Mr Fellows has lived in Deniliquin for more than 30 years, raising and educating his children here while successfully operating a transport business since 1997.
Mr Fellow’s experience also stretches across committees and boards in transport, council, and social/sporting clubs.
He is secretary and treasurer of Deniliquin Clay Target Club, an Edward River Community Education Fund board member, chairman of national transport accreditation scheme of Trucksafe, and deputy chair of Natroad, a road transport association.
He has also worked in various steering committees for the Edward River Council, and as safety ambassador for the Australian Trucking Association.
‘‘My aim is to continue the excellent work of the previous council and continue with the provision of services to all communities in the Edward River Council area.
‘‘I live on a farm and have operated a transport company primarily involved with agriculture and I’m hoping to be a voice for people not only in Deniliquin but also for those living in the rural areas,’’ said Mr Fellows.
He says his passion for industry is encouraging him to aim for growth in the area’s population and in developing industry.
‘‘Businesses in Deniliquin need nurturing, encouragement, and support from the council.
‘‘We need to attract industry which will help us to ride out the vagaries of drought, flood and fluctuating commodity prices.
‘‘We need to develop industrial land and also develop land for housing.’’
He plans to foster a ‘‘can do’’ approach to those wanting to invest in Deniliquin, including manufacturing business.
‘‘I fully support Robbie Sefton’s community consultation report with one of the main take-aways the fact that towns under 10,000 people are getting smaller; we need to aim and plan for a population of 20,000 people here in 20 years time.’’
The Sefton report, based on community consultation and research, recommends an annual population growth rate of 1.25 per cent to 2.5 per cent to keep the council area’s economy viable.
The growth rate is estimated at -0.42 per cent by the NSW Government.
It encourages growth in all areas, with a focus on maintaining public services such as healthcare and education to a high standard, along with taking a ‘shoot for the stars’ approach when it comes to amping up tourism and agribusiness.
‘‘Wouldn’t it be great to have jobs for our children, a larger more vibrant community, and businesses wanting to come to Deni instead of leaving?’’ Mr Fellows said.
‘‘A vote for Paul Fellows is a vote for the future.’’
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