Please note, unless specified with quotation marks, the below is a paraphrasing of comments made at the election forum.
10:24 The forum has concluded.
9:59 Questions from Mr Elligett. Question on smaller towns, there have been reports of smaller places like Nyah falling off the map — how do we stop that? The other question is, for new candidates, what new ideas do you have?
Mr Williams answers. I don’t think my ideas are crazy, Robinvale is a very important to municipality — we have no autonomy. I want to see a director of Robinvale.
Mr Ridgeway answers. Lake Boga is not the oasis it should be. I would like to see the lake ringed with trees.
Mr Adamson answers. I would love to see the railway line move to the other side of town, a transport hub near the airport, a grain terminal moved, the Pioneers Settlement moved closer to town, use the court-house as the historical building and then a new transport plan for the town.
Mr Fox answers. I prefer to move the heavy traffic north, make the riverfront an area where people can walk. Make walking tracks and cycling tracks. I believe we need a high-speed road from Mildura to Melbourne. We start building our own infrastructures like high-speed railways. New solar developments, such as those that float on water and a kangeroo facility for meets and products because the animal is ear-marked for culling.
Mr. Bonney answers. Small towns need to be treated like big towns. Infrastructure such as drainage needs looking at. Development needs to take place.
Mr Moar answers. We need a true working relationship with Wakool shire council, we need to re-think the zone across river. In the small towns we need walking trails and bike trails connecting them all. We’re living in Lake Boga, we’d like to ride to work but its too dangerous. We need to connect these towns so they can grow. We need sculpture festivals along the river. YESFest was great for youth.
Mr Lahy answers. Being from Lake Boga and having spoken to a number of people who have spoken, they have some crazy out there ideas — why don’t we build a boardwalk across the lake. Having commuted around the lake frequently it is a danger place near the road. Wakool shire we need to work with them.
Mr Crowe answers. You are talking about small towns are dying. AFL is sucking the life out of small towns. They are getting gutted because the good players are leaving.
Mr Rogers answers. Ultima is good area where the community has developed. We have to try and keep good people out there. If we can keep our good, traditional people out their it is a good balance. Road from Ouyen to Piangil is no different from the road from Ouyen to Adelaide. The same as the road from Swan Hill to Bendigo. Have to improve access.
Mr Moser answers. Idea put to me from community member was if council could allocate or nominate a number of parking meters as way of raising funds for a particular cause. There are whole range of things out there.
Ms Kiley answers. We need more major events to attract youth and people of all ages. Mildura has a festival — why can’t we?
9:56 Question from Mr Williams, why are the rates out of “whack” in municipality? Mr Norton answers. Mildura and Swan Hill have different valuers. Our valuer is now meeting with the other valuer to work out difference. How valuer’s value I have no idea.
Mr Cruickshank answers. Valuation are at arms length from council but you have the ability to object to valuation. Re-valuations are done every two years. Looked at by valuer-general who assesses fairness.
9:55 Question as to availability of council plans. Mr Cruickshank answers. Plans in library, in streets and council but I take on board any suggestions and would oblige on any further suggestions.
9:52 Question on where are all the profits from sub-division from Tower Hill?
Mr Cruickshnk answers. Tower Hill development recognised as one of the only housing developments at the moment. Vic Urban want their profit as well out of this — a profit sharing operation. Profits made out of Tower Hill are reinvested into the next stage. The benefit is the extra rates made from the extra houses.
9:50 Question of bridge location. Mr Norton answers on skatepark. We had some youth do presentation recently and they said lets have anew skate park. They want another skate park. Mr Katis answers. Where were the gentlemen when the skate park was put there? I was there when it went in. The kids wanted it there, where was the community when we put it there?
9:47 Question for central ward, any thought as to where the skate park should go?
Mr Cruichsank answers. Couldn’t agree more the skate park is in the wrong place. It was always in the wrong place. In the riverfront master plan we’ll get good feedback as to where it can go. The riverfront master plan is a vision for how Swan Hill wants. The plan goes from Pioneer Settlement to wetlands. Council has got funding from State Government and what people want. It is a blank canvas. What it is is an opportunity for people in Swan Hill to engage with how they want it. Mr Duffield comments that there is an opportunity to have some say. Mr Cruickshank continues. Skate park strong part of riverfront master plan.
