Hindmarsh East Ward Candidate | Chris Johnson

I developed a passion for Dimboola when I came out here to work as a community reporter for the paper. I met and worked with some wonderful people and supported as many groups, clubs, sports, schools, and locals as I could. Your council representative should be someone who supports you and your community and the reason I made the decision to run in the Hindmarsh Shire Council by-election 2020.

Although I no longer work in that role, I remain in Dimboola. My engagement in the community includes playing with the Nhill Dimboola Band, member of the Dimboola Rowing Club committee, treasurer of the Dimboola RSL Sub Branch, secretary of the Dimboola Bowling Club, a friends of Lions and volunteer, Tidy Town Co-ordinator and volunteer for the Peter Taylor Memorial Barefoot Event.

Dimboola has experienced a transformation over the past five years and small business is starting to invest the town and cater for our influx of visitors. It is important that we continue to support these small businesses adding value to our economy and adding to the visitor experience. I intend to work with council to develop proactive support programs for small businesses.

Much of the Dimboola Council Plan has been achieved with the completion of the library, success of the refurbished Riverside Caravan Park, extended walking tracks, new street furniture and upgraded sporting facilities. Landscaping of the new municipal precinct and the development of the first stage of the Wimmera Discovery Trail is under way that promise to attract even more tourist to town.

The work needs to continue with a refresh of the so we can move on to the next stage of transitioning Dimboola.

Council are keen to redevelop Davis Park in Nhill however they also need to focus on an upgrade to the facilities at Dimboola with a new club rooms, the officials stand and the booth.

Another great improvement to Dimboola is all the new curb and channelling. This program is far from finished and I will ensure that adequate budget is allocated to the program each financial year so as the work continues.

Festivals and events are important part of our community. I intend to encourage council to take a proactive approach to groups and individual who want to hold an event in the community. We need move away from the us and them approach when dealing with council. Community events will play a major role in post COVID 19 to help our community recover mentally and socially from all the restrictions placed on them in 2020.

With our farming community council needs to make sure we advocate for the most efficient freight system for our region so we can get the produced to market in the fasted time at the lowest cost. I will advocate for council to support the Rail Alliance so as we can have a political voice in rail upgrades and reduce the amount of truck traffic on our vulnerable road network.

Dimboola is a great place to live and I am asking for your support at the Hindmarsh Shire Council by-election 2020 to ensure the works continues to develop Dimboola and a must stay destination.

Chris Johnson

Hindmarsh Shire Council - East Ward By-Election 2020

Read each candidate’s response below:

• Wendy Bywaters
• Costa Di Biase
• Chris Johnson

Ballot packs will be posted from Tuesday 17th November and are to be returned by Friday 4th December.