By Callum Ludwig
Wil Mikelsons is running to become the O’Shannassy Ward Councillor for Yarra Ranges Council in the October Council elections.
Mr Mikelsons is a candidate for the Greens party, and has run for state and local politics before.
Mr Mikelsons said he is a school teacher with years of experience in secondary schools.
“I grew up on a small poultry farm not too far from the Yarra Ranges, I moved to the Upper Yarra six years ago for the beautiful environment and the peace and quiet of country living and I live here with my partner, two dogs, three alpacas and seven chooks,” he said.
“I have immersed myself in the community, being a member with the Wesburn and District Dog Obedience Club, Warburton Environment, Permaculture Yarra Valley and I volunteer at ECOSS,”
“What guides my actions is a deep desire to protect our precious environment, making sure that people are not left behind and that communities have a strong say over what happens to them.”
Mr Mikelsons identified three key issues he wants to help address if he were to be elected; affordable housing, prioritising local liveability in township plans and fighting to protect the environment and rural character from inappropriate development.
Mr Mikelsons said Council has an important role in ensuring that all of us thrive and that our local environment is protecte and together, we can continue building a supportive, vibrant and diverse community by delivering the infrastructure and services we all need.
“Many residents are currently being priced out of both home ownership and the rental market and Council has a role through planning, the regulation of short stay rentals and encouraging affordable and social housing,” he said.
“There needs to be a balance between tourism and the ability for locals to enjoy the area they live in, through genuine community consultation,”
“We need to greatly improve how we protect the health of the Yarra, other waterways and forests; our health depends on their health.”
Mr Mikelsons also ran to try and become the Streeton Ward Councillor at Yarra Ranges Council in 2022 after a by-election was triggered.
“As a school teacher, volunteer in local community organisations and a resident of the Upper Yarra, I understand what our community needs and how to engage with and listen to people with compassion,” Mr Mikelsons said.
“I’ll bring these attributes to the council.”
