Comments from Lisa Owen:

When running for an election it is important to have broad exposure and websites have emerged as an important part of an overall election campaign.

Interactive sites help a candidate keep in touch with constituents and provide a forum for questions and answers. They provide the opportunity for the candidate to share more about themselves and they help to create a greater awareness of what members of the public are thinking.

The site is simple to use which is important for someone who is relatively new to such things. It is a clear and simple design. There are no frills and no advertising.

The site is a good opportunity for voters to discover more about each candidate and to ask the candidates questions about the important issues concerning Warrnambool's future; like population growth and housing, climate change and sustainability and how to make Warrnambool a more livable, prosperous city now and into the future. Information on each candidate is usually limited to newspaper coverage and fliers. This website offers the voter the chance to make a more informed decision.

Comments by Michael Neoh:

The use of the internet and the Election Central site provides greater access to information about the candidates and their platforms and to a broader audience.

The site provides an opportunity for the community to get to know their candidates a little more rather than just seeing their photo on the ballot form.

For me personally I will use the site in a positive manner and promote what I see as the solutions to issues.

The site is flexible enough to allow candidates to provide information that they feel would be of value and informative to the community.

By providing broad community access to candidates - this can only be a positive way to promote informed decision making which is critical for democracy.

The site will also provide the community with a better understanding of the role of councillors and the range and complexity of issues that they face”

Comments by Andrew Fawcett:

I decided to participate in Election Central Warrnambool because it gives me a direct involvement in the information that goes out to voters. I am not restricted to a few lines in an advertisement, or the space restrictions placed on reporters of our local newspaper. Hopefully this will enable the electorate to know me better and for what I stand for. I like the fact that my information can be updated and added to at any time, and I can add photos. I am excited about the opportunity to interact with ratepayers on a daily basis.

The benefits I see of this media is that it offers more exposure of candidates to the community so a more informed decision can be made when votes are cast. It will go some way to raise the profile and importance of local government within the community. It will also create healthy debate between candidates, and provide the local media (The Standard, 3YB and 3 Way FM) with another source of information they can comment on, and further a more informed debate in the community.

From a voter’s point of view, it makes the candidates more accessible and improves their knowledge of the candidates and their policies so that more informed decisions are made when votes are cast.”

Comments by John Harris:

What helped me to decide to participate in Election Central Warrnambool was the proactive approach by Election Central to ask my involvement and it looked very professional.

I believe the site will give me the chance to promote myself by placing information on the site and will help voters with their decision.

I like the way the site is laid out, easy to navigate and Candidates have the ability to add information as they go.

I can see value for voters because many use the Internet and this is how they gather their information. It also gives voters a chance to ask questions of the candidates.”

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