TWO prominent Cohuna residents have signalled their intention to seek election to Gannawarra Shire Council.
Andrew Gibbs and Sonia Wright, who are leading a number of community initiatives, have united to contest the election in the Yarran Ward.
Nominations open on Thursday, September 15 and close at 12 noon on Tuesday, September 20. Ballot papers will be posted during the first week of October and votes must be received by 6pm on Friday, October 21.
Mrs Wright is Cohuna Progress Association president and Mr Gibbs, a political lobbyist, is spearheading an attempt by a consortium to purchase the redundant Murray Goulburn dairy factory at Leitchville.
They have launched their Getting Gannawarra On the Go campaign, which aims to see the pair elected for the next four years to represent the Yarran Ward, currently held by mayor, Cr Lorraine Learmonth and former mayor, Cr Neville Goulding.
The pair aim to bring their business and community experience to council to create new opportunities for the district.
Mrs Wright, a local veterinary practice manager, decided to run for council to ensure there is diversity amongst councillors.
“At the moment current or former farmers and police officers are on council,” she said.
“I would like to see different age groups and genders represented on council and Andrew and I cover all bases.”
Tourism initiatives and reducing the reliance on rates revenue to support council’s services are key issues the Cohuna Progress Association president will campaign on.
“Gannawarra’s rates are some of the highest increasing in the region, and there are other ways council can create revenue,” she said.
“Being on the progress association for the past three years has been a help, but I feel that my voice can only go so far and the next step is on council.”
Mr Gibbs yesterday criticised council staff for their current wages push involving enterprise bargaining negotiations by the Australian Services Union.
“The council workforce should have a good look at themselves,” he said.
“Farmers are in crisis and many small businesses are struggling to make ends meet. It shows an inherent lack of understanding on their behalf.”
Mr Gibbs has served as private secretary to former Liberal senator, Helen Coonan and has a background in government relations and hospitality.
