Deputy PM meets Maude community

RESIDENTS and group representatives for one of the Golden Plains Shire’s southern towns received a notable visitor last week.

Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Corio Richard Marles met with about a dozen people at the Maude Tennis Club rooms to gauge the town’s character and needs.

The meeting occurred on Wednesday afternoon in anticipation of an impending reshuffling of federal electorates following next year’s election.

Mr Marles is intending to stand, and said should he win, his area will cover the Shire’s south-east including Bannockburn.

Having represented the Corio electorate since 2007, he said the visit was an important way to get to know the locality.

“It’s an opportunity for me to come out, meet with community and understand some of the issues they’re facing,” he said. “It’s a new area for me but I’m grateful for the time people are giving me. I’m excited about the prospect of representing Maude after the next election.”

Representatives of the local fire brigade, recreation reserve, Landcare and community liaison group told Mr Marles of their ongoing issues and their impact on the overall Maude community.

She Oaks resident Stephen Griggs coordinated the meeting and said he is looking forward to potentially working with Mr Marles for the betterment of the community.

“I think by coming here today, he realises there’s a vibrant community here,” Mr Griggs said.

“I’ll be trying to emphasise to Richard what I see is the most important thing for us and that’s the future planet for our grandchildren, and to get a move-on about the Environment Protection Act.

“At a more local issue, the Federal Government under [Member for Ballarat] Catherine King has committed to the refurbishment of the tennis centre and I gather Richard is keen to maintain that support.”

Mr Marles said his relationship with Golden Plains Shire will be amplified should he be re-elected.

“It’s a bit of a shift for me because up until now, Corio has been almost entirely within the City of Greater Geelong,” he said.

“With Bannockburn going into Corio, I think I’m right in saying by number, the largest population within Golden Plains Shire will be within the electorate of Corio.

“So, it really does mean my relationship with Golden Plains Shire becomes a critical stakeholder. It also means for a community like Maude, I’m able to represent them to [the municipality].”