YOUTH issues were at the forefront of the discussion at The Guardian’s council candidate election forum on Wednesday night.
Almost 200 people packed into Rio Vista for The Guardian’s seventh election forum, designed to provide a platform for the region’s 18 candidates to share their visions and aspirations for the municipality.
While Central Ward candidate Donna Salathiel was unable to attend, the remaining 17 candidates gave heartfelt presentations of what they hoped to achieve if elected.
This year’s candidates have been dubbed one of the most diverse and while transport, the local economy, education, the bridge, North Park, Robinvale’s economic role in the municipality and the Riverside Precinct Masterplan proved to be hot ticket items, youth issues dominated much of the night.
Jessie Kiley may have been the youngest candidate but she left a big impression as she spoke of Swan Hill’s population decline.
“There’s a lot of unhappy campers amongst us,” she said.
Talking of her own struggles with growing up in the area, she said it was time to tackle the region’s mental health issues while inspiring, engaging and captivating the local community and in particular the region’s youth. The 25-year-old newleywed’s speech received what was undoubtedly the loudest round of applause of the evening.
Ms Kiley’s sentiments were echoed by many candidates, including Lakes Ward contender Chris Lahy.
“I envisage a place and community which can engage young people,” he said.
Murray Mallee Ward candidate Leigh Bonney said the region’s mental health issues needed to be seriously addressed.
He said letter writing was not enough to combat the problem — “we need to knock on their (politicians’) doors once a week.”
Many candidates spoke about the lack of opportunities which existed for both professionals and youth in terms of furthering education and career prospects.
“Council’s failure to acknowledge and counter the exoduses from Swan Hill undermines community confidence,” Lindsay Rogers said.
“Attracting people through education is a business in itself,” Allen Ridgeway noted.
However, it wasn’t all doom and gloom with many candidates recognising a significant time of growth for the region in terms of future prosperity.
“We are leading the charge in natural gas and we have solar power almost on our doorstep,” Bill Croft said, acknowledging there was still a need to create more jobs.
“Economic development is not just about building new shops and houses, it’s about sustainability,” Les McPhee said.
Past achievements were highlighted, while future visions were shared.
Greg Cruickshank highlighted how Swan Hill’s profile had been raised over the years at a “regional, state and federal level.”
From the racecourse revitalisation project to the CBD upgrade, those present learnt of the many successful projects council had been involved in over the years.
“I came to council 16 years ago and still have the passion,” John Katis said.
But according to many, there was room for improvement and a need to plan for the future.
“A goal is a dream with a plan,” Central Ward candidate Bill Moar said.
“We need a plan which extends beyond the next few years and we need to develop that plan together,” Michael Adamson added.
Lawrence Moser said he had thrown stones at council in the past and this was one of his reasons for standing.
“This is my turn to put up or shut up,” he said.
Meanwhile, fairness, efficiency and productivity were key elements in Tim William’s speech.
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“I’m just an average guy who wants to work for the betterment of my community,” he said.
Improved transportation networks were of importance to Lakes Ward candidate Gregory Fox who said he would like to link Swan Hill better linked with Sea Lake via the Calder Highway, while upgrading the region’s airport.
Transportation issues were also of importance to Murray Mallee Ward candidate Gary Norton who said he would like to see improved rail freight and better promotion of the agricultural industry — “the backbone of our local economy.”
Meanwhile, Jim Crowe said there needed to be more commonsense from council, and while he recognised potential for the region, he said there was a lack of vision noting “population growth was the only way to reduce rate rises.”
Mr Adamson’s suggestion to establish a road/rail freight hub near Swan Hill also prompted a hearty round of applause.
And while much of the focus was on youth issues Yvonne Jennings told voters she still had the enthusiasm and experience to represent the local community on pertinent issues.
“Don’t throw this granny out with the bath water,” she said.
