. I have chaired boards such as Dairy Australia and led local sport clubs and associations, and this has given me invaluable learnings and contacts that I will take to the council table.
I make the time to meet with people across the region, and they’ve made it clear to me what they seek from Greater Shepparton City Council.
People are calling for a ‘can-do council’ that deletes the red tape, speeds up processes, incentives businesses and attracts big investments, as an investment will lead to growth to ensure health, wealth and opportunity for everyone across the region.
Council must deliver unquestionable ‘value and outcomes’ with our rate money!
The focus of the council needs to be on core operations that will advance the region forward. There is too much time and resources spent on side issues that are not core business, limiting the resources available for our region’s growth.
I’m connected across the Pine Lodge Ward community; I have been a president of tennis clubs and associations in both junior and senior sports for the past 20 years. I am a member of the Tallygaroopna and Congupna football and netball clubs, as my children play sports here. Sport is the great unifier, it brings people together, creates a sense of belonging and delivers health and wellbeing outcomes.
I have represented the region on regional and rural issues through the Victorian Farmers Federation, United Dairy Farmers of Victoria, Murray Dairy and Dairy Australia. I also remain the secretary of our local Jersey Breed Club.
I’ll say it again, Greater Shepparton is the land of opportunity and council has a major role to play in attracting investment, incentivising business and delivering exceptional services and outcomes for the ratepayer.
I ask for your vote, I welcome your continual input and I will be your voice seeking greater outcomes for absolutely everyone!
Geoff Akers, candidate for Pine Lodge Ward
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