For the Murrindindi Shire Council Elections in October 2020, a Virtual Candidates Forum was conducted (given the COVID-19 lockdown situation) by MCN sending questions to the nominated candidates, and their responses were then published in The Standard and the Yea Chronicle.

Six questions were posed to candiates, and the responses received from candidates in contested elections are provided below:

Q1: How will you encourage more tourism in the Shire?

Cheviot Ward

Sue Carpenter

Tourism is an important part of the shire economy and must be encouraged and supported. I will become more aware of the current strategies which are in place, and evaluate the success and issues by consulting with relevant stakeholders, to continue to promote this important activity.

Allan Brew

By advocating for a more investor-friendly approach that’s focused towards establishing tourism based enterprise in our region. Establishing a solid platform to promote our many natural attractions that highlights the local visitor-based enterprise around each attraction. Work with local enterprise on how to market themselves around tourism.

John Kennedy

I will work to build a stronger events strategy for the shire. There is also much to learn from the success of other tourism regions especially Daylesford and Macedon Ranges. Growing our visitor numbers will be critical to creating a business recovery and growth in the post-pandemic stage.

Eildon Ward

Karine Haslam

Firstly, talk with residents in all areas of the ward as each area has different assets and highlights to showcase. Ascertain if and what is achievable in the short term. Investigate what support, grants, funding or investment is available and what infrastructure is required. Work together to make things happen.

Robyn Ellis

I believe in community collaboration, with tourism north-east successfully promoting water, ski, cycle, nature and cultural tourism; the provision of council grants and incentives for new, and COVID-19 affected, businesses prioritising hospitality, accomodation, wine and artisan sectors; establishing a shire-wide major events working group; and implementing Eildon Masterplan, foreshore upgrade and non-motorised boating on the pondage.

King Parrot Ward

Eric Lording

Tourism is the biggest income generating market segment in the shire apart from government departments. My aim is to use both the North East Tourism and Yarra Valley Tourism to the max. The tourism industry needs a helping hand so I am supporting using some of the $500K of funding earmarked for recovery, to support purchasing of tourism related work from both of the tourism groups and local groups.

Kim Travers

Tourism is an important part of the shire economy and must be encouraged and supported. I will become more aware of the current strategies which are in place, and evaluate the success and issues by consulting with relevant stakeholders, to continue to promote this important activity.

Koriella Ward

Adam Neeves

Tourism is an important part of the shire economy and must be encouraged and supported. I will become more aware of the current strategies which are in place, and evaluate the success and issues by consulting with relevant stakeholders, to continue to promote this important activity.

John Walsh

Tourism is an important part of the shire economy and must be encouraged and supported. I will become more aware of the current strategies which are in place, and evaluate the success and issues by consulting with relevant stakeholders, to continue to promote this important activity.

Red Gate Ward

Damien Gallagher

Tourism is an important part of the shire economy and must be encouraged and supported. I will become more aware of the current strategies which are in place, and evaluate the success and issues by consulting with relevant stakeholders, to continue to promote this important activity.

Robyn Walsh

Tourism is an important part of the shire economy and must be encouraged and supported. I will become more aware of the current strategies which are in place, and evaluate the success and issues by consulting with relevant stakeholders, to continue to promote this important activity.

Ian McKaskill

Tourism is an important part of the shire economy and must be encouraged and supported. I will become more aware of the current strategies which are in place, and evaluate the success and issues by consulting with relevant stakeholders, to continue to promote this important activity.

Q2: What is your policy on forestry?

Cheviot Ward

Sue Carpenter

1 support the logging of sustainable plantation timber, which can assist local employment and is environmentally responsible.

Allan Brew

As farmed timber is the way forward I would like to encourage a program that establishes numerous smaller hardwood plantations on private land to not only support a vital natural recourse but help reduce the carbon footprint around the shire. The sustainability and protection of our natural forest is vital.

John Kennedy

Plantation forestry is a likely long term response, but we look certain to lose the shire’s timber harvesting infrastructure in the immediate future. I want to form a Forestry Industry Working Group to understand and help respond to the challenges for such an important sector in the shire.

