New political party could branch to Yarra Ranges

By DION TEASDALE
THE Shire of Yarra Ranges could be home to two branches of the country’s newest political party after members of Country Alliance met in Healesville last week.
Country Alliance convenor Russell Pearson said the meeting, held on Monday, 18 July at the Healesville Lions Club Hall, garnered enough support for the establishment of two branches in the region.
“We have over 90 members in the Yarra Valley area and 12 of them have stepped forward wanting to get involved in the executive of branches in the area,” he said.
“As a result we could end up with two branches one in the Yarra Valley and one in the Dandenongs.”
Mr Pearson said the meeting, made up of recreational bush users, fourwheeldrive motoring enthusiasts, farmers and members of the timber industry, appointed former Shire of Yarra Ranges councillor Chris Peak as the convenor of a local working group.
Mr Peak, who operates Healesville Stockfeed and Farm Supplies and has been a member of Country Alliance for the last six months, said he was drawn to the organisation out of a frustration with the major political parties.
“There is a distinct lack of services and representation for people in the outer metro area, and I’m fed up with politicians more interested in looking after their party than they are their people,” he said.
“There is good support for Country Alliance in this area and I’m keen to work with supporters to get the logistics of setting up branches in place.”
Mr Peak said he hoped to hold a meeting for the working group of local Country Alliance members in the next three weeks to work out branch structures and locations.
“We are aiming to establish the first branch in Healesville, and though we aren’t sure yet where a second branch will go, I’m confident it will be somewhere in the Dandenongs,” he said.
Mr Peak said he was not considering himself as a candidate for Country Alliance, which is awaiting registration with the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) for state parliamentary elections at the end of next year.
“There are a lot more people more capable than me to run for office. I’m happy to support the alliance with my local knowledge and experience,” he said.
Mr Pearson said he was confident Country Alliance would continue to find more support in the Yarra Valley and the Dandenongs.
“These areas, where we already have strong support, are located in some of the most marginal seats in Victoria,” he said.
“We will be looking to further build support and hope to be able to stand candidates in all Upper House seats and in important Lower House seats such Evelyn, Monbulk, Seymour and Gembrook.”
Mr Pearson said he anticipated Country Alliance would be registered with the VEC by the end of September.