General News
1 October, 2024
Five seats up for grabs in the West
Kaniva resident Helen Hobbs is hoping to unseat one of the existing West Wimmera Shire councillors in the local government elections.
Ms Hobbs, 55, is the only newcomer to nominate, alongside the five sitting councillors, with five seats up for grabs.
She said she wanted to "improve transparency" on council.
“I am committed to supporting community-driven solutions and seeing our council’s limited resources managed fairly and effectively,” she said.
Mayor Tim Meyer and councillors Tom Houlihan, Richard Hicks, Jodie Pretlove and Bruce Meyer are all hoping to retain their seats.
Cr Meyer, 48, said he was happy to put his hand up again.
“You get good relationships doing the job so it’s worth it to keep going,” he said.
Harrow farmer Cr Houlihan, 73, said he was asked to nominate.
“I get great satisfaction from our achievements,” he said. “I don’t enjoy doing nothing.”
Miram Cr Hicks, 68, was also hoping to be re-elected.
“I’m well qualified and experienced to contribute to the shire and residents,” she said.
Kaniva farmer Cr Bruce Meyer, 75, said he too was happy to continue on council.
“We don’t need change of direction, we're functioning very well,” he said.
Cr Pretlove did not respond to requests for comments.