The number one priority for Bendigo moving forward is Jobs!
Bendigo’s growing and quickly at that. We need be on the front foot to make sure our growth is healthy. Currently our unemployment rate is at 5.6 %(up frpm 4.6% last election).

Jobs stimulates our local economy and supports our residents. Further development of the Bendigo Airport and the East Bendigo Business Precinct is vital but so is the Marong business park and our rail connections. Further work with the State Government is needed to ensure these four areas continue to drive Bendigo’s economy

The Central Business District.

Most people want to talk about the Hargreaves Mall however I’d argue most of people’s frustrations with the Mall are consistent for the whole CBD.

Issues that people tend to focus on:

 • The Hargreaves Mall
 • Antisocial behaviour
 • Parking
 • Shop vacancy
 • Public transport
 • Accessibility

But, we also need to look at inner city living to support our growth, linking our CBD to the health precinct, spreading support services out to avoid the concentration of antisocial issues, expanding our CBD and other initiatives.

Bendigo’s governing area is not like Geelong and Ballarats. Their budgets are similar when considering the population however we govern more space than both of them combined. (Message to the State, that’s bullshit!) This leaves us with a greater challenge of where to spend our money. 

We cannot let our smaller communities be forgotten.

One thing I love about our regional communities is the sense of togetherness they hold. They still know who their neighbours are and who in among them can achieve what when needed.

This strength is what I want to encourage and grow! These communities are often also forgotten when it comes to basic infrastructure.

We’ve started great examples within Bendigo (example: The Spring Gully creek path connecting the Ewing Park and Wolstencroft Reserve developments). Let’s start creating footpaths and upgrading the roads in our rural communities to facilitate and grow what makes them so great already!

When talking to businesses and residents, often what they need aren’t the responsibility of Council but I want to start holding the State and Federal Government accountable for its responsibilities to our residents.

A train service that is quick and reliable, phone and internet services that are fast and consistent and getting control of the constant raise in electricity prices. These are just a few things that many residents need to make their day to day life easier. And they deserve these things.

We have a landfill that’s life expectancy is about to end. And we haven’t a REAL solution to deal with our waste moving forward. 

Council introduced a green bin 4 years ago and State government want to bring in a fourth bin. This all means an increase of rates. Not to mention we don’t have hard rubbish pick ups. Bandaids on an open wound do not work!

In the past I’ve suggested a waste to energy plant. And although they are far better for the environment these days, they are still only feasible through waste creation. So I can understand the opposition to them. With or without a plant, I think theirs an opportunity to manage your waste more effectively. I would love to see the development of a better recycling plant that manages most of the states recyclables and puts us at the front of the reuse of these materials. Promoting green jobs and green energy should be our future