By Mikayla van Loon
Mooroolbark resident and former councillor Chris Templer has thrown his hand up once more for a chance to represent his community in the Melba Ward.
Having grown up in the Yarra Valley and previously holding the position of O’Shannassy Ward councillor from 2008 to 2012, Mr Templer will vye for a seat at the table for a second time in Melba, after last running in 2020.
Mr Templer said just as every other resident of Lilydale or Mooroolbark, he too has observed the issues impacting the area.
“Living in the middle of Melba Ward, I drive over each pothole we all do, see the streets flood with every downpour, see all of the new developments without enough parking and daily bank up at the Hull road train bridge,” he said.
“The council has let these slip off the priority list, I want it all brought back onto the table.”
Stating that his vision as a councillor was “to create or restore people’s confidence in the council as a provider for the community”, Mr Templer said he would be a strong advocate for accountability, clear communication and putting the people first.
“I’m not here for politics, I’m offering to work hard and help,” he said.
“I know Lilydale and Mooroolbark inside out and I believe respect and clear communication are key to effective representation.
“Our current council has fallen behind on fully delivering for us so I see it as a good time for a fresh set of eyes on rates spending and a new effort towards monitoring maintenance and keeping up with people’s concerns.”
Rates, infrastructure and government advocacy, Mr Templer said, were three priorities on his agenda if elected as a councillor.
Motivated to ensure Melba Ward sees its “fair share of the rates” being “dedicated or invested” in the suburban district was high on the list.
“I’d like to be ahead of the allocation of funding and projects so we get what we deserve locally for our rates,” Mr Templer said.
With the ongoing discussion around drainage improvements and mapping, Mr Templer said he would call for a review of this process and plan.
“I want to call for a review of the Future Infrastructure Plan and swap out some non urgent projects for action on the more pressing issues we have been crying out for,” he said.
“One example is drainage being a huge issue in our area. We need a more urgent push to get solutions now, but also to design and future-proof all council managed infrastructure as our towns grow.”
Identifying himself as someone who would be persistent and a strong voice, Mr Templer said this was something he could offer as a strength when engaging with higher levels of government.
“Councillors must be able to take local issues to State or Federal governments when needed. I am a straight talker and a strong communicator so I can campaign as long as things take and have no issues with advocating or speaking to all sides of government.”
Leading into the election, Mr Templer said it was important to remember that the people decide who is best suited for the role of their representative, both in their ward and across the shire.
“I say to the residents of the Melba Ward and all residents of the Shire of Yarra Ranges, don’t forget how important it is to elect the best nine representatives of the community to work on the council for you. I’d like to be one for Melba Ward, so I’d appreciate your vote.”
