Candidates declare themselves as council nominations open

MORE candidates for the next City of Greater Geelong and Borough of Queenscliffe councils are stepping forward ahead of nominations for the election opening today (Thursday, September 17).
The Animal Justice Party have endorsed Naomi Adams to stand in Bellarine Ward.
Like all Animal Justice Party candidates, Ms Adams said she has a passion for protecting animals, the environment, and providing support to the most vulnerable in our communities, and stands for the AJP’s core values of kindness, equality, rationality and non-violence.

Tom O’Connor will also stand in Bellarine Ward, and is pitching to voters as “offering a lifetime of experience in industry, community and local government and commit to working reliably and consistently in your interest”.
Mr O’Connor’s platform includes ensuring the community has the opportunity to be heard at local and state government levels, improving personal safety within townships, improving local business and employment opportunities, improving the preservation of the natural environment and improving public transport links.
Jack Williams is nominating in Kardinia Ward.
“I believe that bringing a younger face to council will not only create much needed age diversification, but it would also be a major stepping stone towards representing and supporting various demographics in council that are normally overlooked or not yet understood enough,” he said.
“I plan on taking a serious approach towards topics such as our evolving climate emergency, making Geelong more sustainable, road quality and maintenance, and the support, education, and inclusion of our youth.”

In the Borough of Queenscliffe, incumbent councillors Ross Ebbels and Rob Minty will stand again, and will stand against newcomers Michael Grout, Jacqui Pierce, Isabelle Tolhurst and Zelda Waters.
Ms Tolhurst is a descendant of Henry Charles Dod, who was a notable figure in the early history of the Queenscliff township.
“I’m running to improve council transparency and governance, develop a cohesive arts, retail and tourism sector, and support community action on environmental management and climate change,” she said.