Amy Johnson gears up for another run

EIGHT years since she was first elected as a councillor, Amy Johnson is running once again with the hopes of securing a North Ward seat.

Although she was undecided whether to return for another term, the Liberal Party candidate for Wendouree in the 2018 State election is now forging forwards with the aim of being re-elected to the City of Ballarat council.

“Having served eight years on council, I know where our city is heading but also where the challenges are,” she said.

“Those challenges are significant, especially at the moment, but I also know we as a community can come out of COVID even better and stronger.

“I want to drive that recovery and ensure that businesses and jobs are a focus of our post-COVID recovery.”

From her extensive experience working from within the Ballarat council, Cr Johnson is most proud of her consistent staunch opposition against rate rises.

She said she was ecstatic this year to see that her advocacy had paid off when the city passed a zero per cent rate rise.

“I have a reputation for listening and for standing up for our community,” she said.

“I’ve voted against every rate rise that’s come before me and have consistently voted against overseas travel and council junkets.

“Residents rightly expect councillors to spend public money responsibly and this is something I’ve always taken very seriously.”

Aside from her efforts to keep rate rises to a minimum, Cr Johnson also played a role in introducing the new green waste system.

Among a number of key projects she would like the city to deliver on, she said she would like to see planning and infrastructure to accommodate Ballarat’s exponential growth.

“Population growth is a big issue and we must ensure that while we grow, Ballarat remains just as liveable as it is now,” she said.

“We’re growing rapidly as a city and we must ensure that the necessary infrastructure is delivered to match this growth.”

Over her time in office, Cr Johnson has also been involved with a variety of other projects including, securing major events such as Spilt Milk and White Night, the Ballarat Link Road and committing to the 2025 carbon neutrality goal.

Recognising the significant impact the pandemic has had on the community, she said that now is the time for the City to focus on future projects to assist local business and workers get back on their feet.

“We need strong, focused and responsible leadership right now,” she said.

“Council will have an important role to play in supporting local businesses, we must focus our attention on supporting local businesses and our community to get back on their feet.

“During my time within the council people have seen that I’m not afraid to stand up for what I believe in and that I am focused on delivering, not just talking.”