9:46 Comment from crowd about CEO appointments. Mr Williams answers. I commend the comment. In this day and age I do not believe we need a prayer to tell us to do what is right in the community.
9:41 Robinvale question about affordable housing, what will candidates will do. Mr Williams answers. We pay 47 per cent more rates than the other wards. I believe there is an issue in the wards. The thing that I see in Robinvale is a lot of cheap affordable land and there is plenty of land available to build a reasonably price home. I believe there is a lot of people living in dwelling that are not registered dwelling. When you have a system where people can flaunt the system, they will. Council must take a more proactive stance on these types of issues in Robinvale.
Mr Katis answers. Spoken about council. Have spoken to the minister of immigration. We have made land available for housing, homes have been built – some of that land has been opens up for Aboriginal homes. I’ve put my personal dignity on the line for the issues of housing — I make sure the Aboringal people get homes in Robinvale.
9:39 Question from audience. Crowd-member says I know a lot of young people who self-harm — what will candidates do? Ms Jennings answers. This a local government issue. We have a had a committee running for the headspace issue and lobbying to get that. Now called the early youth intervention committee. A new advert for a three day a week res arch so in March next year we can put a document on the table to nip in the bud that.
Ms Kiley answers. I don’t believe in studies in documents. My belief is that we need a peer support network, nobody who hasn’t experience it cant assist. I want to set up a peer support network to assist people. That way we would no longer have to relay on professionals.
9:30 Another question from youth council. What do you think it is that young people need? Mr Fox answers. I would like to say that a lot of these problems are from 30 years of disinterest. Problems go back 30 years, a reason people are disenchanted. Parking regulations need to be changed. We need to attract new business which attracts new people, new business and then more houses being built and then we are being taken of notice of federally. This will life aspirations of young locals.
Mr Bonney answers. My young person will tell you they need technology. What youth needs is to be listened to. I’m disappointed in Ms Jennings comments earlier. Youth need to be listened to.
Mr Rogers answers. I don’t like the binge culture and drinking in this town. We’re feeding vodka cruisers into town. It seems to be a culture where it seems to be okay. its not okay for kids to drink at that young age. What have they got to do in Swan Hill. Where is our cinema? Bowling alley? My eldest boy loves fishing, motor bike riding but what do the girls have to do? We need to change the culture of thinking.
Mr Norton answers. This is the reason youth council was set up. We did have two or three meetings. No meetings for a couple of years. I was a father at 17 too.
Mr Lahy answers. Clearly youth hasn’t been given enough emphasis. I believe in what I’ve experienced with youth. Youth need to be empowered and given hope. They need some determination on who they are as an identity. I’ve got five boys approaching teenage. My living room is a forum. I’m listening very carefully. We are networking with council on a number of issues. That networking and them inputting is important. Bringing on jobs will not make it worth for youth, its about giving them some hope.
Mr Curickshank answers. Hope and inspiration for youth is about the youth council. One of the first requests from youth council was repair of Robinvale youth cinema. Old folks can’t tell you what you want – you must tell us what you want.
9:28 Email question. What are the respective candidates views of a compact CBD? Mr McPhee answers. Under our planning schemes, it relates to interpretation of schemes. We’ve had an independent person who said lets open it at North Park. I was against a DDS at North park. Accountability must be on all, locals must support local business and they must support you.
9:27 Ask councillors that is it normal practice to have people not talk during mediation. Mr Norton answers. Says that is not the case. Questioner says they were absolutely disgusted with their experience with council’s mediation.
9:19 Question on council engagement in community projects. Mr Cruickshank answers. CBD upgrades were developed through eight public meetings over 18 months. Huge cry from this. Whether we did that process right or wrong there was a huge opportunity for people to have input. I think eight pubic meetings is a significant number of opportunities. I’m all for extra consultation — we want to be talked to like this. Its something that, as a council, this is important. Question , how many people have read all the planning documentation on bridge? One or two from audience.
Mr Moser also answers. Community engagement has been good under council’s Fiona Gormann. For me to respond back to you would be to say, already in this community we have a wonderful avenue. If I was elected, I think good community engagement workers could lift community — in terms of the community finally having a say.
