Welcome to My Blog!

The content of this blog will chart my progress, my thoughts and some ideas associated with running for Lyster Ward in the Shire of the Yarra Ranges. Amongst other thoughts that come to mind!

I am a long-time resident of the Belgrave area, and chose to raise my family here. I believe Lyster Ward in particular needs a better deal from Council, and here's why.

Before the Shire of the Yarra Ranges, the Shire of Sherbrooke had a strong local presence, which helped provide strong feelings of identity and belonging for its residents.

I believe this has changed in the Yarra Ranges, as local issues and culture became submerged in larger issues in a much larger shire. This acts to separate and alienate local residents from council - at a time when they need that connection more than ever.

Economic and social pressures are impacting on quality of life in Lyster Ward - and I feel that despite some encouraging signals from Council surrounding 2020, are being ignored or paid lip service to.

Services and infrastructure, and value for money thereof are measures by which a council is counted - and it is this area that it is falling down. Issues like drainage, sewerage, road maintenance and traffic management are in sore need of attention and policy development.

The main roundabout in Belgrave township is one such area in need of attention, where traffic and pedestrian usage has increased markedly. A recent accident involving a car and the Queen of Tarts Cafe brought this into stark relief, as much for the potential for injury as the affect on trade.

The intersection acts to suppress the amount of Puffing Billy patrons who will access Belgrave, as they are discouraged from crossing at the intersection by no provision for pedestrians.

There is also the issue of business in the Lyster Ward, and how much assistance and coordination they get with council. Businesses require the active involvement of council to facilitate their activities - which hasn't happened on any consistent level in Belgrave.

If I am elected councillor, I would initiate a community advisory council with local people and leaders, to enable them to communicate their ideas and concerns directly to their representative. This would also provide me with the opportunity to feedback directly to them on the doings and rationales behind council decisions. This ensures that as councillor, I remain accountable and approachable to residents.

It is essential that councillors remain accessible to all residents - not just those from particular interest groups or fellow travellers. Ensuring that everyone gets a fair hearing is the first step towards making informed decisions on behalf of the ward.

Hopefully this blog will allow residents with their concerns to contact me and voice the issues that concern them directly. I will also be happy to speak to residents either via phone or directly. Leave your contact details on any email you send and will get back to you as soon as possible.

Chris