Daniel Moloney
WITH two tight state and federal elections looming, Daniel Moloney wants a 10-year Ballarat checklist in place to maximise the city’s bargaining powers.
The Ballarat City Council candidate also wants nine councillors elected who will work as a team to kickstart a more vibrant community.
“Ballarat trades off its past. I wish it was as positive about its future,” Mr Moloney said.
“Ballarat has got incredible assets, but we need to get a better deal from state and federal governments.
“The basics of roads, rates and rubbish are really important to get right, but you don’t hear anyone say that Ballarat’s a great place to live because the bins are emptied on time.
“Wouldn’t it be great if this election became a contest of great ideas for our future, so Ballarat stays a vibrant place to live.”
Mr Moloney, who is standing in the north ward at the October 27 local government elections, said a wish list needed to be in place.
“We desperately need a 10-year vision for the city, and while I and other candidates will raise ideas, it’s vital the successful councillors act quickly to properly engage the community, better understand what people want our city to look like in a decade and commit to lobbying hard for that vision.
“Without that vision in place over the next several months, we’re going to lose two excellent opportunities to win a better deal for the Ballarat region.
“Next year we’ll have a closely fought federal election, followed the year after by a closely fought state election.
“If the major parties want to know how to win over Ballarat, as a city we need to be armed with a 10-year checklist. It’s now or miss out for another seven years.”
Mr Moloney, who is a communications and marketing professional, said he also wanted a more accountable and consultative council which wasn’t afraid to challenge the council administration and was prepared to work with all sides of politics.
He said better recreational facilities and a promotional campaign involving all Ballarat residents were also key parts of his campaign, along with selling the skilled workforce to national and international businesses.
fiona.henderson@thecourier.com.au