With council elections upon us again, there’s much to celebrate in East Gippsland. But it could be even better.
That’s why Tom Crook is running for re-election and asking for your number one vote, so he can continue to work with everyone for a better East Gippsland.
Many of you may know Mr Crook as the most recent mayor, but he also has a professional background working with government agencies, local businesses and the community on land management projects.
“My career has always been about working with people and my time on council has been no different, where I’ve forged good working relationships, helped set common goals and worked with everyone to get the job done,” Mr Crook said.
“I won’t pretend to have the answers to all our challenges but what I do have is a vision for our region’s future and a plan to get us there.
“My plan centres on people, our communities, our economy, getting council basics right and being a strong advocate for our region.
“We all know cost of living pressures are increasing, that is why we need a council that works hard to support a prosperous local economy.
“Most businesses in East Gippsland (80 per cent) are small to medium enterprises – these, along with our larger employers, such as the health sector, are the engine room of our local economy and council needs to work with and support them.
“I believe our council also needs to embrace opportunities in our creative industries, maximise the benefits from renewable energy and support local start-ups and entrepreneurs.”
Mr Crook said getting council basics right is a cornerstone of his vision for a better East Gippsland.
“We need to fix our roads, enable active transport and improve customer service response times,” he said.
“Speed up planning and building approvals with a can-do attitude to development while ensuring our region’s natural values are well managed and enhanced; improve council’s budget consultation process, financial responsibility and decision-making accountability.
“The final key part of my plan for a better East Gippsland is strong advocacy for our region.
“To work with and influence decision makers, outside council, on the things which impact and influence our lives – decisions which are too often made in faraway places with little or no consideration of their local consequences.
“Part of the council’s role is being a voice and strong advocate for our region.
“Council advocacy needs to tackle issues such as healthcare funding, telecommunications and electricity infrastructure reliability.
“More support services to reduce domestic violence, actions to address the housing crisis and practical measures to make sure our communities are prepared for and able to respond to disasters, emergencies and a changing climate.
“After four years as a councillor, and many years of working with communities, I believe I have the vision, the experience, the proven track record, the passion and skills to work with everybody for a better East Gippsland.”
