Murray's newest state representative Helen Dalton is ready and raring to hit the ground running and deliver on her election promises.
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After a massive campaign culminating in a stunning victory over the Nationals on Saturday night, the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers candidate knows she's made some big calls, and is ready to do her best for fight for change.
And while many messages of welcome flow forward for the new member, her term has already started off on shaky ground with Griffith City Council after posts she made on social media about breaking up council's "cosy boys club" with the Nationals.
Yet despite these comments, both Mrs Dalton and Mayor John Dal Broi have said they will work cooperatively.
"Griffith is a major centre in the Murray electorate and I will work with Mrs Dalton to benefit our community," Mayor Dal Broi said.
"Over the years I have copped a lot of criticism, but my sole aim is to do my job, to work for the betterment of the community," Cr Dal Broi said.
When asked how the attitude reflected in her comments would affect her working relationship with council, Mrs Dalton said she would remain "happy" to work with council, as long as they remain "fair and reasonable". However she did express some further concerns about political affiliations within council.
"Having a couple of councillors handing out for the Nationals during the week was not such a great look, and I am opposed to the council to be aligned with political parties," Mr Dalton said.
Undeterred by this and with undiminished enthusiasm, Mrs Dalton outlined her goals for the four-year term.
Water
Water concerns in the region are not issues to be fixed over night, and Mrs Dalton said this will be her biggest challenge.
"I will be really interested to see how the federal election goes, because the coalition are going to have to address the water issue. The rural seats have sent a very strong message - water is on the agenda."
She will fight for pausing the plan for a five-year period, water metering accounting for "every drop" in the North to match the practices here, a federal royal commission with just terms, as well as park the environmental water in one bureaucracy.
Read more: Helen Dalton declares a 'water emergency'
Health
Getting a brand new hospital built for Griffith in two years "not redeveloped and not in 10 years", securing an extra $40 million, as well as securing essential services, like orthopedic surgeons, seems like a nigh on impossible task.
Mrs Dalton agrees it is "a big call" but stands by her promises.
She will also like to see more money allocated for the Leeton Hospital as well as upgrades for the Deniliquin hospital.
Education
"Looking at the school teacher shortage will be one of the first things I will look at," Mrs Dalton said.
She says giving and providing incentives for people to relocate to the area would be "very achievable" and needs to be done right away.
"We can't have those kids out of school waiting on the front lawn."
"I am waiting to be sworn in and then I'll get to work on everything quickly."
She would like to extend her thanks to her dedicated team and strong support network who have worked tirelessly with her during the campaign.
"Thanks to everyone that entrusted me their vote."
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