DOING POLITICS DIFFERENTLY
It’s an election year, and the usual promises and big ideas for Victoria’s future are already on the drawing board.
But too often our state is treated as though one approach fits everyone, even though electoral districts are communities with their own identity, challenges and priorities. Each deserves its own voice.
That is why Voices for Goulburn Valley formed earlier this year; to listen to the people of the Shepparton electorate and give our community a better chance of being heard.
Despite its name, the Shepparton electorate is much more than the city itself. It crosses into Moira Shire and stretches from the Murray River to Toolamba, and Mount Major to Tatura. More than 73,000 people live in communities across our landscape, each one affected by political decisions every day.
Voices for Goulburn Valley is a dedicated group of volunteers from across the electorate who believe politics can work better for our communities.
We support political independence because representation should be driven by community priorities – not party agendas or electoral cycles. An independent can work constructively across political divides and, particularly in a parliament where one party has a slim majority, a crossbencher can have greater influence than a party backbencher.
Our approach is simple – we listen first.
So far, through community conversations, surveys and public engagement, we have heard from more than 1,000 people about their concerns, aspirations and expectations of a political representative.
Healthcare, social cohesion, cost of living and climate change are among the strongest concerns, with education, roads and transport close behind. Interestingly, migration, access to sporting facilities and water policy have rated much lower.
People want a representative who is honest and accountable – someone who listens, consults and brings people together.
These responses will soon form our Community Listening Report, which will be made public and presented to all candidates, so voters can see whether their priorities are reflected in policies and promises.
At a time of increasing political tension, we believe our community deserves a representative who is interested in unity, not division.
Right now, more than ever, we should all be working together.
You can contact Voices for Goulburn Valley by Finding us on Facebook or writing to independentshepparton@gmail.com
Louise Costa,
On behalf of Voices for Goulburn Valley
MOOROOPNA SKATE PARK
Dear Editor.
On behalf of Mooroopna Steering Committee following a motion made in our August meeting, I am reaching out to express the Committees concern over the lack of suitable amenities as part of the Mooroopna Bike Jump Park Masterplan.
Given the core demographic of this site will be families, and young people, there is heightened need for an onsite accessible toilet (inclusive of a suitable changing space).
We as a committee have heard from parents with concerns, and understand the challenge that comes along with managing multiple ages of children, and mobility challenges, with the two case studies below reflecting the value in ensuring that there is a suitable amenity included in the development.
Case Study 1: Multiple Ages of Children
When a parent with an infant or toddler and an older child attend the site, there is concern over the distance to the nearest toilet facility, and if they need to tend to their younger child they are faced with a challenging situation, where most parents are not comfortable leaving their child alone, however will need to bring them in tow. Having an accessible toilet block on site means improved family orientation of site is established.
Case Study 2: Mobility Challenged Carer
When a grandparent or carer with mobility challenges brings a child to the site, having great distances to the local toilet can often provide additional challenges beyond what anyone else would face. Having the toilet on site would mean they are able to access appropriate amenities, and also manage their responsibilities as a carer easier.
Case Studies are a broad collection of feedback into the two most common scenarios, as above there are many benefits and we request councillors consider the impacts of the absence of this facility as part of the masterplan, and push for its inclusion.
We welcome further consultation with the Council Officers and Councillors.
Kind regards
Rowan Farren-Parnell
Chairperson of Mooroopna Steering Committee
