ROADS, rates and rubbish. There was a time when local governments concerned themselves with these three core responsibilities and little else. But those days are long gone.
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Councils now play an integral part of communities’ social, economic, environmental and cultural wellbeing.
That is why next month’s City of Greater Bendigo council election is so important for the region’s future prosperity.
Voters are tasked with electing nine councillors – three from each of the Eppalock, Lockwood and Whipstick wards – to represent their interests.
With 32 candidates nominating across the wards, up from 21 four years ago, it will not be an easy task. One thing for certain, however, is that there must be change.
The turmoil and dysfunction characterising the Greater Bendigo council over the past four years cannot be repeated.
Too often in recent times Bendigo has hit the state, national and even international headlines for the wrong reasons.
The region’s reputation has taken such a battering that business owners say there is no doubt it has hampered investment and development.
In fact, as the responses to the Bendigo Business Council’s pre-election survey show, the level of dissatisfaction is extreme.
“The appalling performance of the last two elected councils has stifled growth and made life difficult for any small business to grow and employ people,” one disgruntled member said.
Another opined: “The lack of teamwork with our current councillors is very disturbing and obviously is a hindrance to the town.”
In light of the negative feedback, BBC chief executive officer Leah Sertori has delivered some sage advice for voters. She has warned against voting for candidates who base their campaign around a single issue and instead urged ratepayers to look at the qualifications and experiences councillors in 2016 really need.
Bendigo’s voters are fortunate in that, unlike many wards around the state where there are single nominees, they have options. Each ward has at least 10 candidates, including some incumbents that have proved their quality as well as some newcomers with valuable skills and fresh ideas.
Every resident owes it to themselves and their community to think carefully before voting.
- Ross Tyson, deputy editor