Hello, I’m Jennifer Anderson
I’m an independent candidate for the 2020 Macedon Ranges Shire Council elections, in West Ward, which takes in Kyneton, Woodend, Malmsbury and Tylden, along with Carlsruhe, Lauriston, Ashbourne, Spring Hill, parts of East Trentham – generally the north-western and western part of the Shire (follow this link to check which ward you are in). I’ve been a Councillor for the past 8 years, and mayor for 3 terms. This is the third time I have run for election, and hope that you will vote for me once more.
I work part time as a General Medical Practitioner. I’ve also worked in local medical practices, and at the Royal Children’s Hospital. I now work 2 days a week in Melbourne in a multidisciplinary medical practice (physios, dieticians, psychologists et c.) in order to separate my Councillor community role from my doctor role.
During the Macedon Ranges Settlement Strategy consultation process in 2011-12, I met people of many different backgrounds and ages, who have lived here for a short or a long time, all wishing to take part in their towns’ and surrounding areas’ development. It made me realize how important it is for a Council to consult and listen to the people of the Shire.
Mainly as a result of this, I ran for election in 2012, and was elected on primary votes. I was re-elected in 2016. I have spent the last 8 years coming to grips with how Council works, and how to achieve the best results for the people that elected me, the businesses and residents of West Ward, and the shire in general. I’ve achieved things that I’m proud of, that reflect community wishes and needs, and gained many skills and much experience.
Planning would be one of the biggest challenges for a Councillor, and my 8 years of experience has been invaluable in being able to assess each application on its individual merits, and consider what changes in our planning scheme will best benefit the Shire.
Through my role as a Councillor, I have had the opportunity to be a representative on state-wide and regional bodies. I have twice been on the The Mayors’ Ministerial Advisory Panel during my term as Mayor in 2014-15, and again in 2016-17. It is rare for a mayor of a smaller council to be asked on more than once. For the last 18 months i have sat on the Municipal Association of Victoria Board, elected by the North Central Regions’ councils to represent them, having spent the prior 6 years on the Municipal Association of Victoria Environment Committee and Planning Committee. As a Board member, I was then elected as Chair of the Environment Committee. I am the current Chair of the Loddon Mallee Waste and Resource Recovery Group, appointed by the State Government. This role has increased my knowledge of the ways our region can reduce waste, and increase our use of recycled materials, not only in Council, but also in the community and businesses. Macedon Ranges has proudly remained ahead of the curve by introducing a 4 bin kerbside system to increase recycling and reduce landfill. As well as being good for the environment, such initiatives are also reducing costs and supporting local businesses.
I have served 6 years on Macedon Ranges Shire Council Audit Committee, only stepping aside in the last 2 years for others to be involved. I have continued to attend as an observer whenever possible. I have also served as Council’s delegate on the Heritage Council for 8 years, strongly advocating for acknowledgement and protection of our heritage assets, of European and Indigenous origin
One of my most valuable pieces of professional development in this time, self funded, was completing and graduating from the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) Company Directors course, during which I learnt about the governance of organizations, in both the private and the public sphere. Governance resulting in equity and transparency of processes, without bureaucratic overkill is, I believe, the foundation of a well-run council, and entirely the role of Councillors.
Amongst other things I’m keen on are: sustainable transport, support for local industry and produce, preserving out natural environment for our native flora and fauna and tourism that recognises and enhances the uniqueness and beauty of the area we are fortunate to be part of, and live in.
Like you, I do not want the Macedon Ranges to become merely another outer suburb or ex-urb of Melbourne.
If re-elected I will continue to work together with you to protect and enjoy living and working in our beautiful Macedon Ranges.
Vote for me in October!
[ 1 ] Anderson, Jennifer
Call me on 0417 112 582 to discuss what you would like to see happen in the Shire.
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Jennifer for West Ward 