Brimbank councillor and resident Virginia Tachos is standing as an independent candidate in the state election on November 26.
Cr Tachos, who is in her sixth year as a councillor, publicly announced the move after making a Facebook page with the slogan, ‘prioritising the west’.
Cr Tachos, who grew up in the south east and has since moved to the west and lived in the region for the past 18 years, hopes to take local issues to a higher level to bring more action and better outcomes for the community in the west.
“I feel that for years I have been trying to raise this issue but I feel that I will have a greater impact at the state level if I am given that opportunity because I am very single minded about getting this for our community,” Cr Tachos said.
“We should be allowed to live in a community where we feel safe in our air quality, that we have access to green spaces just like every other part of Victoria, that people are able to access green spaces for their mental and physical health and that we have infrastructure that is inclusive.
“I think the community here is crying out to be heard and I feel that people are seeking people that are representing the community.
“I feel I can be that person as an independent candidate.”
Cr Tachos highlighted seven key issues to address in the west including air quality, gambling reforms, increased tree canopy, contamination, reducing landfills, funding for outreach programs to support homelessness, greater access to parks, green spaces and shared paths.
“We have had dire needs for infrastructure, upgrades, investment but we’ve been bypassed and it’s got to change.
“This narrative has to change and it changes by independence and people that are wanting that shift to be put into action through politics.
“I think the west has got so much positivity to offer but it’s being held back by these issues that need to be confronted and dealt with.
“The time has changed and it’s time for the west to actually take that step forward and say we want these issues addressed and we’re not prepared to be left behind.”