Eildon Ward

Karine Haslam

Need to be well managed and sustainable. Harvest, sell and regrow sounds a fair balance to me in controlled environments. This would enable a reduction in imported timber. We should not denude the landscape. Benefits: carbon storage capacity and employment for rural areas which is a crucial factor.

Robyn Ellis

I believe in a sustainable, ecological and economical approach. The industry is important for local jobs - timber products not wood chipping. No to harvesting old growth forests to maintain protection of Central Highlands. Yes to long term rotation forestry with selective logging while protecting habitats and monitoring bush fire risks. Private plantations another consideration.

King Parrot Ward

Eric Lording

On forestry, I want the harvesting of old growth forests to be seriously curtailed with more effort going into plantation timber. The forestry industry is important to many in the shire for income, so they must be protected too. We must think of the damage being done to native animal habitat when we make harvesting decisions.

Kim Travers

Tourism is an important part of the shire economy and must be encouraged and supported. I will become more aware of the current strategies which are in place, and evaluate the success and issues by consulting with relevant stakeholders, to continue to promote this important activity.

Koriella Ward

Adam Neeves

Tourism is an important part of the shire economy and must be encouraged and supported. I will become more aware of the current strategies which are in place, and evaluate the success and issues by consulting with relevant stakeholders, to continue to promote this important activity.

John Walsh

Tourism is an important part of the shire economy and must be encouraged and supported. I will become more aware of the current strategies which are in place, and evaluate the success and issues by consulting with relevant stakeholders, to continue to promote this important activity.

Red Gate Ward

Damien Gallagher

Tourism is an important part of the shire economy and must be encouraged and supported. I will become more aware of the current strategies which are in place, and evaluate the success and issues by consulting with relevant stakeholders, to continue to promote this important activity.

Robyn Walsh

Tourism is an important part of the shire economy and must be encouraged and supported. I will become more aware of the current strategies which are in place, and evaluate the success and issues by consulting with relevant stakeholders, to continue to promote this important activity.

Ian McKaskill

Tourism is an important part of the shire economy and must be encouraged and supported. I will become more aware of the current strategies which are in place, and evaluate the success and issues by consulting with relevant stakeholders, to continue to promote this important activity.

Q3: What policies do you plan to advocate as a councillor in terms of the management of the natural environment?

Cheviot Ward

Sue Carpenter

I believe that our natural environment must be managed sensitively to ensure the continued health and sustainment of the environment for future generations.

Allan Brew

As a shared environment the importance of a balanced approach to its management is vital. By advocating for more accessible but managed areas around our natural attractions to balance out more governed access to areas of higher protection.

John Kennedy

I will work to protect our natural assets but there is scope to provide better public access to our landforms for recreation, education, and enjoyment.

Eildon Ward

Karine Haslam

Once again with good management, we can enhance without damaging. We are fortunate to have so much natural beauty in our shire. We can use this to our advantage with minor sympathetic infrastructure to attract tourism on many fronts. Nature walks, day and nocturnal, bird watching, star gazing, painting and artist workshops.

Robyn Ellis

Like our indigenous brothers and sisters, I believe we are all custodians of the land we live on and caretakers of our unique native fauna and flora. Environmental sustainability is key to the future wellbeing of our beautiful shire. I support council’s current strategy that while maintaining public spaces, advocates for reducing environmental impact and increasing public education.

King Parrot Ward

Eric Lording

Our natural environment is under severe pressure. There seems to be a different pattern of local rainfall emerging which, like the Amazon, could be through deforestation. I have tried to work with VicForests but they seem hell bent on taking the easy route of old growth forest. I will support plantation forests aggressively.

Kim Travers

Tourism is an important part of the shire economy and must be encouraged and supported. I will become more aware of the current strategies which are in place, and evaluate the success and issues by consulting with relevant stakeholders, to continue to promote this important activity.

Koriella Ward

Adam Neeves

Tourism is an important part of the shire economy and must be encouraged and supported. I will become more aware of the current strategies which are in place, and evaluate the success and issues by consulting with relevant stakeholders, to continue to promote this important activity.

