Candidates still pour in

Field standing for council will be biggest in 13 years

THE largest field of ward candidates assembled in 13 years is set to contest the Geelong council election.

More than 50 residents are expected to declare their candidacy before nominations close today, with 45 already lodging their paperwork.

The move to a multi-member four-ward system has not slowed down interest in running for council, with voters to have a wide range of options in every area.

This year’s total field will be bigger than the number of ward candidates that contested Geelong’s 2012 (50) and 2008 (43) general elections.

There were 72 people who stood in the 2004 poll.

The Animal Justice Party has confirmed that it is fielding six candidates, with an official launch of their campaign to be held today.

Their representatives are Naomi Adams (Bellarine), Bronwen Baker (Windermere), Peter Oseckas, Elliot Taylor (Kardinia), Jacki Jacka and Jennifer Gamble (Brownbill).

They join the Greens (four) and the Socialist Alliance (two) as political parties who are fielding endorsed candidates in the election.

Nominations will close at noon today, with a ballot draw to determine the ranking on voting papers to follow.

Among the Bellarine candidates is Jim Mason, who said recreational amenities was one of his election priorities.

“I have ridden many rail trails and our Geelong network is not up to scratch. If we want to attract tourists, we have to bring our connectivity and safety up to world standards,” he said.

The member of the council’s rail trail advisory committee said cyclists had told him the Bellarine rail trail was washed out and lay unrepaired in some parts. “Their assessment was damning,” he said.

Brownbill ward’s sprawling field includes Terry Gillard, an abattoir worker who is on two kindergarten advisory groups.

The independent candidate would like to see funding for Grinter Reserve, and support programs for at-risk youth.

“One of my key objectives is protecting agribusiness which will take a look at the impact of the closure of the saleyards and the best way forward,” he said.

In the northern ward of Windermere, 24-year-old Ford engineer Jordan Grossman wants to promote Geelong as a science, technology and innovation hub.

But at the top of his agenda is a back to basics model focused on ensuring “bread and butter issues” such as roads, footpaths and parks are properly maintained.

“Roads, footpaths, and public spaces should be kept to a level of maintenance that is both cost effective and in line with public expectations,” Mr Grossman said.