Campaign Conversations Focus on Roads, Youth Outreach, and Rubbish Dumping in Melton

As Ashleigh Vandenberg campaigns for re-election in the City of Melton’s she is focused on addressing issues that matter most to the local community: roads, youth concerns and the growing problem of illegal rubbish dumping. With a dedication to transparency and community engagement, Ash is not only knocking on doors but also having crucial conversations that shape the communities vision for the future of Melton.

The State of Local Roads are a point of concern

One of the top issues raised in Ash’s conversations with residents is the deteriorating state of the local roads. As Melton continues to expand, residents are noticing more congestion, potholes and insufficient infrastructure to keep up with the growing population. Many residents express frustration with the lack of timely road maintenance and upgrades, which has become a pressing concern for the area’s growing commuter base.

Ash is acutely aware of these concerns. “As the population grows, we need to ensure our infrastructure grows with it,” she has shared during various community meetings. She is advocating for better road maintenance programs, faster responses to pothole repairs and forward-looking infrastructure plans to accommodate the rising number of vehicles.

Ash plans to work closely with state and local government officials to push for accelerated projects that will improve both the capacity and condition of the roads in Melton. By aligning with regional plans and tapping into state funding initiatives, she aims to secure long-term solutions that will support the city’s growth.

Tackling Youth Issues now and into the future

Youth engagement is another focal point in Ash’s campaign. During her door-to-door visits and community discussions, many parents have voiced concerns about the limited activities and opportunities available for young people in Melton. Without safe spaces to socialize or productive activities to participate in, many youths are at risk of disengagement.

In response to this concern, Ash has committed to launching a Youth Outreach Bus. This mobile initiative will provide a safe, supervised environment for young people to connect, learn and engage with their community. The bus will travel to various locations across Melton, offering programs such as job readiness workshops, recreational activities and mental health support. This initiative is particularly important in providing outreach to at-risk youth who may not have easy access to existing services.

“I want to create opportunities for our young people to thrive,” Ash explains. “The Youth Outreach Bus will bring resources directly to where they are, ensuring that no one is left behind.” This mobile approach is part of Ash’s broader vision for empowering youth and giving them a sense of ownership in their community.

Illegal Rubbish Dumping

Illegal rubbish dumping has become an escalating issue in Melton, and it’s a topic Ashleigh Vandenberg hears about frequently in her campaign conversations. Residents are increasingly frustrated by the sight of waste being discarded on vacant blocks, parks and rural roads. But beyond being an eyesore, illegal dumping is undermining local businesses and scamming homeowners.

A troubling trend has emerged, where unscrupulous businesses are charging residents for rubbish removal services, only to dump the waste illegally instead of properly disposing of it at local tips. This has left many locals feeling betrayed, with some falling victim to scams involving rubbish being dumped on their own properties. Residents are not only losing money but are also left to clean up the mess or face potential fines.

Ash is determined to put an end to this predatory practice. She has committed to increasing CCTV coverage in known dumping hotspots to help catch offenders in the act. Expanding CCTV networks will provide authorities with a clearer picture of who is responsible and ensure that appropriate fines and legal action can be taken against those engaging in illegal dumping activities.

But Ash’s approach doesn’t stop at surveillance. She’s also looking to involve the community directly in combating this issue. By setting up a Neighbourhood Watch program focused specifically on rubbish dumping, Ash plans to empower residents to report suspicious activity and take an active role in keeping their streets clean.

“Rubbish dumping isn’t just a nuisance—it’s a crime and it’s affecting our entire community,” says Ash. “With increased CCTV and community involvement through the Neighbourhood Watch, we can hold these businesses accountable and ensure that our public spaces are kept clean and safe.

Community Empowerment

Ash’s campaign is built on a strong foundation of collaboration. Throughout her time speaking with residents, she has emphasized that addressing these issues—whether it’s the roads, youth, or illegal dumping—requires a united effort. She encourages residents to speak up, share their concerns and be part of the solution.

Her door-to-door outreach has not only allowed her to gather valuable feedback but has also helped her better understand the specific needs of each neighbourhood. From the congested roads to the illegal dumping sites, Ash knows that solutions will only come from working together and building a strong sense of community accountability.

Ashleigh Vandenberg’s campaign for re-election is one that focuses on practical solutions to real problems. She has taken the time to listen to residents and is dedicated to addressing the most pressing issues head-on. Whether it’s advocating for improved road infrastructure, launching the Youth Outreach Bus, or tackling illegal rubbish dumping with increased CCTV and a targeted Neighbourhood Watch program, Ash’s vision for Melton is clear: a cleaner, safer and more connected community for all.

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