JULIE Waters is hoping to revive the heart of Mildura if elected in the upcoming Mildura Rural City Council elections.
The Mildura born-and-bred grandmother and mother-of-four said her vision for the town was to restore it to its former glory.
“I want to get the town back — it’s losing its life,” she said.
“You drive around and it’s barren — it’s bare. The city heart? There’s no heart in that city now.
“20 years ago our town was vibrant and going forward. Now it’s all over the place — it’s just sad.”
Throughout her career Ms Waters has worked under local developers Don Carrazza and John Keam who have played a major role in inspiring her vision for the town.
She said as well as supporting small local businesses to get back on their feet, more attention also needed to be paid to the region’s parks and riverfront precinct.
“We need to build on our strengths and improve on our weaknesses to make our region the best it can possibly be,” she said.
“Listen to our shop owners on what could be improved to attract more foot traffic and act on it.
“Look outside the square on ways to attract more tourism dollars to this region and be willing to implement (those ideas).”
Ms Waters said, if elected, it was her intention to push for a zero per cent rate increase for her term.
“I can’t promise anything, but my endeavour is to fight hard for the community,” she said.
Her main goal, however, was to create a more supportive, respectful council that was transparent and accountable with their decisions.
“We need fresh faces and fresh ideas with no personal agenda to enter the arena,” she said.
“I want the community involved in every decision we make.
“People need to feel, rightfully, that they are part of the development and future of the town.
“Current councillors wonder why people aren’t completing surveys — well over time people get sick of filling them in because nothing ever gets listened to.
“I’m sick of this division that has grown in the last four years, which is just getting bigger and bigger.
“People are hurting, businesses are hurting, decisions have been made without their consultation which has affected their lives.
“My guarantee is if you call me, I’ll call you back, if you email me, I’ll respond.
“Whatever concerns you have, I will follow up, because that’s what I’m there for.”
