Bellarine Times
Tuesday 26 October 2010
VOL 3. No 43
www.bellarinetimes.com.au
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PUBLIC VOICE Liberal candidate for Bellarine, Kurt Reiter, says he will be led by the community on any push to change council boundaries
BY ALISON MARTIN “OVERWHELMING community support” for a Bellarine shire could lead to a City of Greater Geelong boundary change if a Liberal State Government was elected next month. More than 150 people attending a Liberalconvened pre-election community meeting were told Liberal policy was to listen to constituents, and that consultation would be a key factor in decision making. In his opening address at the public forum in Queenscliff last week, Liberal candidate for Bellarine, Kurt Reiter, clarified disbanding Borough of Queenscliffe was not on the agenda – nor would it be discussed. However, he told the crowd that if there was “an overwhelming groundswell” for the Bellarine to de-amalgamate from City of Greater Geelong then perhaps it could become part of the borough. “Under the current act, it is quite conceivable the borough could be expanded to include the Bellarine by moving the boundaries,” he said. “However, under a Liberal Government, that would only happen if there was petitioning and wide support to bring about change; and only on that basis. “The last thing we would want to do is make change that would lose us government. Liberal policy would be to reflect what the community wants.” He said there were a few “heated moments” during the forum, which was open to any community member to attend and speak, but he said the meeting was extremely positive. Reiter said the community responded well to guest speakers, Opposition Minister for Planning,
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Matthew Guy, and the Opposition Minister for Local Government, Jeanette Powell, who discussed issues ranging from the Point Lonsdale Stockland development to homelessness. “They both confidently answered questions outside their portfolios and were applauded; and both ministers thought it was great to talk to real people, real voters,” Reiter said. He said the series of community forums he had held this year to discuss Bellarine issues had been well received and he committed to continuing regular ‘town hall style’ meetings if elected. “I would have a monthly town hall meeting for questions and discussions… even if elevated to the front bench I would still find the time to listen to the community – and I stand by that,” Reiter said.
Kurt Reiter was supported by Opposition Ministers Jeanette Powell and Matthew Guy at last week’s community forum in Queenscliff.
The Potato Shed’s annual Family Fun Day, sponsored by Momentum Energy, the Bellarine Times and other local businesses was held on Sunday in Drysdale. The day was a huge success with hundreds of children, including Zac Ekberg of Indented Head, enjoying the free festivities. Turn to pages 9 and 10 for more photos. Photo: MICHAEL CHAMBERS
WED 1-3ft average, SW 14° THU 1-3ft onshore, E 21° FRI 1-3ft easing NNE 25° SAT 1-2ft+ small SW 22°
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