Mrs Byass said she thought she could put her energy into the role, make a statement or two and work locally rather than getting upset at things she had no hope of changing.

"I do believe in participating democracy," she said.

"The fact no one had put themselves forward I was not proud of."

Mrs Byass said she believed the South West Ward and the Northern Grampians Shire as a whole had the "most beautiful and wonderful" environment on the planet.

"I am committed to protecting it and doing the best possible," she said.

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"We've also go businesses and farmers. We need to look for a sustainable future that is going to work for us.

"As guided by our First Nations Community I want to ensure harmony of the environment with realistic support of all people; working, living and visiting our region.

"Anything I can do locally especially to do with waste management - it's been an interest of mine since I was a toddler.

"We have to all take responsibility to minimise consumption and waste management."

Mrs Byass said she had often thought about running for Council in the past.

"This time during COVID triggered something that I still have something to contribute," she said.

"I have a bad reputation for speaking up sometimes but so be it. If something needs to be said, I'll say it.

"I enjoy a good argument but I think we all need to learn, as Australians, to listen."

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Mrs Byass said she was also passionate about the opportunities children have with education within the shire.

"I think Council can play a role in this," she said.

"Council has to focus on the three r's - roads, rates and rubbish but they can support other areas well.

"Council, as leaders within the community I think should be showing their support for education opportunities."

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