John Walsh

Tourism is an important part of the shire economy and must be encouraged and supported. I will become more aware of the current strategies which are in place, and evaluate the success and issues by consulting with relevant stakeholders, to continue to promote this important activity.

Red Gate Ward

Damien Gallagher

Tourism is an important part of the shire economy and must be encouraged and supported. I will become more aware of the current strategies which are in place, and evaluate the success and issues by consulting with relevant stakeholders, to continue to promote this important activity.

Robyn Walsh

Tourism is an important part of the shire economy and must be encouraged and supported. I will become more aware of the current strategies which are in place, and evaluate the success and issues by consulting with relevant stakeholders, to continue to promote this important activity.

Ian McKaskill

Tourism is an important part of the shire economy and must be encouraged and supported. I will become more aware of the current strategies which are in place, and evaluate the success and issues by consulting with relevant stakeholders, to continue to promote this important activity.

Q4: Do you believe that the council should join the Cities Power Partnership to take action on Climate Change?

Cheviot Ward

Sue Carpenter

The Cities Power Partnership has been created for local governments to get the tools and resources required to assist them to address climate issues, and several neighbouring councils have already joined the partnership. This may be a valuable course of action to take.

Allan Brew

Yes. Renewable energy is the future of energy production. It makes no sense not to be involved.

John Kennedy

Yes. Murrindindi Shire should join the Cities Power Partnership as it is a multifaceted climate change initiative.

Eildon Ward

Karine Haslam

Yes. I think we need a balance of options to reduce climate change and this would be a good start.

Robyn Ellis

Yes, while also exploring Helen Haines Local Power Plan initiative. Renewables are the future.

King Parrot Ward

Eric Lording

Having invested in a demo system at my farm for residents to evaluate green energy systems, I am a keen supporter of Cities Power Partnership and any power generation system that reduces our carbon footprint, the quicker the better.

Kim Travers

Tourism is an important part of the shire economy and must be encouraged and supported. I will become more aware of the current strategies which are in place, and evaluate the success and issues by consulting with relevant stakeholders, to continue to promote this important activity.

Koriella Ward

Adam Neeves

Tourism is an important part of the shire economy and must be encouraged and supported. I will become more aware of the current strategies which are in place, and evaluate the success and issues by consulting with relevant stakeholders, to continue to promote this important activity.

John Walsh

Tourism is an important part of the shire economy and must be encouraged and supported. I will become more aware of the current strategies which are in place, and evaluate the success and issues by consulting with relevant stakeholders, to continue to promote this important activity.

Red Gate Ward

Damien Gallagher

Tourism is an important part of the shire economy and must be encouraged and supported. I will become more aware of the current strategies which are in place, and evaluate the success and issues by consulting with relevant stakeholders, to continue to promote this important activity.

Robyn Walsh

Tourism is an important part of the shire economy and must be encouraged and supported. I will become more aware of the current strategies which are in place, and evaluate the success and issues by consulting with relevant stakeholders, to continue to promote this important activity.

Ian McKaskill

Tourism is an important part of the shire economy and must be encouraged and supported. I will become more aware of the current strategies which are in place, and evaluate the success and issues by consulting with relevant stakeholders, to continue to promote this important activity.

Q5: Do you support the creation of an Action Plan for council to become Net Carbon Neutral by 2030?

Cheviot Ward

Sue Carpenter

1 would support the council to create an action plan to work towards reducing their carbon footprint and moving to sustainable energy solutions.

Allan Brew

Yes. I do support the concept of moving towards a carbon neutral shire. However it's important not to become obsessed with carbon zero at any cost.

John Kennedy

Yes. to an action plan for a Net Carbon Neutral objective with a focus on more adoption

of household level solutions.

Eildon Ward

Karine Haslam

Yes. I believe we need to take action now to address climate change, we can achieve great things if we all make some small changes and work together.

Robyn Ellis

Yes. While a small contribution, it helps to raise awareness in the shire of the need for climate change action.

