Southwest forester and firefighter Callum Burwood has announced he is standing as the Greens candidate for Murray-Wellington in the 2017 state election.
Mr Burwood said dissatisfaction with the current political climate has been the driving force in his decision to run.
“The Greens are the only party with future-driven policies, and the only alternative to the old parties who don’t properly consider future generations,” he said.
“Prior to my current job I was working with community groups tackling issues like domestic violence, mental health, and drug and alcohol addiction which exposed me to the inadequate resources available in the South West.
“The state government must invest more into regional community services. Mental health issues, suicide, and addiction issues are steadily increasing and it's time the government stepped up.”
It was becoming a volunteer firefighter in 2010 that ignited Mr Burwood’s passion for fire management and a change of career.
"Once you start volunteering, it's hard to stop, you want to help as much as you can,” he said.
“I enjoyed the camaraderie and dedication of our volunteer firefighters, and found a new respect for the land.”
Now the Deputy Operations Officer for an integrated fire management company, Mr Burwood wants to ensure the state’s fire mitigation and risk management strategies are a priority.
”Murray-Wellington has suffered greatly in recent years from severe wildfire and we need to make sure disasters like what happened to Yarloop in 2016 are not repeated,” he said.
“My ultimate goal is to ensure the government implements the recommendations of the Ferguson Inquiry into the Yarloop Fire, especially the creation of an independent rural fire service.
“Our volunteer firefighters - as well as the community - need action on fire mitigation, not empty promises.”
Mr Burwood will run against incumbent Liberal Murray Cowper, who has held the seat since 2005.