Ms Jennings also answers. I believe we failed with main street set-up because council has been in an old fashioned way as part of community goes. That’s about informing people. Murlong Street playground is an excellent template. Mr Williams also answers. I think community doesn’t find out about these things too late. Engaging in social media type ways. Informing community. Mr Katis answers. Under legislation, council must engage with community. We do do that. We have a policy that goes past legislation.
9:17 Swan Hill genealogical and historical society proposed to use old police station to complement history at Pioneers Settlement. Mr McPhee answers. The genlogical society does a good job of preserving history. We can’t go destroying eveything we’ve got here. We have to look at this sort of thing – whether the police station is the good idea. A show of hands for support called by Mr Duffield. Murmurs crowd on this.
Ms Jennings answers too. It will be up to this community to consult for this masterplan.
9:11 Reps from Youth Council asking about mental health statistics in youth — is this linked to culture of Swan Hill? Ms Kiley answers. Absolutely. In terms of youth, Swan Hill has no culture. I was privileged to go away from Swan Hill and find a place that did have culture. All of my friends here have left school, gotten married – there’s a reason why that happens. This is because there is nothing to do.
Ms Jennings answers question as well. For the record, I was the councillor that said I am against development at ANY cost – doesn’t come across in written word. Breaking the culture is up to the youth of today, I would hope that the youth council of today creates the solutions – its got to be the youth. I’ll be frank, I’m disappointed that the way the youth council has not developed in the right what. Challenge back to you [the questioner] sweetheart.
Mr Adamson answers too. We’ve got to have hope, there’s a lot of self-interest. We’ve got to have a bigger vision than Swan Hill. Got to have a bigger vision from Swan Hill. As part of building that future I want to see the youth impact the world. We’re a food bowl here, we could send that into new area. We need to inspire youth in the community.
Mr Ridgeway also answers. When he grew up there wasn’t a lot of things to do in Swan Hill apart drinking and burning rubber. There is an emptyness in Swan Hill.
9:09 Question as to why the bridge went through Riverside park. Mr Katis answers. First of all the Wamba Wamba land. I know all about bridges — the Robinvale costs 70 million dollars.
9:06 Ms Kiley concludes, as does the candidates speech section. Floor open to questions.
9:00 Ms Kiley. Life-long resident. We are here because we care about the future of our township. After I returned to Swan Hill I took an interest in the community. I started a forum. During that, a councillor posted about the 9a bridge option. Only days following this, another councillor posted I am against development at any cost. Our township has resources to offer, has culture to offer and desire. This is a place that I want to live. This is a place that other would want to live as well. We could call this growth. Swan Hill has the 4th largest rate of decline in Australia, quotes ABS. A lot of unhappy campers among us. It’s quite frankly “bloody frustrating” to have no say. I personally know of one person who has battled against depression of which no help or support could be accessed – that person was me. I want to be inspired, captivated and engaged. People cared about headspace because it was in the news. I want to do something. I stand here today, not because I care about my retirement fund or personal profile. I refuse to be seen squirming and worming in the community. I cannot sit by and watch this go by. Ask me a question or get in touch. I stand for one thing, the future of my generation.
8:59 Mr Moser concludes. Final candidate, Jessie Kiley, on now.
8:53 Mr Moser. Great to see the turn-up. For the Swan Hill people what an exciting time. In terms of my Indigenous owners. Pays respect to Wamba Wamba people and elders. Puts hand up to stand for council after a number of people approached to say have a go. In honesty, I’ve thrown a few stones at councillors. This is my turn to put up or shut up. I have made some noises about previous CEOs. If elected that’s the first job councillors have on hands. Our council is a champion for this community. I’ve heard about pecuniary interest and preferences in this community. The debate that has gone on these elections is important. In terms of bridge debate, I don’t support any of the options put out there. Cannot understand why this community would be dictated to. On my father’s side, my ancestors built the swan Hill bridge. Bridge is a debate to have for the whole community. I don’t think this community has fully had a say on the bridge issue. I will not support any option that goes through Wamba Wamba. That’s cutting to chase. I have an interest in the Chisholm Reserve. If you elect me, what you hear and see tonight is what you will get. I will say my piece. I will make sure to put Swan Hill first. I would like to see it become a must stop place.
8:52 Mr Rodgers finishes speech. Lawrence Moser up now.
