Putting Community First: Paul Hopper Runs for Wimba Ward

The Purpose of Local Government

Local Government is meant to make all of our lives better. We need our Council to share our values and focus on the things we all care about as a community.  For a long time, I have been concerned that our Local Council is more concerned about petty politics than improving the lives of everyone in our community. That’s why, after a lot of thought, I decided to run for Council in the Wimba Ward (Tarneit).

Witnessing the Impact of Change

Over the years, I’ve seen first-hand how changes to our community have impacted the lives of residents in both good and bad ways. I believe the West has such incredible potential. But to achieve this potential we need our Council to be a strong local voice that is only focussed on what truly matters to Wyndham. For this to happen, integrity must be at the heart of everything the Council does.

Shaped by the Wyndham Community.

Like everyone in Wyndham, I am a product of our community. Being involved in many of our local sporting clubs and community groups has helped shape my incredible appreciation for where we live and all that life in the West has to offer.

In my professional life, I have served on many boards and I also currently run a business with over 300 staff. These professional positions have taught me the value of listening before acting, as well as being willing to negotiate fairly at all times. This is the approach I will continue to take if I am elected to Council.

Improving Life in the West

While I love life in West, there is still a lot Council can do to improve all of our lives. At the heart of every successful community is a sense of connection and for many people, it’s our sporting associations that are that source of connection. That’s why it is vital that Council fosters our sporting groups by improving access to sporting facilities. Sport is good for our physical and emotional health as well as the health of our community. 

 Fixing Wyndham ‘s Road Networks

Our roads also need immediate attention. Right now, our road networks are incomplete and not equipped to handle the current levels of traffic. And as our population grows, our roads are only going to get more crowded and chaotic. So far, the Council has talked about traffic solutions but it hasn’t locked these solutions in. Take the pop-up station which has been proposed to help with traffic increases caused by new stadium. Council needs to ensure this pop-up station is in place before the stadium is complete. If elected, making this happen will be a priority for me.

Enhancing Community Safety 

I also understand the concerns many of us have when it comes to community safety.  While law and order is often seen as a State Government issue, there is still a lot that local government can also do to make us safer. Councils can install more CCTV and also improve lighting in parks and other public spaces. Council must also commit to working more closely with local police to ensure a coordinated approach when it comes to public safety matters.

A Focus on Ratepayers Needs

If I’m elected to represent the Wimba Ward, I will work tirelessly and diligently. I strongly believe that it is time for Council to refocus itself away from partisan fights and back to the basic and important tasks that matter to ratepayers.

Life in the West is brilliant.  But it can still be even better, and I intend to ensure that Council plays its part in improving all our lives.