Candidate – Simon Tol

My decision to stand for council was bought about by seeing the need for a strong member of the community to be represented on council.

I feel that at the present time, we as a community get paid lip service by the Shire.

We are treated and identified as customers, I stress we are not customers, as a customer can make decisions as to where they go, and who they deal with. We can only deal with the Shire in issues concerning local governance.

I have also noticed the deterioration in the way the Shire spends our rate and grant money.

If we spent our money more wisely, employed less consultants, reduced budget blow outs and kept projects to schedule, Shire savings could be put to good use.

In this current cost of living crisis, wouldn’t it be fantastic if the Shire announce a cap on rate rises or even better a reduction in rates. Unheard of, but possible, with greater governance and accountability.

I feel I have a lot to offer, especially when it comes to team building and work culture. I will not shy away from hard decision and difficult questioning. I will be honest and transparent, creating a vision of a successful council, a thriving community and constituents that feel respected and heard.

I relate the current council to an old appliance – It’s serving its’ purpose and only just doing the job.

It is not until it is replaced by a new one that you realise how ineffective and inefficient the old appliance has been!

My track record in business and more recently in the Waubra community, proves that I can get things done.

I have been the initiator of the greater majority of projects, that have happened in Waubra in recent years. This highlights the fact that I make things happen!