Farmer’s bid to rejoin council

Source: Wangaratta Chronicle - 22.10.08

Rural and urban issues familiar ground for Anthony

Written by JACQUIE SCHWIND.

ANTHONY Griffiths believes his involvement in many varied groups gives him the ability to represent both rural and urban needs on the Rural City of Wangaratta council.

The 39 year old, Greta West cattle farmer and former rural city councillor from 1997 to 2003 has decided to stand as a candidate for the November elections.

"I’ve had a lot of community encouragement which has been building all year," Mr Griffiths said.

He was involved in the rural city’s 2030 Community Vision, is deputy chairman of the Wangaratta Water Advisory Committee to the North East Region Water Authority, belongs to groups including the Greta Valley Landcare Group and the Greta CFA and is a graduate of the Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Program.

Mr Griffiths believes in increased community consultation, improved rural representation, a balance between lifestyle and production in rural planning policy and local government responsibility in easing the burden of the drought and financial hardship.

"I think it’s very important we continue to have community focus, valuing and supporting our community," he said.

"We need to have a good look at some of the planning policies particularly happening in rural areas.

"I’ve got a good understanding of rural issues in rural areas which is something lacking in the current council as a lot of councillors are from urban areas."

Mr Griffiths said a major problem in land planning policy was the "one size fits all" attitude towards rural areas across the municipality.

"If it’s below 40ha you can’t build a house in rural areas essentially," he said.

Mr Griffiths said people wanting to subdivide land had been frustrated and people who had bought blocks in good faith, couldn’t build homes on them.

He believed the Rural City of Wangaratta’s big issues were encapsulated in the 2030 report, and he wants to see the ideas and directions in the report actually followed through.

"I’d hate to see it go on the shelf," he said.

And, Mr Griffiths, said council should be playing a more direct role in helping those doing it tough in rural and city areas by steps such as rate capping and better support services.