A regular feature, this edition profiling two elected members from Victoria.
Mayor Stephen Merrylees,
Strathbogie Shire Council,
Victoria
Q. Tell us about yourself and how you first got involved in Local Government?
I have now completed the ‘circle of life’ – born in this area, became a lawyer and worked in Canberra and Melbourne, before eventually returning to the family farm after my father’s death. Now in my fifth consecutive year as Mayor, I initially entered Local Government following the return to elected Councils after the State wide amalgamations of Local Government in 1994. I am a true believer that change can only be effected from within. You do not have credibility if your criticisms of a problem are not backed up with a willingness to be involved in the process of solving the problem.
Q. Describe your Council and community – what are some of its unique features?
In addition to its traditional strong agricultural base, the Shire of Strathbogie has what is considered to be a somewhat unique economic diversity with several key emerging specialist industries, including the equine, viticulture and agribusiness (value adding) industries. It is strategically located, being accessible via both the Hume Freeway and the Goulburn Valley Highway. Euroa, which is the Administrative Headquarters of the Shire, is located one hour from Melbourne on the Hume Freeway. Topography of the Shire of Strathbogie incorporates the picturesque Strathbogie Plateau and extends to the fertile plains of the Goulburn River and beyond – reflecting ‘Ranges to Rivers’, the theme which supports the Shire logo.
Q. What are some of the Local Government issues affecting your Council and community at the moment?
Managing inherited debt, coping with ‘growing pains’, infrastructure, infrastructure, and infrastructure!
Q. What are some of the challenges you have faced while in Local Government?
Trying to unite disparate rural communities with a common Shire wide sense of purpose following the forced amalgamations in 1994.
Q. What are some of the high points while in Local Government?
The recent Australian Bureau of Statistics figure indicating a 4.3 per cent growth in population over the past five years. This figure defied the trend of small rural Councils and is a clear reflection of Council’s proactive approach in promoting and facilitating the establishment of intensive agribusinesses; two new distinct wine regions – Strathbogie Ranges and Nagambie Lakes; a national standard rowing and canoeing course (host venue for National and State rowing and canoeing championships, World Masters canoeing, and the APS Heads of the River regatta); and the ‘Horse Capital of Victoria’ concept.
Q. How do you think Local Government can increase its presence on the political landscape of Australia?
Following amalgamations, Victorian Councils are now much larger in size and therefore more encompassing to the broader community. These Councils are gaining respect as the third tier of government and when sub regional or regional issues are tackled unitedly, the sky is the limit!
Mayor Frank Corr,
Maroondah City Council,
Victoria
Q. Can you tell us about yourself and how you first got involved in Local Government?
I got into Local Government for two reasons, the first being that I had come from country areas where a community relied on everyone taking part, so it seemed natural to me to be part of my local community. The second reason was that as the father of five young children at the time, I was keen to get a kinder built in Ringwood and unfortunately, it seemed to be a low priority. My father was also a Councillor, so following in his footsteps was not too much of a stretch. It’s sometimes hard to believe that I have been in the Local Government sphere for over 25 years.
Q. Describe your Council and community – what are some of its unique features?
Maroondah has some very strong and unique environmental roots, which are just as strong now as they were 25 years ago. We also have a very strong and active business community and a wealth of baby boomers who have maintained their cohesiveness and interest in community affairs.
Q. What are some of the Local Government issues affecting your Council and community at the moment?
With Ringwood named as a Transit City by the State Government, we have some very large issues in terms of public and private transport to tackle, including the building of the Eastern and Scoresby Freeways. We are concerned with the protection of our established communities and want to balance the strong growth in the municipality with the need to maintain the character of our streets and suburbs.
Q. What are some of the challenges you have faced while in Local Government?
There is an enormous breadth of issues Councillors deal with on a daily basis and such little time. Time is one of our most precious resources and I think people working in Local Government and all other industries are facing the same problem. Yet Councils are faced with greater challenges, such as a greater rate return, increased responsibilities, increasing populations and the need for more effective and caring human services, in particular. The demands are growing – you have family commitments – I have five children and nine grandchildren – and most Councillors have full time jobs but people still want that personal contact from their Councillors and Mayors. The challenge is to manage people and constituents around the time you have available.
Q. What are some of your high points while in Local Government?
There have been a number of achievements, but for the most part, I think that the high points have been the ‘biggies’ – pushing for and receiving Federal and State funding for the Scoresby Freeway; getting State dollars for the extension of the Eastern Freeway; and even events like the construction of our convention centre and civic pool early in my time as a Councillor, were highlights.
Q. How do you think Local Government can increase its presence on the political landscape of Australia?
Constitutional recognition would be important not only for Local Government as an entity, but also for our constituents to recognise the important role we play in the delivery of services – it may even improve our funding opportunities, though I doubt it. We are the closest level of government to the people and we deal with these people and these community issues. We are a key link to the more bureaucratic and higher reaches of the State and Federal Governments. We therefore need to maintain our focus on people and community and look at better ways to integrate services across the board.
