George Neophytou | Political organisation

George Neophytou

Phone: +61 3 5156 6888

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25.01.2022 Over the weekend I received several requests for a copy of my election flyer. You can view and/or download a copy from my website: http://georgeneophytou.com/flyer/

23.01.2022 Gippsland East District takes in two Shire Councils, East Gippsland and Wellington (part). Since the closure of forest harvesting in the District the State Government has reduced funding to Councils for roads and bridges. The same roads were used for logging transport as well as road networks. The upshot is Shire Council’s have less funds to spend on maintenance and upgrades to existing roads and bridges. To exacerbate the problem Gippsland East District has a very high proportion of Crown Land which do not incur rate charges thereby no income is received by the Shire/s. http://www.dailybulletin.com.au//42122-george-neophytou-su

22.01.2022 Nominations closed at 12:00pm today for the East Gippsland Shire Council election. This is a list of all candidates and the ballot draw results.

20.01.2022 Thank you to Yeates Media for publishing my election article in the Bairnsdale Advertiser, Lakes Post, and the Snowy River Mail. Included for those who have not seen it, is the Snowy River Mail extract of 16th September 2020.

20.01.2022 I was saddened to hear of the passing of Deb Foskey late last week. It was good getting to know her at the last State election where we attended campaign functions. I particularly recall a forest tour arranged by the Gippsland Apiarists Association Inc, it was a delightful day where Deb shared her insights and passions. She will be missed, my thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends.

19.01.2022 East Gippsland News - 7th November 2018: Only I have the economic and law qualifications, with extensive experience to represent Gippsland East and overcome this seriously flawed environmental and economic project.

19.01.2022 Thank you to the Bairnsdale Advertiser and its journalist, Melinda Ogden, for allowing me to expand on answers posed by the paper and producing this podcast.

19.01.2022 A big thank you to my friends and supporters who have diligently delivered flyers, hung posters on their properties and given out How to Vote Cards at polling booths at pre-voting and election day.

18.01.2022 I notice that many constituents of East Gippsland Shire are asking candidates a direct question on whether they are supportive of the proposed Fingerboards Mineral Sands Mine project at Glenaladale or not. It is disturbing to see some of the clearly uninformed opinions and the lack of understanding by candidates. In some answers, the truth is just being twisted which I consider being disrespectful to the constituent’s genuine inquiry and right to ask of someone wishing to ho...ld public office. I have even seen a candidate state he/she is not sure what influence the Shire can have as the matter is in the hands of the Minister and that decision is final. Standing as a candidate and potentially being elected places a great responsibility on you, you must have the competence, skill, and knowledge to make decisions and represent the constituents. If you do not have the knowledge you have an obligation to get the facts first, and from reliable and authoritative sources. While it is true the subject mine being permitted is a State Government decision, the Shire has a very important role in the making of that decision. The mine is in our Shire, its activities will affect our Shire and the legacy of the industry will be felt in our Shire. The Shire clearly has an influential and advocacy role. Several Councils in NSW with strong community support were able to overturn the Coal Seam Gas mining (fracking) proposal approved by the NSW Government. It is worth seeing the video The Bentley Effect as it shows how effective Councils and people power can be to stop inappropriate projects. Furthermore, the Council can seek redress on risky environmental decisions made by the State by taking legal action. Three Melbourne Councils are currently doing just that and have a legal challenge (at the Supreme Court of Victoria) on the State Government’s environmental approval of the North East Link project. The cause of action is the unresolved extent and nature of the environmental effects. Therefore, seeking office as a civic leader requires you to be competent and informed, and answering you are unsure what influence the Shire can have in a matter, is just not good enough.

