2024 Murrindindi Shire Council Elections
Every four years, Murrindindi Shire residents and ratepayers vote to elect Councillors to represent our community.
The next Council elections will be held on Saturday 26 October 2024.
Ian Maskiell
for Eildon Ward
Independent candidate
Eildon Ward
Independent
Candidate
New councillor
Not represented Murrindindi previously
ADTTA Interview Question Responses
Q.
What inspired you to run for council, and how do you see yourself making a difference for the Shire of Murrindindi?
A.
I found that I now have time to devote to performing the role of a councillor for the Murrindindi Shire and want to ensure that all members of our community are engaged in the decisions our elected council makes. I also want to see delays in council planning approvals reduced and all processes simplified.
Q.
If elected, how do you plan to engage with residents and business owners to ensure their voices are heard in council decisions?
A.
All residents must be made aware of multiple paths of communication to communicate with councillors. This
should include paper mail as well as electronic communications. Councillors should have in person community meetings on a regular basis and these meetings should take place in various locations around the shire. Where input from the residents has been requested, and only a small number have responded, I believe that any decision based on those responses must be communicated to all residents before a final decision is made.
Q.
How will you work to foster a strong sense of community and inclusivity in a region as diverse as Murrindindi?
A.
Open communication channels are paramount to ensure that all sections of our community feel welcome and safe within our community. Information sessions around the shire will ensure everyone has input. Nothing good will come from people being isolated and feeling irrelevant. People tend to ignore mailed advisories where an in person meeting will result in better engagement.
Q.
What role do you think local governments should play in supporting environmental sustainability in our region?
A.
The local government involvement level is more on an informational level with legislation created at State and Federal levels. We should always balance development with environmental concerns. We need to encourage
growth, however we must make certain later generations are not inheriting a ruined environment.
Q.
How would you balance the needs of urban and rural areas within the Shire, ensuring fair representation and resource allocation?
A.
I take a fairly simplistic view we need to look at a per rate payer financial distribution for the areas. I live in a rural area and see expenditure in the towns which seems exorbitant, however I see that most ratepayers are in urban limits so more money will need to be spent in urban areas. Variations, on a case by case basis, are required to provide facilities for tourism. All allocations should consider the benefit to the wellbeing of the shire as a whole.
Q.
Who do you admire or look up to as a political “hero”, and how has that influenced your approach to leadership?
A.
The only politician I have respect for would be Ben Chifley whose government commenced the Snowy Mountain Scheme. That government was willing to make a large commitment for the benefit of future generations. Most politicians appear to push an agenda of a small group and are interested primarily in getting re-elected. The only “leadership style” I have would be I always consider the input of others and believe in coming to a consensus.
Candidates were provided twelve (12) questions, and invited to respond to six (6) of their choosing. As such, responses will be different from one candidate to another.
The candidate's responses have been published exactly as submitted. The Alexandra and District Traders and Tourism Association (ADTTA) has not altered or edited the content for spelling, accuracy, or tone.
NOTE: This post does not imply that ADTTA endorses any of the candidates in the upcoming elections