8:48 Mr Rodgers. If elected I will bring extensive knowledge to community — also communicate regularly with power corp. Will fill a significant knowledge gap if elected. I believe that happy families make happy communities. They must have a plan or a goal and realize a dream of creating wealth. employment and growth for all. Why is it that the best professionals leave swan hill? Why does Swan Hill have mental health concerns. Council’s failure to address the exodus from Swan Hill is a failure. 110km national highway is important. Can you imagine the economic trade that is passing us by? Council is strangling and restricting region’s growth. We need the best, seven unbiased councillors. They need to be honest. Here today are some who have had to step aside due to declared interest. I have none. I want a high-level fly over. If elected, my job will be to re-visit both of council’s decisions. Concludes by wishing candidates and Swan Hill well.
8:47 Shorter speech from Mr Adamson. Lindsay Rogers is up now.
8:45 Mr Adamson. Heard a couple of weeks ago that Bryce Courtney spoke to parliament about the world. Mr Courtney also said the youth are the most informed. He apologised to them but said to the youth that you have the potential to fix this. Mr Adamson says he will develop a plan for Swan Hill. As a councillor to listen to the community to drawn knowledge together. “We don’t want to keep making the mistakes.” We need some new ways of thinking and need to encourage youth to bring these ideas to the table. We’ve heard about lots and lots of issues. I have heard lots of great plans — that is the wisdom of people getting together. My desire is to listen to lead the community forward.
8:44 Mr Elligett concludes his reading of Ms Salathiel’s statement. Michael Adamson is up next.
8:42 Ms Salathiel. Has been a resident for 15 years. A champion of resilient practice. Been involved in many community programs. Has collaborated with Swan Hill promotions and is on various other committees. has been a volunteer in community. Community health and well being, sustainable energy high on list. Has the skills to represent with passionate. Recently became an author – was chosen in the Loddon Mallee leadership program.
8:41 Mr Croft finishes. Donna Salathiel up next but is absent. The Guardian editor Patrick Elligett will read a prepared statement from Ms Salathiel.
8:38 Mr Croft. Wonderful crowd — maybe a bit more interest. Simple platform. Been elected to council with a period of substantial growth. ‘The current council has abolished mediocrity.’ Grants that have seen brilliant redevelopment of Barry Steggal park. Drag strip is another important step. “Leading the charge for natural gass.’ This council has facilitated cinema trials. Many decisions made by this council and “I believe I am an integral part of that.” Swan Hill is turning a corner and I support bringing big-box development. Employment and people with disposable income is important. Get Swan Hill back on jobs map and eradicate the poor image.
8:37 Mr Cruickshank concludes his speech. Bill Croft will now speak (current councillor).
8:32 Mr Cruickshank speaks. Begin by acknowledging traditional custodians of the land. Has served council since 2003 — “has been an absolute privileged”. One of his goals as mayor was to raise Swan Hill’s profile. That has allowed funding to be brought in for projects. $8 million for new drag strip. Associated infrastructure will improve. ‘This is a game-changing project.” Will drive people to the region and bring industry. Racecourse revitalisation will bring economic diversity to the region. Over the next few years, Pioneers Settlement, Aerodrome Upgrade, CBD and so on will consume much of council’s time. “Council must have a view beyond these four years.” NBN will be high on list for council. Diversity in housing choice important. Waterfront housing important for Lake Boga. Major projects are must have for growing communities — “sound financial management is required.” Recurrent funding levels from state and federal government is dropping — we must make the most of rates decisions. Councils must have a mind for the entire municipality. We all want good facilities and maintained in top condition. We have to look after youth, elderly and those who need assistance. Swan Hill has an opportunity and I want to be part of that.
8:31 Ms Jennings concludes her speech. Greg Cruickshank up next (current councillor).
8:27 Ms Jennings. Delighted to see so many people interested in council. Has a vision for what council can be. Wisdom, understanding and sincerity of purpose. Overcoming self-interested people. Consideration listening and responding to views of others. Above all couresty. A councillor is a leadership. Has shown leadership through family, business, education and previous councillor. Now has confidence to ask people to put her back on council “as an experienced able councillor.” Wants people to look above the personalities, drama and single issues to find the best councillors. I would ask you, “don’t throw this granny out with the bathwater”. “Return feedback forms which I am finding riveting reading.”
