Jason Platt has called Captains Flat home since he was a teenager and this year he is standing in the Queanbeyan-Palerang election to represent his town.
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He’s a bobcat business owner who knows what it takes to keep roads ship-shape and is passionate about making sure local road networks are reliable.
But beyond that, he has seen how cost pressures have eroded business and services in small towns like his and hopes having a voice on council will help to rectify that.
“We’ve lost shops, fuel, cafes in Captains Flat,” he said.
“The post office is shaky and even the preschool is on its last legs.”
He said the erosion of services was difficult for rural town residents but also reduced the appeal of the area to prospective buyers.
“There is a limit to what can be done but there needs to be a voice for the smaller communities,” he said.
“Fighting for fairer rates, smaller businesses to do well, decent roads, that all helps communities.”
Small changes, such as the recent investment in a bike track, makes a big difference for families.
“The kids are excited to get up there and do things in a little town like ours because there’s not a lot for them,” he said.
The recent amalgamation changed things and motivated Mr Platt to stand up and be counted.
“We need voices,” he said. “Without trying to help and do something there is no good sitting on the fence whinging and griping about it.
“Let’s see if we can make some changes that will help. Little changes can go a long way.”
