In 1965 I purchased land in Kialla with a deposit less than two weeks’ pay. Later my brother purchased a block in Gaylard St with a similar deposit, enabling him to start married life in his own home a few years later. Times have changed and not for the better. The homes were modest and are now valued at around $450,000. Young people would now need to pay around $600 per week, making it almost impossible to purchase these now 50-year-old homes.
Farming taught me that hard work does not always lead to success, but people generally felt those representing them had the best intentions for all Australians. Farming led to retail to ensure viability, and all my children have managed to establish themselves in Greater Shepparton with three in business here.
My grandfather was district engineer for the State Rivers for over 20 years, and in 1941 he designed drainage for this area. Dad was in charge of can-making at SPC during a time when it produced 30 million cans each year. They were great times to experience.
Shepparton has so much to offer and we are lucky to have water to develop and produce food for the world, but it is important that we don’t lose sight of the risks of future flooding. I would like to see a dedicated group within council to look into this issue.
Council should be ensuring that our small businesses prosper before pandering to outside interests. Employment for our young people would ensure that we trained people for business development and housing. Council needs to open up more affordable land for housing and industry.
Decisions, such as the ‘Super School’, have shown that a few in strategic positions can usurp the wishes of the majority. Councillors need to open up new opportunities for secondary and technical education by lobbying our state politicians.
A third bridge is needed to take trucks off High St. It is time to stop wastage on ‘consultants’ and ensure that council staff have the qualifications to provide the best advice to council. The millions saved will go a long way to develop infrastructure needed for the future.
Our local government system is not a ‘tier of government’. It is a means used by the state governments for exercising aspects of their own administrative governmental functions. Local government itself is created and maintained by state government legislation.
Over the years, my children and I have employed and trained many people, giving me an insight into how small businesses create jobs and succeed.
And finally — Australia Day is for all of us, and ALL the councillors still support pressuring government to change the date. So please change the council.
Diane Teasdale, candidate for Balaclava Ward
