THE hotly contested Yarran Ward council election has become personal.
One candidate has accused another of jeopardising his election campaign by using a medical condition to “bad-mouth” him and also erroneously claiming that he was seeking huge amounts of Gannawarra Shire Council funds to finance ambitious projects.
Candidate Andrew Gibbs has been angered by revelations that fellow candidate and current councillor, Neville Goulding is telling constituents that Mr Gibbs is “unfit for council” because he has bipolar disorder.
Cr Goulding has denied the claim.
His initial response was “no comment”, then when pressed on whether he was acknowledging or denying he has made the comment, he said, “Of course not.”
“That’s rubbish,” he said.
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels.
Mr Gibbs said that the disorder did not prevent him carrying out his work or community activities.
“Last year, I was out of action for four days. How many diabetics or asthmatics are affected for up to 10 days each year?,” he said.
“I am an ambassador for bipolar (through Beyond Blue). I have spoken to about 300 groups [about the disorder] including large companies like BHP.”
Mr Gibbs also claimed that Cr Goulding was telling groups of people that he was proposing to spend significant shire funds on proposed projects.
“It’s all an outright lie. The $7 million [Gunbower Creek frontage] motel has investors prepared to put it most of the money. Just $2 million from council would be recouped from income,” he said.
“The [Cohuna] aerodrome project would have cost [council] $50,000 three years ago, but after $230,000 was wasted on consultants, it will be $100,000.
“The aero club members were putting in more money than council.”
Cr Goulding said that he would be concerned about council borrowing a large amount of money and said that a consultant was engaged to obtain advice to enable larger air ambulance aircraft to land at Cohuna.
Mr Gibbs, a political lobbyist, has teamed up with Cohuna Progress Association president, Sonia Wright under the banner of Getting Gannawarra on the Go. They have given voters the choice of voting one for either candidate.
Cr Goulding has a joint ticket with Robert Cooper, proposing a one-two vote in that order and they have adopted the slogan Keep Gannawarra Growing.
Current mayor, Lorraine Learmonth is also seeking re-election.
