Ian Ross is not anti-mining, but he is pro-scrutiny.
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The Telangatuk farmer is one of nine people vying for the seven seats on Horsham Rural City Council next month.
As the president of the Kanagulk Landcare Group, Mr Ross has been heavily involved in questioning the nearby Iluka Douglas Mine.
Here radioactive waste from the mine, Ouyen and South Australia was deposited in the district.
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"If we have three more proposed mineral sands mines in the municipality, it's important you have someone on council that understands the risks of long-term pollution, and the potential detriment to the community," he said.
"If the Environmental Effects Statements are followed, it won't be a problem."
Mr Ross said he had become concerned with governance issues at the council, and thought "better-quality decisions" could be made.
"With City to River, the way money was sought from the government before the council approved the policy, and ineffective community engagement (are my concerns)," he said. "There has been catch-up work done on consultation with the City to River, but I'm concerned about the putting of the cart before the horse.
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"With the rural roads committee, the consultant had been employed with the outcomes required before the community consultative group I was on even met. Those are the sorts of governance issues where engagement is tokenism rather than empowerment of the community."
Mr Ross said he wanted to see the council's strategy for Horsham North fulfilled before more money was spent elsewhere.
"I think our council has been historically Horsham-focused, rather than on the whole municipality," he said.
Mr Ross said he was also concerned about the state of rural roads, and wanted to see them rebuilt to a good standard.
Local council elections will be held in Victoria by post in October 2020. Voters in each council will receive a ballot pack in early October.
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