Renowned for promoting the interests and well-being of East Gippsland’s ratepayers without fear or favour, Sonia Buckley has officially announced her re-election campaign seeking to continue her work as a strong voice on council.
With a track record of standing up for the community, Buckley is committed to keeping local government accountable and focused on what matters most to the people it serves.
“Ratepayers deserve a fair hand shake,” she said.
“With the current cost-of-living crisis, our capital works program must be reined in. It’s time to put the community first, managing resources with care and addressing the essential issues.”
Throughout her tenure, Buckley has been a vocal advocate for financial accountability and has fought hard against rate rises.
A fierce advocate for local industries, Buckley fought hard against the closure of the timber industry.
“The decision to shut down the timber industry was heartbreaking,” she said.
“It devastated families, townships and our local economy. The council’s timber position paper, which supports a sustainable industry, is ready and waiting for a change in government to reinvigorate best management practices. This is imperative for effective fire and forest management ”
As a councillor with deep ties to the community, Buckley shares the same challenges facing many residents.
“Like all of us, I’m impacted by the rising costs and uncertainties of these difficult times. I’m here to represent the real needs of our community.”
In her first term, Buckley said she achieved significant milestones, including passing several key motions to increase transparency, humane management for brumbies ensuring protection of the environment and creating strategic partnerships for land management.
She has also been a strong voice for road maintenance funding, keeping rate caps in place and advocating for innovative waste management solutions.
“Some councillors standing for re-election believe rate caps should be removed, but that would put additional financial pressure on families already feeling the strain. John White and I will continue to fight to keep rates manageable, including the differentials for farmers,” Buckley said.
Her proactive approach to governance has been marked by a commitment to transparency, including her motion to open council briefings to the public.
“Transparency and accountability are the cornerstones of good governance,” Buckley said.
“I’ve worked hard to ensure our community has real-time access to council operations, and I’m excited to build on that work by establishing a transparency hub.”
With a focus on practical solutions, local interests and community wellbeing, Buckley is calling on East Gippsland voters to support her re-election bid in the upcoming October election.
“I am deeply invested in our region’s future, and I want to continue working with a dedicated team to achieve our shared goals,” she said.
“Being a councillor isn’t about activism or global issues — it’s about what directly impacts our region, our economy, and our people.”
“Vote 1 Sonia Buckley for strong leadership, fiscal responsibility, and a council that truly works for East Gippsland. “Candidates I support in this election are John White, Janice Coates, Ian Trevaskis and Joanne Eastman.”
For more information or to view Sonia Buckley’s comprehensive policy statement, visit her Facebook page.
