Council & Politics
9 October, 2024
Election candidates outline vision for Ararat council as voting begins
Council candidates share vision beyond roads, rates, and rubbish.
Voting has started for the Ararat Rural City Council election and voters are expected to receive their ballots in the mail from Monday, October 7.
Twelve hopeful candidates across the municipality are hoping to be elected to the council of seven seats for the next four years.
In September, The Ararat Advertiser invited all candidates to provide a 300-word profile and respond to two questions.
This week, we wanted candidates to look beyond roads, rates and rubbish and outline their vision for the municipality.
Here are their responses in order of the VEC listing.
Q. What is your vision for the municipality
Rob Armstrong.
Mr Armstrong did not provide a response.
Peter Beales.
"My vision is to continue the work of Council to deliver sustainable growth in a financially viable fashion, whilst maintaining services, developing a community where people want to live and work whilst maintaining Ararat as the gateway to the Grampians. I see a community where the younger generation see opportunities to enhance their careers without leaving our municipality and the older see a safe secure place to live."
Fiona Tipping.
Ms Tipping did not provide a response.
Daryl Scherger
Mr Scherger did not provide a response.
Amanda Mead.
Ms Mead did not provide a response.
Bob Sanders.
"Being a current councillor I have been involved in the creation of the current 10 year plan and wish to see it followed through for a further 4 year term. This includes industry, population, retail and residential growth
Osman Kokuo.
"To boost energy, Practical solutions, improve relation between public and Council, lots of fresh aids."
Bill Waterston.
"Strong and robust democratic processes. Strong population growth, continuous job growth in agriculture, manufacturing and tourism. Sustainable and effective transport networks. Strong governance."
Teli Kaur.
"As a candidate for Ararat City Council and the Manager of Ararat Neighbourhood House, my vision is to ensure the community's voice is heard and valued. I aim to support local businesses by advocating for more grant opportunities and incentives, enhancing sports facilities to promote healthier, active lifestyles, and introducing mental health advocacy programs to reduce the rising number of suicides each year. I also want to bring more community events that celebrate the rich diversity of Ararat, fostering inclusion, unity, and pride. My goal is to create a vibrant, connected, and resilient community where everyone feels supported."
Peter Joyce.
"My vision for Ararat Rural City focuses on careful, ethical, and inclusive management, ensuring prosperity for all. Here's how I plan to make a difference by revitalising our main streets, supporting existing and new potential businesses, creating vibrant shopping and gathering spaces. Completing the Ararat Hills Trails Project generating millions of dollars into the community through tourism while providing additional facilities to residents. Protect and improve recreational areas and open spaces, making them safe and accessible for everyone and I will ensure that rates remain reasonable, and that the revenue generated is invested wisely for the benefit of our community."
Jo Armstrong.
Making opportunities a reality by working respectfully together for the greater good of our communities and encouraging new business, services and industry to our region. Evidence-based decisions and strategic focus will sustain growth alongside appropriate infrastructure to deliver diverse and accessible recreational opportunities, events and hospitality, as well as excellent health care and education to attract people to make this home. Our smaller communities will benefit from much-needed equitable expansion of digital connectivity and continued improvement to our local roads network as we expand agricultural value-adding."