Opinion
Letter to the editor | Single-member wards to boost representation in Greater Shepparton
Severin Duhring, candidate for Goulburn River Ward
Changing to single-member wards at the Greater Shepparton City Council elections will be a positive change to ensure small towns across the electorate are well represented and get the investment and support needed.
Because of this change, I have put my hand up to represent the Goulburn River Ward. The number one issue you hear from many of our small towns is that they feel left behind, with the council focused on and investing predominantly in Shepparton. That needs to change.
I am a proud resident of the Goulburn River Ward for over 50 years and during that time I have been invested and proactive in the progress of Mooroopna.
I am also running because I want council to get back to focusing and spending on core business that helps the community. The community is frustrated that council deep dives into matters it shouldn’t, like the Voice referendum and changing the date of Australia Day, which also saw the council take away community funding to celebrate Australia Day.
Council represents its constituents and in both of these issues, it didn’t listen. Councillors are not the voice or decision-makers for their constituents on these matters.
They did retract their position on Australia Day after the community outcry.
Hopefully, that was a wake-up call for not listening and making decisions on behalf of constituents that the community didn’t agree with.
Local government is the closest to the community. For me, it’s all about community and being present, listening and working with the residents. I will work hard to ensure there is accountability, transparency and community consultation, and my constituents will get the representation they deserve.