Name: Michael Raymond Ivanov.
Age: 64.
Status: Married to Leanne. We have three children, Stephen, Lisa and Sarah, and two grandson, Raiden and Archie.
Current or past employment, retired or otherwise: Cleaner and part-time scrap metal dealer.
What part of the shire do you live?
Ashley.
How long did you sit as a councillor on MPSC?
A total of nine years between 1999 and 2008.
What are the main reasons you are standing for re-election?
I want to do more for the community. Being an elected councillor will allow me to represent the Shire and its people, and address their needs. Being entrusted to make decisions on behalf of an entire community is an incredible honour.
Are you standing alone or with a running mate(s)?
Standing alone.
What do you love most about Moree Plains Shire?
The sense of belonging. Moree is great town, a great part of the world. I belong here.
What do you think the main issues are in Moree at the moment that need addressing?
Crime is a major concern. What are you views on this?
We have to work with the police and other government departments in order to help stem the ongoing increase in conflicts and crime in the Moree Shire. There are positive inroads being made at the moment and State Government funding, if used correctly, will help a lot.
Do you think the current council is aiming in the right direction on various projects and/or issues?
Yes, I believe they are, but I’m concerned many major projects have stalled over the last three years.
How can the current council improve on what it is doing at the moment? Is money being spent on the right projects and in the right areas?
I think Council is between a rock and a hard place at the moment because of the current low level of staff. There needs to be a bigger push to get new employees on board.
How do you think MPSC performed in the last term? What projects have been delivered and is it meeting targets?
I do not believe they have met many of their targets. This may be due mainly, to current staffing problems.
What do you think have been MPSC’s biggest achievements in the past five years?
Two massive achievements are the Special Activation Precinct (SAP), which continues to go forward. This will attract millions of dollars in infrastructure in the coming decades. Already, there has been interest from developers enquiring about residential subdivisions as a result of the SAP. It is also pleasing to hear there is more than $150 million of road funding to be supplied to the Shire as of next year, which is a huge increase from our usual $3 million to $4 million.
Has there been any disappointments?
The ongoing dramas at MAAC and the fact we haven’t had an Olympic swimming pool for a very long time is gravely disappointing.
What will be you main goals and targets if re-elected?
Although it’s more than 15 years since I was last on council, I still believe we should always try to ensure the town and villages, road network and facilities and infrastructure are kept to a high standard. This helps enormously when attracting visitors and new residents to the shire.
What local organisations are you involved with at the moment?
Moree Services Magpies Bowling Club life member and player; current Moree & District Services Club vice-president; and ongoing site organiser (Carnarvon Highway between Moree and Ashley) for Clean Up Australia Day.
What are your pastimes, hobbies or passions?
Family, lawn bowls and fishing.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I think it is important everyone makes an informative and considered vote in the election to ensure they have a say in the direction of the Shire. This ensures you have a representative who can take your concerns to Council.
Footnote: Questions to candidates differ slightly, given the mix is made up of current councillors seeking re-election, past councillors seeking re-election and first-timers seeking election.
More on this candidate here: https://moreeonlinenews.com.au/2024/08/23/michael-ivanov-mpsc-candidate
