Wandong and Heathcote Junction are hidden gems.

Together they have a unique identity, a strong school community, tight-knit families, open spaces, bushland, and a country-town character that should not be lost.

That is why I am focused on protecting Wandong's township character.

Labor has already acted to protect important areas from inappropriate growth and sprawl. Victoria's planning laws and protected boundaries mean these decisions cannot simply be waved through by council, developers, or landowners.

But legislation alone does not stop the pressure from developers, landbankers and speculators who see the next opportunity for smaller lots, more subdivision and more development.

I understand why locals are wary. Once a town's character is chipped away, it is very hard to get it back.

Recent practical action to upgrade the school, modernise the community centre and reseal roads reflects something important: towns do not have to get bigger to get better.

Some developers claim that residents want small towns opened up.

So I want resident views on the record.

Do you support strong protections for Wandong and Heathcote Junction, so local character is respected and inappropriate small-lot subdivision is not allowed to creep in by stealth?

Your feedback will help show developers and land speculators that the community rejects their push to open up areas like this, and prove to decision-makers that any claims otherwise are false.

Wandong's character is worth protecting.

My job is to stand with locals to make sure that happens.