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.
Jane Moss
for Koriella Ward
Independent candidate
Koriella 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.
It goes without saying that the Murrindindi is a beautiful place to live and that we have many amazing people who call it home. Between my husband and I we have 6 children, who are all off leading their own lives, I now have time to give back in a more meaningful and impactful way.
There is an immediate need in every community to lean into the challenges facing us now and to position ourselves to respond and optimise future threats and opportunities. I am a strategic and pragmatic thinker that enjoys connecting with people, exploring new ideas and harnessing the power of true diversity to generate creative solutions.
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.
A part of what makes this Shire so special and attractive for tourism also impacts our ability to harness the collective efforts and opportunities associated with the various areas, events and attractions. Opportunity exists to better connect each Ward and to leverage off each other to raise awareness and a more collective approach to attracting and supporting tourism.
We have a number of main thoroughfares that support a significant amount of through traffic, particularly on weekends and holiday periods. These locations do not always provide attractions for tourists; however, they do provide the opportunity to advertise and connect.
Thinking about things a little differently, for example markets, being clear what the objective of the market is and how best to capitalise on this across the Shire not just limited to one small area. There are new aps now that connect markets and event coordinators to stall owners and other social media platforms that can easily be applied to create awareness. The Murrindindi quarterly magazine is a great starting point, the challenge is how to connect this thinking more with the community and people outside of our Shire.
Q.
What are your priorities for improving infrastructure and services within the shire, particularly across our many individual towns/villages like Alexandra? We’re interested in hearing how you would approach infrastructure development and resource allocation.
A.
We have a relatively large proportion of older residents and it seems we are struggling to attract new businesses and younger trades to the area. Both present different needs.
The loss of Banks, limited specialist health care and few public transport options, potentially impact many of our older residents. Whilst limited recreational options and housing and the affordability of staples like food and dining driven by the lack of competition, potentially make the area less attractive to younger residents. I say potentially, because I do not like to assume. I would like to connect with a large variety of residents to clearly define what really matters to them and to understand what they feel would make it easier for them to live in the Murrindindi Shire. This is not a simple single dimension challenge and to shift the dial in a meaningful way will require a clear understanding of the various parts and contributing factors associated with this issue. I would really enjoy the challenge and expect that some of the answers will be surprisingly simple – others, maybe not!
Q.
If elected, how do you plan to engage with residents and business owners to ensure their voices are heard in council decisions?
A.
Well firstly I really like to meet and talk to people. To understand what they do, their story and to learn from their experiences. I spend most weekends attending or supporting local events. I am a member of the Yarck Fire Brigade, the Friends of the Yarck Hall and happily support charity events in whatever way is needed. I will be looking for as many opportunities as possible to join forums, to connect with residents and just be available to engage via email, phone or in-person meetings.
Q.
How will you work to foster a strong sense of community and inclusivity in a region as diverse as Murrindindi? We’re interested in your vision for social cohesion and how you plan to build a more inclusive community.
A.
If I have leant anything through my professional experience it is that to solve any problem, you need to talk to the people most impacted and to engage their participation in decision making on the matters that affect them. The power of diversity is not aligning with one particular group, but to equally engage all members of our community. To understand different perspectives and to encourage an open dialogue that allows different thinking to come together to create something very special. I see the role of a councillor to be a conduit that connects the moving parts of our Shire, that collects, processes and presents all perspectives and ideas, and most importantly provides feedback on discussions and decisions, to confirm they were heard and considered.
Q.
What do you believe is the most undervalued strength of our community, and how would you highlight it if elected? We’re interested in what you see as our hidden strengths and how you’d bring them to the forefront.
A.
I am constantly humbled by the willingness of residents to volunteer their time and talents to help the local community, a staggering 30% of our community volunteers in some form. There is a lot of discretionary effort available that could potentially be better connected to have an even greater impact.
One opportunity I would like to explore more are the non-resident rate payers. Most that I have met currently work in Melbourne and visit their properties whenever possible, in the hope of one day moving here when family and work commitments allow. These individuals already have a vested interest in our Shire, most have business or careers and potentially a lot to offer to help support awareness of local attractions, events and the growth of business opportunities.
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