8:26 Mr Crowe finished. Yvonne Jennings the next to speak (sitting councillor).
8:22 Mr Crowe. Wants more common sense from council. 9a bad from council. Farmers struggle to compete with high dollar. Council needs to take different direction and give rate payers genuine relief. Was Campbell street good value for money? It was grant money but was it value for money. Drainage would have been a better. Pioneer Settlement goes downhill. Lack of vision from council to make Swan Hill attractive to tourists. Little riverfront we do have they want to gut for bridge. Parents being able to see children at the riverfront is important — restructure of front. A water theme park at the riverfront for entertainment. Chisolm drag racing is important. Both of these attraction could increase tourism and more people coming to Swan Hill.
8:20 Mr Moar finishes. Jim Crowe up next.
8:16 Mr Moar. Have been out of public spotlight for a while. I’ve come back to a town I love. “With soul.” The thing that brought me out of semi-retirement is the bridge — absolutely non-nonsensical. Reinvigorate economic development movement. I believe we should build upon agriculture asset. Industry growth and job growth is the only way of boosting population. Revision and expansion of quality aged care in region. I also believe in access to childcare and counselling. Ended up in Bendigo for counselling. We need help on out door step. “It is a matter of life and death.” Would like a wind farm in town. Would love to see grain corp moved out of park precinct. The advent of 3d printing will change face of manufacturing. Technology to manufacture is becoming cheaper. We need champions to do it. We are going to face some strong economic headwinds in the future.
8:15 Mr Bonney finishes. Now onto Central Ward (final and largest ward). First up is Bill Moar.
8:11 Mr Bonney. “Balancing act of Murray Malle is Robinvale and Swan Hill.” Small towns need a lot of attention. Water in those areas need addressing. Something I’m passionate about is youth. “The thing with youth, we want to keep them here if we can.” Mental health issues in youth needs help – serious lobbying from council needs to help. Knock on door once a week (of ministers) until something is down. “If you’re in their face they can’t ignore you.” For a long time we have not had proper tertiary education. We want opportunities for youth to come back to. Rates go up, taxes go up at every level of government. “I pay my rates, if I have to pay a bit more to get a better service.” Affordable housing in a nice country location will help.
8:10 Mr Norton finishes. Leigh Bonney up now.
8:06 Mr Norton. Three terms on council. “Very of proud”. Council has increased funding to roads but more to be done. We need more rate money going to roads. “Increase support for rural communties.” Little things are needed. “Small things make a difference.” Support and promotion of agricultural industries important. “It is the backbone of the community and local economy”. Supporting standard gauge railing from Melbourne. This would help and hopefully make things safer. “keep rates to a minimum”. Getting value for each number — we keep having different service on local government — this affects ratepayers. Local council must be proactive for local health.
8:05 Robinvale Ward candidates conclude with Mr Katis. Murray Mallee ward up next. Gary Norton first up (sitting councillor).
8:01 No prepared speech as his speeches come from heart. Notes that he was not born in Swan Hill. “Still passionate for Robinvale”. Mentions his roles in Masons, fire brigade, Lions Club. Came to council 16 years ago. Beautiful bridge and a Leisure Centre. “I think with dignity and dedication I’ve given everything to Robinvale”. Doesn’t matter what you hear and read Robinvale is doing better. Swan Hill is the most properous town in regional Victoria. “We have everything”. We’ll fight for the national gas, doing something with the locke and weir. Community, housing, education, health, caring , facilities — we need those things in Robinvale. Swan Hill Rural City Council knows that. ‘We’re doing damn well.” Our rates are the second lowest in Swan Hill. “I spent a whole week in Canberra lobbying for Headspace. I will do anything to make this a better place.” Capital projects in Robinvale and Swan Hill are beautiful. “Some years ago, the whole council was wiped out and I was the only one left — Don’t let it happen again.”
8:00 Mr Willaims finished. John Katis up now (current Mayor).
7:57 Mr Williams begins by thanking The Guardian. 46 years of age “I’m just an average guy who wants to work towards the benefit of his community.” My vision for the municipality is one of growth. Fairness, efficency, productivity. Must keep rate increase to absolute minimum. Robinvale ward residents pay more in rates. ‘Currently we do not have a fair rates structure.” I will be pushing for more money to be spend on outdoor staff, infrastructure improvements and their maintenance.” Some residents well-being are being affected because of unfair by-laws. ‘Lets get out backyard in order.” Wants to be in a respected council in the community.
