Keith Cook

The benefit of the experience gained in his first term on council and a desire to complete or get started some key projects for West Ward were behind Keith Cook seeking re-election.

Mr Cook, who lives at Ripplebrook, said the past four years had been a pleasure serving the community he loves, listening to the views of many local people and advocating on their behalf.

On his agenda for the ward for the next four years are a range of initiatives from addressing traffic and road safety issues in a number of locations in Drouin, communal facilities such as libraries, halls, men’s sheds and hubs, early learning centres, recreational areas and maintaining the area’s heritage and ambience.

Mr Cook says he believes in council being open, transparent, economically responsible and nurturing local business.

Dealing with traffic congestion and pedestrian safety in Princes Way, Drouin, especially in the CBD, remains a priority.

But he says there are other other major road hazards in the town to be addressed - at the junction of Wellwood Rd and Princes Way, Main South Rd and Church St and intersections of Hopetoun Rd with Young St and Buln Buln Rd.

They require strong advocacy to Regional Roads Victoria.

Priorities at Longwarry include a footpath from the township to Princes Freeway, upgrading the football oval, roads in and close to the town and liaison with VicTrack regarding its proposal for duplication of the rail line, a second platform at the station and additional car parking and drop-off, pick-up area.

Place name works, and upgrades to parks and the oval at Jindivick and place naming at Labertouche are also on the “to do” list.

Mr Cook said he would push for the Precinct Structure Plan at Drouin outlining the course of future development to include more connecting pathways, protect significant vegetation, recognise heritage values and provide supporting infrastructure. He said a start needed to be made on planning for a major sporting precinct in the Weebar Rd area where major housing development is now underway and for council to complete a new multi-purpose building at the Bellbird Park recreational complex.

Mr Cook is a member of a number of volunteer organisations including the Hallora and District CFA brigade where he is a 2nd lieutenant, Drouin Rotary Club, Committee for Drouin, Ficifolia Festival Committee and the Drouin History Group.

He has no political affiliations.