Accessible HTML format. Statements are also available in PDF format with candidate photos and web links.
Voting is now compulsory
Your vote must be received by 2pm on Tuesday 25 October 2022
Don’t delay – late votes won’t be counted!
There are 3 elections being held for Meander Valley Council:
As well as this booklet, your postal ballot pack contains:
The ballot paper envelope has been specially designed to ensure the secrecy of your vote.
All returned envelopes are kept unopened under tight security until they are checked for validity.
After a sealed envelope has been verified, the flap showing the elector’s personal details and signature is removed under instruction of the returning officer, in the presence of witnesses, and securely stored until the close of the poll.
After the close of the poll and in the presence of witnesses, the now anonymous envelopes are opened in large random batches before the unidentified ballots are removed for examination and counting.
Successful candidates for Mayor and Deputy Mayor must also be elected as councillors to be able to accept these offices.
The Mayor, Deputy Mayor and councillors you elect will serve until October 2026.
Questions? Call 1800 801 701
Postal services take a number of days, so it is important to complete and return your vote now.
Your vote must be received by 2pm on Tuesday 25 October 2022
Follow these five easy steps:
Candidates were invited to provide a statement and photo for your consideration*.
Statements appear in alphabetical order but the names on the ballot papers are rotated.
The online version of this booklet contains web links where provided by candidates.
Number the boxes on each ballot paper from 1 onwards in the order of your choice.
For the election of 9 councillors, number the boxes from 1 to 21 in order of your choice, Number at least 5 boxes to make your vote count.
For the election of Mayor, number the boxes from 1 to 4 in order of your choice. Number at least one box to make your vote count.
For the election of Deputy Mayor, number the boxes from 1 to 6 in the order of your choice. Number at least one box to make your vote count.
Put your completed ballot papers in the ballot paper envelope, which is the smaller envelope with the wider flap, and seal it securely.
Sign your ballot paper envelope in the box on the flap to declare that you are the voter named on this envelope and you have voted on the ballot papers in this envelope. You must sign the envelope and leave the flap attached — or your vote won’t be counted. The returning officer will remove the flap with your details on it before opening the envelope.
Then put your ballot paper envelope in the reply-paid envelope — the larger envelope — and seal it.
Post your reply paid envelope straight away (no stamp needed), or take your vote to the Meander Valley Council office.
*Statements are reproduced substantially as supplied by candidates.
A proud sixth-generation Tasmanian, I operate a farm at Chudleigh with my husband where we are raising our two children. We also run a plumbing business, giving me an in-depth understanding of the opportunities living and working in our region. First elected as a councillor in 2018, I am an experienced advocate in the interests of local families and regional communities. I value honesty, loyalty, and the opportunity for individual effort to be rewarded. Our community deserves a Council which represents the entire region and I am focused on working together on behalf of all ratepayers.
My husband and I have lived in Quamby Brook for the past 25 years. We chose this area not only because of its uniqueness but because it offered us the ability to seek work and most importantly we believed it to be a good place to live and to raise our daughter. I am a qualified accountant, I also have a Diploma in Financial Planning. Being a councillor involves many responsibilities, all of which I take very seriously. I believe a good balance between the rural community, tourism and the general community will ensure this area is sustainable for future generations.
I am putting my hand up for councillor and deputy mayor of the Meander Valley because I feel I have the right mix of experience and youthful exuberance needed to represent the future of our community.I am a proud third-generation farmer; the Meander Valley is in my blood. I have also lived in Melbourne studying Health Science (Public Health) and working for Colliers International. My position of associate director provided a strong understanding of property planning and people management.
I will always listen and act in the best interests of the people. That isn't a statement, it's a promise.
I have lived in the Meander Valley for over six years, running a small business, volunteering in the community and spending almost three years as managing editor of the independent Meander Valley Gazette. Transparency is essential in local government and I believe we need better representation and clarity on the issues of climate change, environmental responsibility, appropriate development and heritage preservation. As a completely independent candidate, I also ask you to support other independent candidates in this election, in particular Ms Anne-Marie Loader for deputy mayor.
I'm Ben Dudman and I'm proud to be your candidate for mayor and councillor of the Meander Valley. My family has called the Meander Valley home for generations. This community raised me, now I want to give back. We need more community consultation, transparency and accountability on Council. I will ensure that your voice is heard, and action is taken to address the issues affecting you. You deserve to have your say on the future of our home. Together, we can provide opportunity for our people and prepare for the future. Vote 1 Ben Dudman for mayor and councillor. Because you're better with Ben.
I have no fancy slogans, false hope or empty promises to give. I offer you simply what the position is designed for, to give you a voice & to take your concerns & questions to the front line to receive answers & outcomes. These answers won't always be what we want to hear as commonsense doesn't always prevail, but I'll defiantly continue to push for it. I will represent all 20,000 + residents and 50 localities of M/V regardless of your opinion to extend your voice as the general consensus for too long now is nobody listens; this is to represent all the residents of M/V not for personal gain.
I've lived in Meander Valley my entire life. I'm 28 and passionate about community, equity, and the environment. I have run my own small business for eight years and recently began studying social work at UTAS. Through my studies and through activism, I've become more aware of the injustice and unfairness of our social problems. As your local councillor, I would gain insight into our communities from residents and work collaboratively, transparently, and empathetically with you to advocate for positive change.
0493 328 354 mitchell.houghton@tas.greens.org.au @mitch4meander Vote 1 Greens!
As a fourth generation Meander Valley resident, I know and love this community, from end to end! Raised on the family farm and working much of my life in the greater Deloraine area, the past 26 years our family has called Prospect Vale home. Our four grandchildren living here are 6th generation. I believe we have a bright future! With a strong business, management and training background, and a consultative, common sense approach, I aim to be a solid contributor in decision making that affects all residents of our wonderful part of the world.
https://facebook.com/KevinHouseForMeanderValley.
