Michael John Ludeman, of Moama, is running for council in the Moama ward. He has lived in Echuca Moama for 35 years and in the southern Riverina for his whole life.
He is running for council as he believes that the region has great potential and would like to promote this, particularly as a tourism destination and a centre for development.
“We are two hours from the Melbourne Ring Road, which gives us, as a tourism destination, a strategic advantage to promote future growth,” he said.
Mr Ludeman believes youth employment opportunities and greater federal and NSW government funding for mental health support and substance abuse services are important issues to address.
He aims to represent the entire local government area if elected, and would speak on behalf of the community, bringing their concerns and priorities to council.
Mr Ludeman has experience advocating for Echuca Village in response to the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, which he feels will equip him if elected to the role of councillor.
“(I represented them) for five years to ensure that the Murray-Darling Basin Plan did not adversely affect their equity or undermine the foundations of that community,” he said.
He would look to be a voice for minority groups, representing their interests at a council level.
One of the things Mr Ludeman appreciates the most about living in the region is the local community, and he sees many opportunities ahead for the region to thrive.
Prioritising youth issues is a step he would take to provide a good foundation for progress.
“Ours is a vibrant community with huge untapped potential. With the right policies we will ensure that our youth will have employment, apprenticeships and a future,” Mr Ludeman said.