7:55 Mr Ridge way concludes. Lakes Ward candidates finished and we go to Robinvale Ward. Tim Williams is first up.
7:51 Mr Ridgeway. The 9a bridge across the park I don’t like at all. It’s not just a bridge, its about the the community growing. Deakin Avenue is one of the prettiest streets — I want to see Swan Hill with a street like that McCallum Street. “Swan Hill is starting to really look pretty.” For us to come up as a pretty community, for tourists to come — investors may come and people who’ll want to stay and build. Younger people from Swan Hill might like to return. “The place just lacks something.” Chisolm reserve — you can entertain 1000s in Town Hall. If Swan Hill looks nice. On North Park I’ve been an advocate of education. Lived in Alice Springs and as an education hub, people come in. People out there in NSW who need education. ‘I’m sure when the come here they may want to but something.” ‘Attracting people in with education”.
7:51 Note that all posts are paraphrasing or quoting of candidates speech.
7:50 Mc McPhee concludes. Allen Ridgeway up now.
7:46 Mr McPhee “Great to see so many of you here”. Says his first time was rewarding and challenging. Believes he has more to give to municipality. “Not here to make promises.” Being on council is not what he wants, it is about reprentin the community. “It’s all good making promises — but you’ve got to make it sustainable.” Murray Darling Basin Plan, transport and mines are the important issues — “not the ones already in the process.” Natural gas is the biggest issue the town needs. Natural gas will attract new industry. “Going to help the young people in town, stay in town.” Small towns are just as important as Swan Hill and Robinvale. “This election is going to be very important.” Preferences are going to be important in this election. ‘I don’t believe its my role to tell you how to vote.” Think seriously about preferences, because that will make difference.
7:45 Mr Fox concludes and we’ll now hear from Les McPhee (sitting Councillor).
7:41 Mr Fox thanks The Guardian as well, would like to welcome candidates. “I have a very good understanding of the issues with Lake Boga, Pental Island, Ultima.” Getting the new bridge in the right position is the most important. Mentions Murray Darling Basin Authority’s new modelling of 3200GL. “I believe a new lift-span bridge in the area is flawed.” Karinie St would be the “ideal” location for a new bridge. Airport upgrade also on agenda. Back on the important of road trains “You can imagine what would happen if road trains were coming through Riverside Park.” Would like to see an overpass walkway from the information centre. Would like to see the status of Riverside Park to Riverside Memorial Park to recognise lost soldiers. Plannings of bird attracting trees in park. Hits the time limit.
7:40 Mr Lahy concludes. Greg Fox up next.
7:36 Crowd welcomes Mr Lahy. Thanks The Guardian for the unique opportunity to speak and “impart a vision on a shire”. Mentions his involvement with youth, not in room tonight Mr Lahy says. Wants to give youth a chance. “Too many young people in this community have to leave — that’s unavoidable.” Want to see a future where the youth can stay in Swan Hill. Representing Lakes Ward — “I’m privileged to say that I love the community I live in.” “Our natural assets are the thing that will bring people from urban centers to come and live here.” Mentions he is seeing business start up once again.
7:35 Chris Lahy first up.
7:34 Ward order for tonight’s speakers.
7:33 Mr Duffield says timing is tight. With 17 candidates here — one absent — time is short.
7:30 It has begun. The Guardian’s Rob Duffield is welcoming the crowd. This is the paper’s seventh election forum (including state elections). Mr Duffield has deemed this list of candidates one of the most diverse yet.
7:27 Anyone one else thinking of coming tonight should bring a chair — it’s a full crowd.
7:26 Starting soon. The crowd seems vocal tonight — lots of chatter.
7:18 A crowd of about 80 here now. Great turn-out.
7:15 Only 15 minutes left, nearly every seat is full.
7:03 About 20 people already here. Shaping up to be a good crowd.
6:53 The seats are filling up. Feel free to come down a see all the action first-hand.
5:11 Stay tuned to The Guardian website for coverage of all tonight’s action.
5:05 Less than two hours to go until The Guardian’s 2012 Swan Hill Rural City Council election forum begins.
