THE latest candidate to announce their intention to seek election to the Derwent Valley Council is the first from the upper Derwent Valley and the first with political party endorsement. Heather Chaplin, of Westerway, is standing for the position of councillor and has provided the following statement for publication.
“I was born in the beautiful, and historic Derwent Valley. I am standing for Councillor as a candidate with the Tasmanian Greens. I will use my work experience in Public and Preventive Health to help build healthy, connected community, and I will work collaboratively within Council to keep rates to a minimum.
“Inclusive Community & Wellbeing – I acknowledge Indigenous custodians and the damage done to their lineage. I will work to improve the quality of life for all residents. I value youth engagement; and want to see more support for elderly living at home. I will put a motion that Council investigate and support an upgrade to the narrow, dangerous corner near Karanja that is shared with very large trucks, for the wellbeing of all road users.
“Climate Change – I applaud Council’s Climate Emergency Declaration. We live in a temperate part of the world but can no longer avoid dealing with climate changes. We need to plan for population growth, choose climate-sensitive development, good waste management and emission reduction strategies, and grow skills and jobs that regenerate our ecosystem.
“Community Enrichment – Recreational facilities are places where people can relax and connect. I champion the Derwent Valley Council’s Strategic Plan 2030 and will negotiate the details including to bring section 5.2 forward so Westerway can be offered a path near the town riverbank sooner than 2026.”
NOTE TO READERS: Readers’ comments on the council elections are welcome. For publication, all comments must include the name and locality of the writer, for example “Damian Bester, New Norfolk.”
FROM THE EDITOR: All intending candidates for election to the Derwent Valley or Central Highlands councils are invited to submit statements for publication on this website as well as in the print edition of New Norfolk and Derwent Valley News. Contact the editor for details.