As mayor, I have represented our community's best interests, ensured people's wellbeing during COVID-19 and delivered new and upgraded facilities to the municipality, such as the Deloraine Pump Track and Prospect Park. My family operates a 4th generation mixed farming enterprise; I led the state's peak farming organization (TFGA) for 6 years and have 30+ years of volunteering with Tasmania Fire Service.
Meander Valley is the greatest place in Tasmania to live. I want to ensure this is the case now and for the generations to come. With this vision, I seek your support for re-election as mayor.
I seek your support to be re-elected as deputy mayor and councillor. A lifetime resident of our municipality, I love our community. With family, properties, and a business in the community I understand that people's needs vary across the urban and rural diversity of our region. With 11 years as a councillor and 8 as deputy mayor, I get things done. I will represent your interests honestly and practically. Stability is something I offer. I support growth, smart investment and choice; I want our community to thrive. Thank you!
Vote 1 Michael Kelly for councillor and deputy mayor.
A true Meander Valley local with passion for community, local government, and issues affecting fellow citizens. A candidate with the vision and determination to make a real difference in Council decision making, improve feedback and communication, while delivering beneficial outcomes for the municipality including a focus on tourism. Integrity and accountability have been key principles underlying my work ethic. I will respect, listen, act and respond. Experience includes Westbury acting council clerk, bursar Deloraine High School, Tas Parks & Wildlife guide, volunteer roles.
I love Meander Valley, it's been home for 15 years. From farming in Montana with my husband Paul, to living in Westbury. I'm invested in our community and want to see us flourish.
I have unique skills and lived experience, in cities, towns and the farm. From Mole Creek to Prospect, I understand that we're all different but we all want one thing: for our Council to make the best possible decisions for everyone. We want to know what Council is doing and be involved in decisions that affect us. My commitment is to listen, be well informed and to advocate. You won't hear me say that's not my job.
I'm a solicitor with over 20 years' experience. I believe that: strong action needs to be taken to combat climate change; our towns are being overrun by inappropriate development; transparency in government is essential. On current evidence, I do not support: the Northern Regional Prison; Marinus Link.
Unlike many other candidates, A-M Loader, P Wileman and I are unsupported by any political party network. We are your truly independent, progressive candidates. We are passionate about standing up for our community. Please vote for us and for Anne-Marie first, as your independent deputy mayor.
Candidate statement not supplied
My moral contract to Meander Valley below. I will support all of you fairly & consistently. I will be accountable, honest & inclusive. My 15 years of local government experience allows me to understand the needs & wants of our beautiful Meander Valley, I serve our communities as a firefighter, veteran & District Lions chairperson.
Your vote for me will ensure a balanced seat at Council with the experience, knowledge & skills. If I make a mistake I will own it & mitigate it. We all live in the beautiful Meander Valley. I will ensure we keep it that way for generations. RIP Queen Elizabeth II.
Voting 1 for me means having a Council member who is willing to listen to the residents of Meander Valley. It means having someone on your side, someone who acts for the people.
I have been a member of the Meander Valley for a good number of years. My spouse has lived here all of their life and is deeply entrenched into the community. I am a dedicated husband and community member. I vow to try my hardest to uphold the values of the community of Meander Valley.
Your no. 1 vote will ensure full support to the mayor and Meander Valley. I live and volunteer in Prospect Vale and am standing to give voice to residents of the eastern end of the municipality.
Registered nurse working in mental health. Previously 20 years sports manager for Council & AFL. Married 34 years with two sons at St Patrick's. President, life member, coach: Prospect Park Sports Club, Hawks Junior Football and Northern Tas Umpires. Priorities: cost of living pressures, safer road & pedestrian ways; health & youth services; sport facility development & green waste strategies.
I've represented you for 8 yrs; I care, listen to, involve and am accountable to you the community; I'll continue to stand up and work for better solutions. Some of the serious issues to address right now: recent loss of many experienced Council staff; traffic access/congestion PV/BH, including Westbury Rd; planning matters - housing density/amenity - siting of adult prison, if at all and an equitable spend of rates across municipality.
For action, please vote 1 Synfield for councillor and for mayor, to help keep Meander Valley a great place to live and raise a family. Contact: 0447902200.
Re-elect for lower rate rises, equity and putting strategic long term community benefit ahead of short term gain.
I am your easiest to find councillor, most days I am at the John Temple Gallery in Westbury, a wilderness and landscape photography gallery I started 21 years ago. I have experience of serving on, and also chairing a number of community, government and business boards at local, state and national levels. As a former winner of the Australian Design Award, the Enterprise Australia Award and the National Small Business Award, I know how to get things done. Please vote 1 John Temple.
In my 35 years in the Meander Valley I have strongly focussed on community well-being, co-founding the Community Shed and Garden in Deloraine and planting trees in Westbury and Carrick. I have supported initiatives like the Hadspen Skate Park, and LED street lighting in Prospect.
Well-being needs a thriving economy: since elected in 2009 I have advocated, by reasoned debate, for business and industry that can adapt to the environmental changes impacting our lives; for diversity and innovation in food and farming, tourism, manufacturing and transport, and if re-elected, will continue to do so.
I've lived and worked over much of the world. The Meander Valley is where my wife Doreen and I decided to put down roots 20 years ago. We ran Hobnobs Restaurant in Westbury for 10 years; I have life experience and understanding of running a small people business in a regional community. I've lived and worked in large cities so understand the needs of urban life.
Community views, opinions and concerns must guide the Council, openly, transparently, in trust, for the benefit of the whole community. On Council my one job will be to listen to the community of the Meander Valley and represent them.