I'm Kieran Bennett. I'm a Wodonga resident, a member of the Australian Greens, a carer, and a candidate in the upcoming Wodonga city council elections.

I completed my schooling at Wodonga High School before heading to Canberra to study politics and sociology. I have since returned in order to care for an aging parent.

I am standing for council in order to bring a greater focus on grass roots democracy and social justice, as well as to push for action on climate change.

Climate change is affecting Wodonga. Our city only thrives because of access to water, but the affects of climate change mean that we are competing with other towns and cities for a dwindling resource. We need a plan, to use water more efficiently and thus secure the future of our town.

I believe that this can only be achieved with a focus on participatory democracy. I want to see a council that makes every effort to involve the whole community in the decision making process. When we bring the people a decision will affect into the discussion, we draw on the wisdom of our community, and are more likely to make a decision that will be supported by the community.

For too long our council has had a "top down" decision making process. We have only learnt about decisions after they have been made, and our council has only ended up making the right decision after prolonged community campaigns.

I want to see a council that plans for climate change, that considers the community impact of their decisions, and that makes better decisions by bringing more people into the process.

I am always happy to speak to people about the election, the issues, and the future of our town.

To view Kieran's candidate statement and preferences- Click Here.

To contact Kieran phone him  on 0430509913, or email him at kieran.bennett@vic.greens.org.au.