Emma Robbins
Candidate for Golden Plains Shire Council
As your local councillor, I will work to build a productive working relationship between the council and the Golden Plains community, especially its northern townships. I believe we need councillors who excel at building trust, fostering connections, and advocating for positive change.
Priorities
Resilient communities
Local government should empower residents, local businesses and community groups to respond to the risk of natural disasters and extreme weather. This includes:
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supporting households to cope with the health and safety risks of extreme weather events such as prolonged heatwaves;
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supporting agricultural businesses to respond to the risk of crop failure, pests and diseases and supply chain disruption;
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funding community projects aimed at mitigating natural hazard risks; and
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investing in critical infrastructure to withstand and respond to disasters.
Strong foundations
Council should match community expectations on maintaining and upgrading roads, bridges and drainage, as well as management of roadside vegetation and weeds. Delivery of these core services is crucial for our community's safety from flood, fire and road accidents. It was clear from last year's community satisfaction survey that residents are still unsatisfied. Something needs to change.
Trusted governance
Golden Plains Shire deserves local councillors who serve the community with integrity, respect and professionalism. Council decision-making must be transparent, and community consultation must be effective and genuine. There is work to be done for council to earn the trust of residents and demonstrate that all areas of the shire are treated the same. I take this responsibility seriously, and my public service background and leadership skills make me well-equipped to be your councillor.
Connected townships
Around two thirds of Golden Plains Shire’s workforce commute to Ballarat or Geelong for work. The economic vitality of the region relies on access to jobs, education and services, both locally and through improved transport options to Ballarat and Geelong. Council should partner with education providers and industry to ensure our region has skills that match labour market demands now and into the future, including renewable energy technology, low-waste manufacturing and energy-efficient architecture and construction.
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About Me
My family has been in rural Victoria since the 1850s, at first mining gold and later farming dairy cows. As a teenager, I saw how the harsh conditions of the Millennium Drought impacted my family and our neighbours.
My parents urged me to leave the farm and get a university education. I pursued a career in the public service, studying and working in Melbourne and Canberra, but I always hoped to return to rural Victoria. I now live in Smythesdale and since 2017 I have worked as a technology consultant in Ballarat.
I feel called to lead because I love where I live, and I want to shape policy that has a positive impact on my community. With my background in public service and my involvement in the local CFA and CWA, I have the right skills and knowledge to be an effective councillor. I believe local government has a profound ability to change people's lives for the better and I want to be a part of that change.
-- Emma Robbins for Golden Plains Shire Council
Contact
If there is a local issue on your mind, or if you'd like to volunteer or support my campaign, please don't hesitate to get in touch. I would love to hear from you.