By Parker McKenzie
After narrowly missing out in the 2020 Yarra Ranges Council elections, Andrew Fullagar will again run to be Streeton Ward Councillor in the February by-election.
Mr Fullagar is well-known to people in Upwey through his involvement in the Upwey Community Group, Township Group and Men’s Shed.
The Victorian Electoral Commission announced a February by-election for the Yarra Ranges Streeton Ward after Cathrine Burnett-Wake accepted a Liberal party vacancy in the eastern Victoria electorate of the Legislative Council.
Mr Fullagar said his experience in the community and local business makes him qualified for the position.
“We should be striving for much higher standards and I think we can do that if we have the right people making the right decisions,” he said.
“If I can be around the table I can contribute to the conversation and represent the community’s thoughts in council.”
Streeton Ward includes Upwey, Tremont, Ferny Creek, Sassafras and Mount Dandenong, as well as parts of Olinda, Upper Ferntree Gully, Kilsyth and Montrose.
Ms Burnett-Wake won by 3.08 per cent of the vote in the 2020 Council elections, after the distribution of preferences gave her 5279 votes to Andrew Fullagar’s 4964.
Mr Fullagar said he has learned from the last election in which he “he was winning for an hour.”
“All the best to Cathrine Burnett-Wake, I think there are some people locally who are disappointed she is moving to the state Upper House,” he said.
“What I learned is may the best person win and there are always good candidates running.”
Nominations for candidates open on Thursday 13 January and close on Tuesday 18 January 2022.
Mr Fullagar said he decided to run for council late last time after being urged by friends and family, but he is more prepared this time around.
“Climate change is a big thing for me as well, I believe council can work harder on environmental issues,” he said.
“I’m keen for more youth groups to be engaged and for council to focus on affordable housing for members of the community.”
All candidates will be advertised through the Yarra Ranges Council website and Star Mail newspapers once nominations close.
Ballots will be distributed through post to every person on the voter roll between Tuesday 1 February and Thursday 3 February before voting closes on Friday 18 February 2022.
Saturday 19 February has been prescribed as Election Day by the Electoral Commission, with Monday 28 February 2022 the latest date all results will be declared.
