Bruce Harwood to stand again in Kardinia Ward

NOMINATIONS open next week for candidates in October’s City of Greater Geelong council election, and Bruce Harwood will again stand in Kardinia Ward.

Mr Harwood has previously been on the council for more than 16 years and is seeking another term to continue working towards what the community needed.

“Coming back for this past three-year term has allowed me to reconnect with parts of the community but also with some major projects I have a strong interest in,” he said.

These projects include the Stronger Together Alliance for regional fast rail, the City Deal and the Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre, and the construction of the council’s new civic precinct, as well as infrastructure for the growth area of Armstrong Creek.

“I’ve watched Armstrong Creek and all its suburbs through there with great interest because the growth now is substantial, there are fantastic suburbs being created, there are a number of education precincts through there, sporting precincts are coming on, but a lot of work and government commitment needs to be contributed to that area,” he said.

“It’s important that we do get the infrastructure right, in particular some of the roads, and pedestrian access through footpaths, and the other infrastructure the area needs.

“We’re about a quarter of the way through that area, so there’s an enormous amount of work to be done, but in particular making sure we get the infrastructure in there for the community.”

Mr Harwood said that over his time on the council, he believed the best councillors were those that were apolitical and concentrated on what was best for Geelong and the Geelong community.

“If any council does that, then their decisions, and their spending of ratepayers’ money, will generally be applauded.”

He said the impact of the coronavirus pandemic would be a serious task for the next City of Greater Geelong council.

“The financial challenges facing the council in its next term will be substantial and unprecedented, and they will need very careful management to ensure the community isn’t missing out on important infrastructure and services, while still trying to balance the books.”

Mr Harwood expects there to be about a dozen candidates competing for the three seats in the Kardinia Ward, and says he would welcome a field of that size.

“You want a healthy number, you want the community to have a diverse field and make their decisions accordingly, and hopefully what comes out in the wash is a council that works cohesively together and achieves what the community is looking for.”