Turf War Erupts Between Mayor and MP

A political clash has erupted over the future of Wyndham Vale North Reserve, with Wyndham Mayor Cr Mia Shaw accusing Member for Werribee John Lister MP of political interference — a claim Mr Lister flatly rejects.

The dispute centres on a petition launched by Mr Lister calling for upgrades to the reserve’s playing surface. Cr Shaw claims the petition misleads the public, stating, “This petition is nothing short of political interference.”

But Mr Lister says his focus is on ensuring the original 2022 agreement is honoured. “This is a desperate response from a Mayor wanting to distract the community from the issue at heart – delivering on an agreement to fix the surface from 2022.”

Cr Shaw says she previously met with Mr Lister to request support in repurposing a $400,000 grant toward a new pavilion — something she claims aligns with the sporting club’s priorities.

“He failed in that advocacy,” she said.

Mr Lister, however, says the state government is legally bound to stick to the original funding terms. “I went to the Minister and confirmed that the State Government cannot divert money from a competitive grant to a new project, especially when council has failed to provide a business case or detailed costings for this new project to me.”

According to Cr Shaw, the campaign is a distraction from larger issues facing the electorate.

“While Mr Lister focuses on grass, key issues like the Werribee Station, empty law courts, rising crime, and a failing health system remain ignored,” she said.

But Mr Lister claims his office is already addressing those matters. “We are getting on with building more roads in Wyndham to reduce congestion, increasing capacity on our trains and buses, opening the Wyndham Law Courts this year and building our new expanded emergency department at the Werribee Hospital.”

Cr Shaw also took aim at Mr Lister’s role in the community. “Our residents deserve more from their state member of Parliament. If John Lister wants to be a Councillor, he should have run in the last election.”

In response, Mr Lister said over 200 people signed his petition within 24 hours, indicating strong community support. “I encourage members of the Wyndham Vale community to sign the petition to make it clear to the Mayor that it is a priority.”

He also questioned the Council’s broader advocacy, stating, “The former Liberal candidate Mayor’s laundry list of grievances does not match what Wyndham City Council has advocated to me in their Werribee by-election and 2025/26 State Budget submissions.”

Despite the tension, Cr Shaw says Wyndham City Council is pressing ahead with a major redevelopment of the Wyndham Vale North Reserve.

“Council has already delivered a $500,000 sports ground lighting project,” she said. “A further $250,000 has been spent upgrading the cricket nets, and planning is underway for a multi-million-dollar pavilion and irrigation works.”

She said Council remains committed to serving the local community: “Section 74A (1) of the Constitution provides that local government is a distinct and essential tier of government, who have a statutory responsibility to provide services in the best interests of their communities. And we are doing just that.”

Mr Lister maintains that wanting state funds to be spent as originally allocated is not political interference but “responsible governance.”

Cr Shaw warns that political interference could harm relationships with user groups. “Mr Lister’s interference has the potential to damage the good relationships Council has with user groups at Wyndham Vale North Reserve.”

The reserve is classified as a Level B site under Council’s planning framework, but Cr Shaw says Council is still delivering a multi-million-dollar upgrade and would welcome further support from the state.

“If the State Government wants to commit to fully funding this project for the community, we would be happy to discuss what that could look like with Council as the delivery partner.”

Iramoo Ward Councillor Maria King says Council is proud of the investment. “We’re proud to be investing in the future of local sport with a major upgrade to facilities that support thousands of players, families and volunteers.”

She added that a new Wyndham Vale North Steering Committee will oversee development of the project.

“This is a significant investment in grassroots sport, creating opportunities for participation, pride and connection in our growing community.”