The event was hosted by the Finley Chamber of Commerce at the Finley Apex Sport and Community Centre Tuesday last week.Chamber president Rick Shaw said each candidate was allowed three minutes to speak on their platforms, after which they took questions from the floor.
‘‘The idea originated from a conversation I was having with one of the candidates,’’ Mr Shaw said.
‘‘This candidate was frustrated at the lack of opportunities there were for candidates to put their ideas across and meet voters, short of a Facebook post or an ad in the paper.
‘‘From chamber’s perspective, we were really excited that many of the candidates were focused on growing the region.’’
Some of the topics addressed by candidates included economic growth, balancing council’s budget, mental health services, the availability of land and housing, growing the region’s tourism, the hospitality industry, and good governance.
Mr Shaw also acknowledged that the event was a good first step in working with council and facilitating a collaborative relationship.
‘‘We can always disagree with council, but we need to be part of the discussion if we want to represent the interests of our stakeholders,’’ he said.
Mr Shaw added that increasing the community’s accessibility to candidates and councillors alike would allow ratepayers to express their own concerns, and demystify the ‘it’s all council’s fault’ narrative.
‘‘We urge people to take these events seriously, because these candidates will go on to form council and become the stewards of our local government.
‘‘As ratepayers you should get in touch with these people to express your concerns and your vision for this shire we all live in.’’