18.01.2022 The Gippsland Apiarists Association Inc (GAA) arranged a forest tour for the Gippsland East candidates. George Neophytou, Sonia Buckley and Deb Foskey attended with guides Ian Cane and Neil Barraclough from GAA. The purpose was to highlight Natural Resource Security is the biggest issue facing the Australian Beekeeping Industry today. Most crops rely on Honey Bee Pollination and healthy forests are crucial for the survival of bees. I was impressed by the articulate presentati...on and explanation for the need to properly manage forests. The GAA are in favour of sustainable logging and the co-existence of bees on public land. Rightly, the GAA are opposed to clear-felled forests, the regrowth presents significant problems with few, if no benefits. The minor extra cost in identification and removal of trees in a Saw Log Driven Industry ticks all the boxes. It maintains the future of saw mills, thus maintaining employment, and of course provides timber for many uses including furniture manufacture. This form of Integrated Forest Management is crucial so that all uses and values can be recognized in perpetuity said Ian Cane. Currently there are inappropriate harvesting prescriptions, mainly clear felling, that alter growth patterns of trees and create dangerous fire regimes. Look at the clear-felled forest photographs included, the regrowth can never be returned to their original natural state and are detrimental to food security for future generations. While on the other hand the forests inspected that were trialed under the select logging regime responded extremely well with structural integrity and regrowth matched a natural forest that could be further harvested if needed in the future. This is definitely the way to go and gets my full support. See more

17.01.2022 Enclosed is my how to vote guide. Those people preferenced highly are part of a diverse, competent and pragmatic mix who will work together in the best interests of the community. Importantly, engage as an approachable and effective Council Executive.

15.01.2022 I am not a member of any political party, therefore, I cannot be directed by Spring Street to make decisions that might be against our community’s interests. Only local constituents will have a say on the decisions I will make for you. Where to start:

14.01.2022 There are a few people who have asked about the origins of a profession. This is a summary:

12.01.2022 This is the final week of voting. You need to return your completed vote by mail or deliver it to your local election office, at 54B Service Street, Bairnsdale, before 6pm on Friday, 23rd October 2020. A mailed vote requires a postmark before 6pm on 23rd October 2020. I have enclosed an image of an Australia Post postmarked letter. The VEC advises the election office will be open on Friday, 23rd October 2020 between 9am and 6pm.

11.01.2022 My candidate statement published in the Gippsland Times & Maffra Spectator on 20th November 2018. I have vision, policies and a plan for our District.

10.01.2022 The next East Gippsland Shire Council general election is to be held on Saturday, 24th October 2020. It will be held by postal vote. I am pleased to formally announce that I will be standing in this election. As you know I stood as an Independent candidate in the Victorian State Election in November 2018, this Page has a number of articles, positions and directions held by me as a response from the community.... My view is the priority for a councillor is he/she must represent and advocate for you. As a practising barrister and solicitor, I already do this as my profession! In addition, councillors must have the competence and capacity to be able to relay the community’s opinions, concerns and desires in the local government decision-making process. Should you have specific issues you would like me to be aware of, send me an email to: [email protected].

10.01.2022 Lest we forget.

09.01.2022 Attended the Victorian Electoral Commission office at Bairnsdale this morning; as it turns out I am the first person to nominate for the East Gippsland Shire Council election.

08.01.2022 Continuing my campaign message I have a series of articles and advertisements to appear in our region's newspapers.

08.01.2022 The Liberal National Coalition promise for roads and bridges funding is not enough. Article in East Gippsland News on 21st November 2018.

05.01.2022 Registered How to Vote Card: The preferences are suggestions, please feel free to make your own choices after you give me your #1 NEOPHYTOU, George. Thank you!

05.01.2022 Mine-free Glenaladale at The Bairnsdale Show today. As usual the dedicated team are continually involved, making sure accurate information and the numerous negative impacts are communicated to the community and beyond. This Group needs our support so the mineral sands mine is permanently rejected in this area. Everyone is in favour of protecting and expanding the existing premium agricultural uses.

04.01.2022 Yeates Media asked all candidates to provide a "Final Statement". This is my copy.

03.01.2022 It is going to be a close election. If you do not want to be taken for granted anymore Vote 1 - NEOPHYTOU, George. I have a plan! http://www.dailybulletin.com.au//42305-george-neophytou-in

01.01.2022 This Statement by the Hon Shaun Leane, Minister for Local Government, confirms despite media reports, the local government elections including the East Gippsland Shire Council election is to go ahead on Saturday, 24th October 2020.