Vote 1

Peta Thornton

For A Vibrant, Inclusive Community

As your representative, I will be:

  • Down to Earth and Approachable

    I will make myself available and listen to community voices. I will engage widely to build a broad perspective.

  • Informed and Honest

    Thorough, evidenced based decision making will be integral to a Council that I am part of, with a commitment to transparency and integrity.

  • Building the Community we Want

    Understanding what the community values and needs through collaboration and engagement.

In Peta’s words

“I’d love the opportunity to contribute positively as your representative in local Government - helping to build the community we want!”

Who Am I?

Farmer and Small Business Owner

Since 2001, I have co-managed our family stone fruit farm at Woorinen. As a grower with skin in the game, I will continue to consult and advocate on issues that matter, such as workforce and water security. I have generations of history in small business, and understand the importance of this sector to our economic prosperity.

Who am I?

Environmental Volunteer and Advocate

For 30 years I have participated as a member and office bearer in various community organisations committed to sustainable natural resource management, nature conservation and sustainability more generally. I love working in the community and protecting and enhancing nature.

Why am I interested in Local Government?

I am interested in people and places and the tackling the problems we face collaboratively as a community. I would like to see genuine and shared prosperity so that more people can thrive. It is important that we build trust in local government by improving representation and participation.

There are so many issues and opportunities that would benefit from a deeper engagement with community. I would bring this progressive approach to Council - seeking out and amplifying diverse voices to better understand issues and solve problems.

I am also deeply committed to improving our land and water use practices in Australia and across the world so that we can continue to have clean water and food, diverse natural places and a stable climate for future generations.

What are three major challenges or opportunities that our community is facing right now?

Housing is an issue facing all of Australia and in particular regional communities. There is a lack of housing supply in our Municipality, particularly in the two major towns, across all accommodation types. This includes social and affordable housing, rentals and housing for the growing population. In both Swan Hill and Robinvale there is a considerable demand for seasonal accommodation required by the horticulture industry.

Delivering health, education and social services has unique challenges in rural and remote areas and the Swan Hill Municipality is no different. Competing for adequate services from State and Federal Government funding pools, the tyranny of distance, demographics and attracting high quality practitioners are just some of the problems. There is a need to find new funding streams and look to unique and progressive models to ensure all in the community have the services they need to thrive.

Climate Change is already having a significant impact on our region in reduced in flows to the Murray River system, reduced growing seasons for crops and increased intensity and occurrence of heatwaves. Policy and planning for reducing emissions and mitigation of impacts will require quality leadership, clarity of purpose and the best available science. The current energy transition from fossil fuels to renewables offers our region an immense opportunity in the development of a renewable energy industry and optimization of rooftop solar for households and businesses.  As we participate in this energy transition, it is imperative that we ensure there is long lasting community benefit from any developments that do occur in our region and that and potential risks and concerns are understood and addressed.