“Since announcing my campaign in January, I have been troubled by the hardship many people are facing as a result of COVID-19,” Mr King said.
“Businesses (are) closing or downsizing, people (are) losing their employment, having increasing mental health concerns and trade and purchase issues are impacting our farming communities.
“I acknowledge that both federal and state governments have been supporting locals, however, Local Government, the closest tier of government to the people, can do more.”
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“So if elected in October, it is my intention to table a notice of motion before the end of 2020 outlining a review in support of the following actions.”
That review will include:
● Support for businesses affected by COVID-19 through rate relief;
● Support for farmers affected by COVID-19 through rate relief;
● Funds to support regular mental health checks on our community’s most vulnerable.
● A freeze on animal registrations for 12 months;
● Re-instating landfill vouchers;
● A review of all community groups and events that postponed events in 2020 to support them in 2021; and
● Direct Federal and State Government lobbying to secure funding for 2021 tourism for Benalla.
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“These measures will provide relief and support for our community and now is the time to get this started,” Mr King said.
Mr King said despite campaigning through a pandemic being a difficult task he agreed with the Municipal Association of Victoria's decision to not postpone local council elections.
“It certainly does make it difficult for candidate to campaign. Not having that physical presence will make it challenging,” he said.
“But at the end of the day the way technology works and with a creative I can still get my message out.
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“And so long as the election is undertaken in s safe way, in a safe environment I don't have any issue with it taking place in October.”
Mr King said supporting people's mental health was a big part of what he wanted to achieve if elected.
“I guess more can be done particularly on a local level in regards to how we can put together more support for people doing it tough,” Mr King said.
“As part of Connect Benalla when I was on council four years ago that service enabled the community to access vital services.
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“There is a real opportunity to use that platform to encourage people, particularly those in isolation, to let them know how they can reach out for support in that local space.
“I feel council are doing the best they can in the current climate, but in terms of awareness we could be doing more.”
Mr King said the reintroduction of tip vouchers was one way he would address mental heath.
“When we had them a few year's ago, we were giving out about six vouchers per household,” he said.
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“I'm not recommending reintroducing that many, but I am recommending about three per household.
“Just small things like this, for people who are self-isolating and would love to do a bit of a clean up around the house, but might not be able to afford to go to the tip, can make a difference.
“As a former councillor I am aware that BRCC budgets are tight with finances accounted for, however, now is the time to undertake a review into these types of supports, which will provide direct relief to the Benalla community.
“These are challenging times we live in, all levels of government are playing a role and we can do more.”
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