He’s running for the Lower Goulburn Ward in the 2024 Greater Shepparton City Council elections.
Cr Adem has lived in Greater Shepparton his whole life and has no plans on leaving yet.
“I’ve been there all my life and my family’s been there for nearly 100 years,” he said.
“I think it’s important to actually love where you live, and I know that sounds a bit corny, but it’s not, it’s actually true.
“I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”
Reflecting on his 12 years of being a councillor, he said he’s been a strong advocate for the farming community of the region.
“Like all of Greater Shepparton historically, farming has been the backbone of communities such as Undera, Coomboona, St Germains, Undera north, and is what defines the character and lifestyle of the people living within them,” Cr Adem said.
“Generational farming is how these communities have grown and remained strong for well over a century, but is currently being challenged by large scale corporate farming and the inability to accommodate generational housing on smaller properties.
“While corporate style farming most certainly has a place in the future of our regions, strategic council planning decisions must allow for a balanced approach which can accommodate both types of agricultural use.”
He’s also passionate about advocating for further resources in flood affected towns, which includes a second river crossing between Shepparton and Mooroopna.
“One of the most flood affected areas during the 2022 floods, Mooroopna, is still feeling its effects, and I believe requires more resources and considerations in limiting the impacts of any future events,” he said.
Cr Adem said he felt his more than a decade of experience put him in a good position to continue to advocate for this ward.
He also said the ward system itself would allow him to be a strong advocate for the Lower Goulburn Ward.
“The new subdivided warded electoral system thrust upon Greater Shepparton for the upcoming election has been met by some confusion and controversy,” he said.
“However, that said, in my individual case, it offers the opportunity for me to focus and advocate for many of the same issues I have stood for during my time on council for the benefit of the Lower Goulburn Ward.”
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