Posted 7/10/24
Macedon Ranges Shire Council Elections, 2024
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The 2024 Council Election Candidates
Who MRRA Would (And Wouldn't) Vote For
MRRA is entitled, under its Purposes and democratic principles, to form and express views.
The Association has assessed and rated Macedon Ranges' council election candidates for more than 20 years. The 2024 election is the sixth that MRRA has addressed. Previous assessments and results are available:
2020 MRRA Candidate Assessments
2016 MRRA Candidate Assessments
2012 MRRA Candidate Assessments
2008 Council Election: MRRA Candidate Star Ratings
2005 Council Election: MRRA Candidate Star Ratings
About This Election
Twenty candidates are competing to fill nine Councillor positions, and with three existing vacancies at least three new councillors will be elected. To find out how votes are counted under the proportional vote counting system, check MRRA's explanation of how votes were distributed at the 2020 election.
How MRRA Assessed Candidates
For this election, the Association's assessment is based upon its almost 30 years' experience of observing council - that is, councillor, staff, governance, planning, consultation, environment and financial performances - as well as its experience from almost 20 years campaigning for legislative protection of the Macedon Ranges Shire's towns, landscapes, environment, water catchments and rural land.
Being a councillor is a huge, time-consuming responsibility, a role not to be taken lightly. The Association's expectations are that a good councillor will have empathy for and understanding of the Shire's unique environmental, landscape and township significance, of the burgeoning importance of protecting rural landscapes, rural land and rural character, and that almost everything council undertakes must be measured against impacts on these values. This includes preserving the character of the Shire's towns. It is also essential that candidates know the difference between council responsibilities, and State and Federal government responsibilities.
As most new councillors usually will have only limited knowledge of council's role, responsibilities and operations, new councillors will need to be capable of learning quickly to get across council's many functions; have the time and commitment to read council papers in order to make informed decisions; and be able to be relied upon to act honestly and transparently in the best interests of the whole Macedon Ranges' community and environment.
MRRA has researched new candidates to get an understanding of where they are coming from, why they are running and what are their priorities. Current councillors who are re-standing are assessed on their performances across the 2020-2024 term, or earlier terms as the case may be. Those that have disappointed may not rate highly.
The Association also considered the compatibility of candidates' values with its Purposes.
No Association members are candidates at this election. Of MRRA's preferred candidates, two have publicly acknowledged membership of a political party (Liberal Party - Dion Alderton - East and Dominic Bonanno - South), and another has indicated affiliation with Fusion (Rob Bakes - West). There likely are others. If you feel you need more information, please contact candidates directly.
Also be aware that sometimes some candidates may be running simply to channel their votes as preferences to other candidates. This too can be followed up directly with candidates.
Who MRRA Would Vote For
At the bottom of this page, the Association presents a simple 'top-down' assessment summary which indicates those candidates MRRA considers have, variously, the values, direction, priorities, experience, knowledge of council responsibilities and empathy with environmental issues to be best placed to be councillors, as well as those we don't think make the grade. You of course can make up your own mind.
Based on our criteria, there are 14 candidates across the three wards that MRRA would vote for: eight men and six women. Only nine can be elected (and will be in office until 2028).
East ward Best Cassy Borthwick, Andrew Scanlon / Next Dion Alderton, Daniel Young, Andy McKenzie
South ward Best Rob Guthrie*, Alison Joseph / Next Dominic Bonanno*, Christine Walker*
West ward Best Jennifer Anderson* / Next Karan Hayman, Rob Bakes, Ryan Templeton, Andrea Haintz
* Current councillors
In MRRA's view, these candidates reflect a desirable mix of continuity and rejuvenation, across a range of ages. This grouping is characterised by diverse skills, experience and backgrounds, and is considered to have the best potential for commitment to broad community interests, protection of the Shire's environment and character, and high standards for council governance, operations and financials. As in 2016 and 2020, the Association's recommendation of these candidates comes with unequivocal anticipation that if elected as councillors they will live up to expectations.
EAST WARD | 7 candidates South ward West ward |
An upcoming planning scheme amendment to implement the Romsey Structure Plan is a major issue for the town. In addition, the Riddells Creek Amess Road Precinct Structure Plan is a continuing issue for that town. |
An "at a glance" assessment of East ward candidates - who MRRA would, and wouldn't, vote for.
Note: There are 7 candidates in total. On your ballot paper, you must place a different number (from 1 to 7 in East ward) against each candidate's name for your vote to count.
CANDIDATE | ASSESSMENT: Would MRRA vote for these candidates? |
Cassy Borthwick Andrew Scanlon |
YES. In our view these are the top two candidates. We would put one of these candidates at number 1 and the other at number 2. |
Dion Alderton Daniel Young Andy McKenzie |
YES, with reservations. These are considered to be the next best. We would put one of these candidates at number 3, another at number 4 and the other at number 5. |
Henry Bleeck ** | NO (this would be our number 6) |
Geoff Neil * ** | NO. Time to move on. We would put this candidate at number 7. |
* Current councillor ** Previous councillor
SOUTH WARD | 5 Candidates East ward West ward |
The most consuming issue for South Ward in coming years will be implementation of the Gisborne Futures Structure Plan and trying not to become Sunbury. |
An "at-a-glance" assessment of South Ward candidates - who MRRA would, and wouldn't, vote for.
Note: There are 5 candidates in South Ward. On your ballot paper, you must place a different number (i.e. from 1 through to 5) against each candidate's name for your vote to count.
CANDIDATE | ASSESSMENT: Would MRRA vote for this candidate? |
Rob Guthrie * ** Alison Joseph |
YES. MRRA's choices for first and second positions. Guthrie has long-standing experience and over time has served the Shire well. Joseph brings new energy and community perspectives. |
Dominic Bonanno * Christine Walker * |
Yes, but with slight reservations about both. We would put one at 3 and the other at 4. |
John Letchford ** | NO. Comes in a long last. You would forever regret going here. Last place (number 5) for us. |
* Current councillor ** Previous councillor
WEST WARD | 8 Candidates East ward South ward |
In the next council term, Kyneton will be confronted by plans to create a new greenfields suburb across rural land at Kyneton South. |
An "at-a-glance" assessment of West Ward candidates - who MRRA would, and wouldn't, vote for.
Note: There are 8 candidates in West Ward. On your ballot paper, you must place a different number (from 1 to 8) against each candidate's name for your vote to count.
CANDIDATE | ASSESSMENT: Would MRRA Vote For This Candidate? |
Jennifer Anderson * | YES. Excellence and experience. Has been a first-rate Mayor and councillor. Remains a force for good in this Shire. Number one choice. |
Karan Hayman Rob Bakes Ryan Templeton Andrea Haintz |
YES, with some reservations as they would all be first timers. These candidates would be our second, third, fourth and fifth choices. You choose. |
Callum Keats Janet Pearce * Kate Kendall |
No, not this time. We would place these candidates at numbers six, seven and eight. You choose. |
* Current councillor
Political comment on this website relating to these elections is authorized by Brian Whitefield, Macedon Ranges Residents' Association Inc., Registered Office, 2 Dalrymple Road, Gisborne, 3437.