Coliban ward has been a political hotspot of late, with the Trentham Hub effectively dividing the town.

Liz Burns

Owner and farmer of Trewhalla biodynamic farm, Musk's Liz Burns said if elected, she would be a strong voice for agriculture. She said previous councils had not recognised how significant agriculture was to the community and local economy. She is passionate about saving and protecting agricultural land from being purchased by people who don't use it for farming purposes.

"Our tourism relies on a good healthy food environment," she said.

John McLaren

Little Hampton resident John McClaren has a strong focus on bringing the community back together following the Trentham Hub debate, and said reconciliation was a matter "close to my nature and close to my heart".

Passionate about the region, its environment and its natural beauty, he hopes to provide leadership and help fix problems caused by what he believes were lapses in judgement and "significant mishaps" by the previous council.

Sebastian Klein

Incumbent Coliban councillor Sebastian Klein said he was focused on listening to the community and helping the ward gets its fair share of rate revenue, extending walking and cycling tracks, and supporting the shire's environmental status.

Mr Klein said compliance was a problem and that council needed to prevent permit breaches before they occurred. He said if re-elected, he wanted to enforce plans for Trentham's childcare, the hub and the Domino Rail Trail.

David McCallum

David McCallum believes the greatest challenge Coliban ward currently faces was rate equity in that it contributed more than 15 per cent of the shire's total rates but received less than five per cent in infrastructure expenditure.

He said he would push for a "warm inviting community centre" in the main street with a multi-purpose hall and enhanced facilities. Mr McCallum also said he would also support current plans for childcare provision.

Cate Evans

A passionate and vocal opponent of the Trentham Hub development at the Mechanics Institute, Cate Evans said her goals were to deliver the hub at its new Victoria Street site, to deliver early years care services and to ensure the character and rural nature of the ward was protected.

"That would be through protecting heritage tourism, investing in agriculture and ensuring any development doesn't impact on the environment," she said.

How to vote

If you were enrolled to vote as of August 26, you will be sent a ballot pack this week in the mail.

You must post your vote by 6pm on October 21. Alternatively, you can hand it in by 5pm on that date to the election office at Shops 21 and 23, The Rex Arcade, 47 Vincent Street, Daylesford.

Voting is compulsory. Any enrolled homeowners or tenants who do not vote may be fined.

Coliban ward’s big issues