King Parrot Ward

Eric Lording

Yes I do support a Net Carbon Neutral by 2030. Cutting down of carbon emission to zero is not a good idea as our current agriculture production needs carbon levels to remain at 50 per cent of where we are now, as we have to balance all the effects, so we do not create a problem affecting future food production.

Kim Travers

Tourism is an important part of the shire economy and must be encouraged and supported. I will become more aware of the current strategies which are in place, and evaluate the success and issues by consulting with relevant stakeholders, to continue to promote this important activity.

Koriella Ward

Adam Neeves

Tourism is an important part of the shire economy and must be encouraged and supported. I will become more aware of the current strategies which are in place, and evaluate the success and issues by consulting with relevant stakeholders, to continue to promote this important activity.

John Walsh

Tourism is an important part of the shire economy and must be encouraged and supported. I will become more aware of the current strategies which are in place, and evaluate the success and issues by consulting with relevant stakeholders, to continue to promote this important activity.

Red Gate Ward

Damien Gallagher

Tourism is an important part of the shire economy and must be encouraged and supported. I will become more aware of the current strategies which are in place, and evaluate the success and issues by consulting with relevant stakeholders, to continue to promote this important activity.

Robyn Walsh

Tourism is an important part of the shire economy and must be encouraged and supported. I will become more aware of the current strategies which are in place, and evaluate the success and issues by consulting with relevant stakeholders, to continue to promote this important activity.

Ian McKaskill

Tourism is an important part of the shire economy and must be encouraged and supported. I will become more aware of the current strategies which are in place, and evaluate the success and issues by consulting with relevant stakeholders, to continue to promote this important activity.

Q6: Do you olan to advocate for the installation of electric car charging stations around the Murrindidni Shire ?

Cheviot Ward

Sue Carpenter

I believe that the need for electric car charging stations will increase in the future and therefore the introduction of more charging stations in the district would be a positive initiative.

Allan Brew

Yes. There is no reason not to accommodate the increase in electric vehicles.

John Kennedy

Yea needs an Electric Vehicle Charging Station now. Ensure the shire participates in current roll out programs.

Eildon Ward

Karine Haslam

Yes. I do believe as technology improves on battery storage and EVs become more affordable they will be widely used and we need to have charging stations readily available for both locals and tourists and create more employment.

Robyn Ellis

Yes. With electric cars sales escalating, to attract more tourists, it’s crucial - and to extend our thinking to ideas like a major shire event of an electric car time trial.

King Parrot Ward

Eric Lording

I have already been advocating for electric charging stations to be at least wired up and ready to go, but as usual there are problems as all the electric vehicle manufacturers have different style plugs so I am also advocating for a standard plug connector for Australia, regulated by NATA or others.

Kim Travers

Tourism is an important part of the shire economy and must be encouraged and supported. I will become more aware of the current strategies which are in place, and evaluate the success and issues by consulting with relevant stakeholders, to continue to promote this important activity.

Koriella Ward

Adam Neeves

Tourism is an important part of the shire economy and must be encouraged and supported. I will become more aware of the current strategies which are in place, and evaluate the success and issues by consulting with relevant stakeholders, to continue to promote this important activity.

John Walsh

Tourism is an important part of the shire economy and must be encouraged and supported. I will become more aware of the current strategies which are in place, and evaluate the success and issues by consulting with relevant stakeholders, to continue to promote this important activity.

Red Gate Ward

Damien Gallagher

Tourism is an important part of the shire economy and must be encouraged and supported. I will become more aware of the current strategies which are in place, and evaluate the success and issues by consulting with relevant stakeholders, to continue to promote this important activity.

Robyn Walsh

Tourism is an important part of the shire economy and must be encouraged and supported. I will become more aware of the current strategies which are in place, and evaluate the success and issues by consulting with relevant stakeholders, to continue to promote this important activity.

Ian McKaskill

Tourism is an important part of the shire economy and must be encouraged and supported. I will become more aware of the current strategies which are in place, and evaluate the success and issues by consulting with relevant stakeholders, to continue to promote this important activity.