Cr Laurie Hickey was first elected to Corangamite Shire Council in November 2020 and elected Deputy Mayor in 2023 and again in 2024.
Laurie and his wife Annette call Bookaar home where they raised their children Emily, Daniel and Olivia.
Having lived rurally for more than 50 years, Laurie is heavily involved in the agricultural industry and understands the issues facing farming communities.
Laurie aims to bring an experienced and optimistic voice to Council and is considered approachable, sociable and respectful of others’ ideas. He has a genuine interest in the welfare of others, is connected to the community through many organisations, and through accepting leadership roles, has demonstrated the ability to work with collaboration.
What inspired you to run for council?
I have a genuine interest in the welfare of others and are connected to the community through many organisations. By accepting leadership roles, I have demonstrated my ability to work with others in an inclusive manner.
Our region has a rich agricultural history which needs support, and be allowed to flourish to return environmental, social and financial sustainability. This encourages investment in manufacturing, tourism, hospitality and retail and provides incentive for employment opportunities and retention.
What do you believe some of the challenges will be for this Council?
The council is conscious of the need for budgetary discipline whilst still maintaining quality infrastructure, and of all assets and services. Housing availability to attract a professional workforce, land available for development and pressure on valuable agricultural land from other industries continues to be of challenge to this council.
Developing the Camperdown and Terang Structure Plans will assist in future proofing by utilising space for the best interests of residents of both towns. This can be achieved by having considerable community input and consultation.
What do you hope to achieve as Councillor?
The Camperdown Production Precent Plan is one project that seeks to support manufacturing by unlocking land for use, developing investment ready opportunities, and provide employment and housing to meet current needs.
There are many projects within the Council Plan that will assist Corangamite to grow and prosper. Social inclusion and a sense of belonging is essential for a thriving community.
The Camperdown Theatre Complex Masterplan and the proposed redevelopment of Russell Mockridge Park will endeavour to provide necessary sporting facilities, art and culture recognition, and available meeting spaces for all to use.
My vision is of a thriving region that includes all members of our community. I see agricultural investment as essential in driving growth, employment and prosperity. I envisage a family friendly and relaxed environment with excellent opportunities for all, and a landscape of attraction for visitors.
Our highly regarded agricultural sector needs to remain a key priority and be allowed to flourish to return environmental, social and financial sustainability. This encourages investment in manufacturing, tourism, hospitality and retail providing incentive for employment opportunities and retention of our workforce.
There are many other innovative projects within the current Council Plan that will assist Corangamite to continue to grow and prosper, and with the assistance of your vote, I am committing to ensure that these initiatives are fully developed and supported.
Committee appointments:
- Environmental Monitoring Committee
- Board member of Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism