By PETER DOUGLAS
ONE could argue a case of jumping from the fire into the frying pan for La Trobe incumbent, Jason Wood.
The one-time counter terrorism expert and Senior Sergeant with Victoria Police is now serving another term representing the electorate where he grew up and still resides.
He attended Ferny Creek Primary School, Ferntree Gully Technical School and even played a little football with Olinda Football Club.
But he said it was during his time with a local Scout group that he first developed a passion for the adventurous, which includes a passion for cross-country skiing and bushwalking.
In fact, he was once a cross-country skiing instructor at Lake Mountain.
He eventually joined Victoria Police, initially drawn to search and rescue, but found out he couldn’t handle underwater diving.
His path in the force eventually led to the organised crime squad, which he said was a real eye-opener.
“There were times in my life I had to live with a firearm under my bed, it was pretty full-on in those days,” he said.
Ultimately, Mr Wood was drawn to political life, which he said had been a rewarding experience.
But he said much excitement lay ahead, with plenty of work to be done if he won re-election.
High on his list is a commitment to developing tourism in the Dandenong Ranges, including a plan to refurbish the Red Rattler trains and get them running from the Melbourne central business district to the Ranges.
There is also a plan to construct a multi-million discovery centre.
“The hills is a fantastic environment,” he said.
“I came up with the Red Rattler idea a few years ago, but I needed to wait.
“But Puffing Billy has got a fantastic CEO (John Robinson) … now Metro and VicTrack said we can work with you.
“The discovery centre is the ultimate aim – to bring to life all that history.”
Also included in the tourism package is a plan to widen sections of the Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, as well as promoting walking trails in the region.
“We’re working with Yarra Ranges Council (to develop) 14 kilometres of walks,” Mr Wood said.
“Tourism is not that fantastic during the week, this is when we want to bring tourists to the hills, supporting our retailers and bed and breakfasts.”
Other policies focus on bushfire-fuel reduction.
“For everyone who lives in the hills, the fire season is a big concern,” he said.
“I’ve committed $3 million for bushfire fuel reduction, which has been a fantastic program.
“We’ve reduced the bushfire hazard but also tackled the weed program.”
On a wider level, issues that he will be advocating if re-elected include reducing family violence and dealing with violent extremism.
