Candidate – Megan Phelan

My message to the residents and business owners in the Pyrenees is the same message I have for elected Councillors and Council.

We are representatives of our communities and public servants. If we’re not helping our residents, farmers and businesses by delivering better infrastructure and services, then we’re not doing our job.

Too often I’ve seen public officials spend more time and effort on often needless bureaucratic processes rather than actively supporting and facilitating community priorities.

Whether it’s getting approval to reopen or repurpose community infrastructure, to build a shed on a farm or accommodation to support tourism, council can either look for ways to support, coordinate and facilitate planning processes, or it can find hundreds of reasons why community priorities can’t be delivered.

As Councillor, I commit to facilitated, coordinated and community led planning.

Let’s reopen community facilities and support businesses to bring services and amenity back to our townships. Let’s run efficient road maintenance programs and community services.

Councillors need to work collaboratively for the interests of the whole Pyrenees Shire, but they also have an important role advocating for the communities in their ward – this is particularly so in wards like De Cameron, which is made up of many small townships (too many to name here!).

Between them, these towns offer stunning landscapes, productive agricultural lands, world class wines, rich histories, character and plenty of community spirit! We can’t lose sight of the needs and priorities of smaller townships simply because neighbouring wards have larger population centres.

I commit to listening to communities in De Cameron ward and holding regular meeting to understand their priorities and report on Council progress.

Electing a council is about getting the best team to deliver for the Shire’s dispersed communities.

As Councillor, I bring a strong understanding of government policy and funding decision-making processes. I’ve worked in close partnership with all levels of government, and I understand that councils aren’t (or shouldn’t be!) simply a passive implementer of decisions made in Melbourne and Canberra.

I commit to supporting collaborative and productive relationships and decision-making with federal and state counterparts and working to shape and refine policies to get better outcomes for communities in the Pyrenees Shire.