Shane Fraser, Haidee Layock and Pat Brown are vying to fill the council seat left open by Austin Evans, following his election to the state seat of Murray. 

All three candidates were asked about why they’ve decided to run for council and their opinions on what they feel are the biggest concerns facing the community. 

Voting in local government elections is compulsory for those over 18. 

Shane Fraser, Farmer 

What motivated you to run for council this year?

I’ve always thought we needed someone from this area and outside of town. Most of the other councillors are from in town. It would be good to see someone representing the people from out on the rural roads. 

What do you think is the biggest concern for the community going forward and how do you think council should go about addressing these issues?

Something that worries a lot of people is the water issue around here. It’s also about looking after the communities and trying to keep the community prosperous. 

I’d try to work with the rest of the council to keep local business going in town. We need to keep business in town and find ways to attract new business . 

Pat Brown, sub-contractor

What motivated you to run for council this year?

Council is something you need to dedicate time to do it properly. I’ve got the time now and it’s something I really want to do for the community. It’s something I’ve considered in the past. 

What do you think is the biggest concern for the community going forward and how do you think council should go about addressing these issues?

It can be broken into categories. We have to maintain what we’ve got, being agricultural and other industries. We need to encourage businesses to come in. I don’t want anything in the way of bringing new business in if it ticks all the right boxes. 

If we don’t have kids in the town, we don’t have a town at all. We’ve got to promote employment. I want to look at all the programs that come through and pick the positives for these opportunities to grow and for things to happen.

Haidee Laycock, Rural Financial Counsellor

What motivated you to run for council this year?

I thought this was the perfect opportunity and try out for council. I wanted to be able to give back to the community. I’m very proud to be in this area. It’s about being a voice for the people who don’t get heard. 

What do you think is the biggest concern for the community going forward and how do you think council should go about addressing these issues?

As a person on the electoral vote, it seems to be like maintaining industry in the area. It’s about creating employment in the area for our young people who don’t necessarily want to move away or be on a farm, do have the opportunities and can stay in the district if they like. 

My focus is the maintain and build industry in the area so the area is attractive for potential people to move here and viable for young people to stay here. 

I want to build relationships with stakeholders. We’ve lost a lot of industry here. We could build relationships with stakeholders both inside and outside Murrumbidgee. It’s about flying the flag for the district and showing people what we have to offer. We have beautiful river country and so many opportunities for prospective projects like the Coleambally ski lake.