By Parker McKenzie
The Australian Greens Party have endorsed local teacher and environmentalist Wil Mikelsons for the upcoming February Streeton Ward by-election.
Streeton Ward in the Yarra Ranges Shire includes Upwey, Tremont, Ferny Creek, Sassafras and Mount Dandenong, as well as parts of Olinda, Upper Ferntree Gully, Kilsyth and Montrose.
Mr Mikelsons said he would be calling on Yarra Ranges residents to give him guidance on how to best represent them.
“Growing up near the Yarra Ranges gave me a deep desire to protect our uniquely beautiful region and ensure Council provides quality services for the whole community,” he said.
“Streeton Ward residents deserve a councillor who will listen to their needs and work hard to find good solutions.”
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 Mikelsons has launched his candidacy with a community survey to understand the needs of residents of Streeton Ward.
“If elected I would work to protect homes in The Yarra Ranges from the challenges of extreme weather, inappropriate development and rising housing costs.” he said.
Other priorities Mr Mikelsons has listed include ensuring the voices of Streeton residents are represented, taking decisive action to address climate change and biodiversity loss and investing in council services for the whole 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.
