The ward system was in place in Greater Shepparton decades ago when I was a councillor prior to council amalgamation. I represented the Wilmot Ward, which no longer exists. While there can be benefits to the ward system (for example, it can sometimes enhance community and neighbourhood representation), I believe democracy has been better served by the current outgoing system.
I know many people are dismayed because they are losing the freedom to vote for candidates of their choosing, simply because of where they live. Moreover, the opportunity to vote at all can be lost when only one candidate stands in a ward. In that scenario, the sole candidate is automatically appointed to council with no election, which is unfortunate, as there are no other candidates to consider.
Despite these drawbacks, the ward system is in place from October and it is up to Greater Shepparton to do what it can to ensure it elects a cohesive, committed and intelligent group of people to council. This is imperative to ensure Greater Shepparton remains a great place to live, work and do business.
Although I have sold my pharmacy business, I am still keenly interested in this election due to my deep ties in the area and my experience as a former councillor, business owner and board member of the Chamber of Commerce. Accordingly, I would hope you might indulge my opinions on this election.
First, I would like to thank the outgoing council for their wisdom and efforts over the past four years. Their achievements include effectively navigating COVID-19, floods, the opening of the Shepparton mall and the SAM building, as well as many day-to-day projects.
Second, I consider the re-election of Mayor Shane Sali (Balaclava Ward) and Cr Anthony Brophy (Kialla Ward) essential to retain key intellect, knowledge and experience for a successful transition to the next council. Meanwhile, the election of Jaclyn McCarty (Pine Lodge Ward) would bring fresh perspective and skills.
In his time as a councillor and mayor, Shane Sali has shown exceptional leadership and dedication. Shane has the youthful energy and visionary thinking required to meet both the opportunities and challenges of the future.
Council isn’t always easy, and when it became difficult during the time of the floods and since then, Shane has always stepped up and proved his value. He works with and beside the council executives.
Shane has been instrumental in leading the council through major projects such as the Fryers St/Welsford St intersection upgrade in Shepparton where he ensured that Marungi St remained open during the redevelopment for efficient traffic movement.
He supports local businesses, and among the many contracts awarded to local businesses, council’s recent 15-year waste contract was awarded to locally owned and operated Foott Waste.
If you live in the Balaclava Ward, consider that a vote for Shane Sali means strong and fair leadership plus a clear direction for the future of his ward and Greater Shepparton.
Next, former deputy mayor Anthony Brophy is fully committed to his role as councillor. Anthony has the benefit of years of working within government as a staff member for several politicians prior to standing for council. Anthony understands the mechanics of government and, like Shane, knows how to work with, but not be controlled by, bureaucracy.
Anthony is hard-working and has been present at every event and meeting that has required attendance of a councillor in his term. He is a loyal supporter of his mayor, both as a deputy mayor and as a councillor who stepped in to assist when the current deputy mayor, Sam Spinks, was unavailable.
Anthony is approachable and has excellent connections to the Kialla community. I urge you to consider voting for him if you are in the Kialla Ward.
Good councils also need good chief executives. The current council had the wisdom to appoint the excellent Fiona Le Gassick to lead a team that runs the business of Greater Shepparton City Council. Fiona works effectively with the councillors to support them in their role as the people’s representatives. She understands what is involved in councillors making the important decisions required for the smooth running of local government.
Lastly, I would say that a successful council is one in which the people who represent their community are present at briefings and meetings and are visible and connected in the community. Councillors must be ready to make decisions that are not always popular but are in the best interests of the broader community. Decisions that are not swayed by their own interests, endorsement of political parties or special interest groups, especially groups with extremist agendas.
In my view Shane Sali and Anthony Brophy have all the necessary attributes to lead Greater Shepparton City Council in the coming years.
These attributes may apply to others who nominate and so with the ward system it is not possible to vote for your best nine representatives in the election.
There are very suitable candidates who have put up their hands to stand who would make excellent councillors. However, with the ward system, not all those people can be elected, which is a weakness in the voting this year.
I can only suggest that you read the information available regarding the candidates available through online and printed sources. Find out who stands in your ward and be informed when you vote.
But, of course, it is up to you, the voters, to inform yourself and decide. So, contact the candidates in your ward to find out what they stand for and ask questions about the new ward system. I wish nothing but success for Greater Shepparton in the selection of a new council.
– John Anderson is a former councillor, business owner and board member of the Chamber of Commerce in Shepparton.
