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.
Jo Timbury
for Redgate Ward
Independent candidate
Redgate 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.
7 years ago, my husband Dave & i bought a property on the outskirts of Alexandra. We had been regular visitors to Murrindindi Shire for 34 years prior. Enjoying everything this magnificent region has to offer, Lake Eildon fishing, water skiing, owning a houseboat for 12 years, hiking the hills, prospecting, exploring the history and 4x4 driving. Our now 3 adult children and 8 grandchildren joining us on those adventures. One daughter living permanently in town and 4 grandchildren attending schools here. Dave & i have owned & operated our business in Landscape & Excavations for over 40 years. We are semi retired and believe i have the time and commitment to hopefully bring fresh ideas to our community.
Q.
What do you see as the most pressing challenges facing local businesses, and how would you address them if elected?
A.
Businesses would benefit from a simpler permit system, reducing costs and time associated with this process. Local Trades/Contractors must always be given option for tender, involving council works.
Reassurance from local council, it will do everything in its power to preserve our State Forests as they are and not be changed to National parks, to ensure the visitor numbers to businesses.
Q.
Tourism plays a big role in our local economy. How would you support and grow tourism in the Shire, particularly through community events?
A.
I would draw on my experiences from travelling by vehicle throughout Australia over the last 20 years.
Emphasis on cleaning our town center, planting trees/shrubs etc indigenous to our region. Using local rock and materials to create new WELCOME TO ALEXANDRA sculptures/walls at the western & southern approaches.
Clean & clear information boards around the shire. I have other ideas that i can share.
Q.
If elected, how do you plan to engage with residents and business owners to ensure their voices are heard in council decisions?
A.
I have always engaged well with our community, being a regular face in town, utilizing the services and businesses wherever possible. I am a good communicator with all age groups, non judgmental and always encourage people to speak up, whether it be praise or complaint. An open book approach, i would consider to be one of my attributes.
Q.
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the Shire of Murrindindi over the next four years, and how do you plan to address them?
A.
As previously stated, being involved on a daily basis with our grandchildren, aged between 9-17, i believe one of our greatest challenges is going to be encouraging this age group to live & work in their local community. We need to support this age group, in all their endeavors or aspirations. I talk with them often regarding their ideas on what makes a great town. I have a list of their responses.
If i am elected to council, this will be a priority of mine.
Q.
Where do you see the Shire of Murrindindi in four years, and what legacy would you hope to leave at the end of your term?
A.
Industry is needed. I've been a 30 year advocate of HEMP. So pleasing to see its marvelous qualities starting to be relised.
We need to explore this industry for our region. Tourism could benefit greatly.
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