Meet the Candidate A Successful Turnout

The recent "Meet the Candidate" event hosted by Woodlea Estate was a tremendous success, as hundreds of local residents turned up to meet Ashleigh Vandenberg, who is seeking a second term in the City of Melton local government elections. Held in the scenic community of Woodlea, the event provided a platform for residents to voice their concerns and learn more about Vandenberg's vision for the Jackwood Ward.

Attendees lined up for a chance to speak directly with her, sharing thoughts on the local issues that matter most to the community.

Vandenberg's Connection With the Community

From the moment the event began, it was clear that Ashleigh Vandenberg is a well-known figure in the Jackwood Ward. Her active involvement in community matters during her first term has earned her respect and trust from the residents, many of whom took time out of their busy schedules to engage with her. Vandenberg, known for her hands-on approach and dedication to listening to the people, took the time to speak one-on-one with numerous attendees.

One of the standout aspects of the event was the long queue of residents waiting patiently to speak with Vandenberg. This turnout reflected the growing engagement between voters and their elected officials, signalling a strong desire from the community to voice concerns and seek solutions directly from their representatives.

Roads and Infrastructure are a key concern

Among the most frequently raised issues was the state of local roads and infrastructure. Woodlea Estate, like much of the surrounding Melton area, has experienced rapid development in recent years. As new residential estates emerge and more people move to the area, the pressure on local roads has increased. Many residents spoke to Vandenberg about the need for road improvements, citing traffic congestion and the condition of certain roads as key issues.

Residents expressed concerns about the delays they face during peak hours, and many shared stories of unsafe conditions on roads that require urgent repair or maintenance. Vandenberg took these concerns seriously, acknowledging that road infrastructure is an essential part of the community’s daily life. She reassured attendees that addressing the state of roads would be a priority in her second term.

“I understand the frustration. We’re seeing more cars on our roads, and with that comes wear and tear. We need to invest in better road maintenance and work with state authorities to make sure our community has the infrastructure it needs to thrive,” Vandenberg said.

Rubbish Dumping a top tier issue

Illegal rubbish dumping was another hot topic at the event, with several residents highlighting the growing problem in public areas and local streets. Vandenberg had already identified this as an issue during her first term and reiterated her plan to expand CCTV coverage to known dumping spots. At the event, she listened to community members who expressed frustration about how illegal dumping affects the environment, detracts from the appearance of the neighbourhood, and poses health risks.

“I’ve always believed that the best way to tackle illegal dumping is by working together as a community,” Vandenberg stated. “With more CCTV coverage and a strong neighbourhood watch program, we can create a cleaner, safer environment for everyone. It’s not just about enforcement but also encouraging people to take pride in their community.”

This commitment resonated with the attendees, especially those who had personally witnessed or been affected by the dumping. Residents seemed hopeful that with Vandenberg’s proposed strategies, the issue could be significantly reduced.

Youth and Sporting Issues

Another prominent issue raised by several attendees was the need for greater investment in local sporting clubs. With a growing population, Woodlea Estate and the surrounding areas are home to many young families, and sports play a vital role in building a strong community spirit. However, as the local population has grown, some residents expressed concern that the facilities for sporting clubs have not kept pace.

Attendees spoke to Vandenberg about the necessity of upgrading facilities for youth sports, as well as the demand for more spaces for new teams and clubs. Vandenberg, who has always been a strong advocate for youth engagement, recognized the importance of these facilities not just for physical activity but also for social cohesion and youth development.

“Our sporting clubs are at the heart of this community. They provide a space where young people can learn teamwork, discipline, and respect. We need to invest in these clubs to make sure every child has the opportunity to participate,” Vandenberg said.

Her promise to push for additional funding and investment in local sports clubs struck a chord with many residents, who agreed that nurturing the next generation of athletes and community leaders is a critical part of building a strong future for the area.

With local issues like roads, rubbish dumping and investment in sporting clubs taking center stage, Vandenberg’s campaign for re-election is off to a strong start. The community’s concerns have been heard, and Ashleigh Vandenberg seems poised to continue addressing these pressing matters in her next term.

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