More council candidates emerge as nominations draw near

NOMINATIONS to stand in the council elections at the City of Greater Geelong and the Borough of Queenscliffe open this time next week, and more candidates continue to throw their hats in the ring.
Incumbent Bellarine Ward councillor Jim Mason officially launched his re-election campaign with an online event on August 31, and said he was “energised and ready” for the next four years.
In his second term, Mr Mason said he would be advocating for a COVID Recovery Plan that focused on the most vulnerable, from small business to those out of work; and continue to make social equity, sustainability and the environment his priority areas.
Ocean Grove social worker Cory Wolverton has been endorsed by the Greens for Bellarine Ward.
He will campaign on adequate access to community health programs, listening to local Indigenous people to understand how to care for our land and people, creating a sustainable future, and creating a strategic vision for the Bellarine including town boundaries, community facilities and public transport.
Clifton Springs resident Tom Harrison said he is seeking election in the Bellarine Ward because he was keen to positively contribute to his local community.
“With your support, I will strive to preserve the natural environment, improve local infrastructure, support the regional economy and encourage sustainable development in keeping with the unique character of our region.”

Incumbent Kardinia Ward councillors Bruce Harwood, Ron Nelson and Pat Murnane are seeking re-election.
Mr Nelson said his drive for action and local understanding was supported by his experience as a former chef, small business owner, work with the Department of Defence and his present role in supporting people with disabilities.
“With such experience, I know how to get things done compassionately, efficiently, effectively, on time and on budget.”
Mr Murnane said his achievements for Kardinia Ward in his first term at council included “an abundance” of community projects, kerbside collection of hard rubbish, improvements to the road network and “a common sense approach in all planning matters”.
Atamjit Singh has also declared his candidacy for Kardinia Ward. He has flagged better road infrastructure for the Geelong community as one of his campaign issues.
He said Reserve Road connected the developing suburbs of Grovedale, Charlemont and Armstrong Creek but it required urgent improvement to make it safer and more accessible to residents.
A quartet of candidates have declared themselves the “Put Climate First” alliance and will stand in all of Geelong’s four wards – Belinda Moloney in Kardinia, Sandy Dwyer in Brownbill, Monique Connell in Windermere and Monica Winston in Bellarine.
The Put Climate First candidates will advocate for asking “what impact will this decision have on the climate?” in all matters, localising the council’s services and strengthening the community, and establishing a citizens’ assembly on climate.
Nominations open on September 17 and close at noon on September 22. For more information, head to vec.vic.gov.au/candidates-and-parties/becoming-a-local-council-candidate.
If you are intending to stand for council in the City of Greater Geelong’s Kardinia or Bellarine wards or in the Borough of Queenscliffe, email your contact details to [email protected].