Ms Costa, a mother of two and a landscape architect, has an acute social conscience, is a gentle person and yet has illustrated that she has the guile and tenacity to address and reach successful conclusions of statewide issues.
VicRoads once viewed roadside vegetation as a hazard to simply be removed, including many significant trees.
Ms Costa, along with many compatriots, objected to this “clear-felling” approach, and it wasn’t long before she was appointed to a committee to address this issue, state-wide.
Through her input and that of others, that state body’s view was changed leading to a more considered approach to clearing.
Ms Costa is an independent, a critical distinction Shepparton electorate voters need to consider when choosing who should represent them in Spring St.
All other candidates, unless they are also independents, are beholden to an ideology, and that’s generally a party, whose beliefs and values are not indigenous to the Shepparton electorate.
They have affiliations and responsibilities to people, groups, corporations unrelated to the wants and needs of the Shepparton electorate.
Ms Costa’s only affiliation is with those who elect her in November, and those who want to see respect and attention from the state government, as was the case when Shepparton had its first and only independent in Ms Suzanna Sheed.
Ms Sheed defied assumptions about independents, bringing hitherto unseen attention and economic investment to the electorate.
The seemingly boundless energy and unrelenting commitment from Ms Costa promises a return to the halcyon days when the seat last had an independent member.
Yes, a rare and precious opportunity that the people of the Shepparton electorate can solidify when casting their vote on Saturday, November 28.
Robert McLean
Shepparton
7°C