I was elected as the Kardinia Ward councillor in February 2003 and again in November 2004. In November 2006 & 2007 I was elected unanimously to the position of Mayor of Geelong. I am not aligned to any political parties and remain a local independent councillor. I have a strong and committed approach to the local community and this will continue if re-elected.

All my pre-election promises have been kept and some include funding of the Barwon River and Barwon Valley Fun Park , Belmont Childcare Centre, relocation and reconstruction of Leisurelink, Belmont Lions Football and Netball Club, Belmont Pavilion and Belmont Senior Citizens, South Barwon Football and Netball Club, Belmont and Geelong Bowls Club, High St, South Barwon Cricket Club and Marshall Cricket Club, Geelong Tennis Club, Geelong Womens’ Cricket Club and Belmont Library.

Many schools received funds and my promise is to continue responsibly funding our ward with quality and essential infrastructure.

My future priorities include the environment through addressing climate change, council finances, and an unconditional commitment to basics such as low rates, roads, footpaths, waste collection and parklands. Infrastructure for our growing elderly community and youth needs also remains paramount. Protecting our neighbourhood character and improving traffic movement are critical.

Kardinia Ward is currently represented by a genuine local independent and experienced voice. My promise is to continue to advocate strongly, as Kardinia Ward is the premier ward of Geelong. I have close connections to the community and am always available to discuss any issue.

Newly elected in May of this year and now re-elected unopposed, I wish to focus on the next four years. With uncertain economic times ahead I feel it is important to keep rate rises to a minimum to ease financial pressure, particularly on families and the elderly. Delivering a major project for Geelong such as the Conference Centre or the Yarra St Pier is vital, not only through the jobs created during construction but also the subsequent business stimulation and employment generation.

Local people with knowledge of Geelong should be making planning decisions for our city. I am opposed to the State Government attempting to dilute the City’s planning powers via their Development Assessment Committees. Deakin Ward is expanding and many more young families are calling it home. At present there is no Maternal & Child Health Centre and I will campaign to bring one to the ward.

With the new Geelong Ring Road, VicRoads is not guaranteeing noise barriers for all affected residents in Highton. I will lobby to ensure that all residents have adequate noise suppression. Infrastructure such as quality roads and footpaths must be maintained and expanded. I am presently working to have a footpath installed between Deakin University and the Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre to give safe passage for pedestrians.

I want to put the controversies behind us and, through my actions, restore the people of Geelong’s faith in the integrity and transparency of Council.

As the sitting Ward councillor, my past experiences strengthen my resolve to remain independent of any political party or faction, lobby group or self-interested individual, or big business identity. My campaign is entirely self-funded.

Much has been achieved in this term, including the major restoration of Balyang Sanctuary, the Geelong West Library/Customer Service Centre, Town Hall, Sparrow Park, Geelong West Oval/netball/cycling facilities, Bakers Oval, the Geelong Arena, St Mary’s football/netball facility, Senior Citizens Centre upgrades and Kardinia Pool lighting. My Councillor Community Grants ($80,000) assisted more than 60 local groups to purchase equipment. Maintaining ovals, parks and gardens, renewal of streets and lanes, footpaths and drainage received an increased budget allocation during this term.

Challenges for Brownbill Ward residents and business operators centre on rating fairness and charges. Our ward is very diverse, ranging from residences, schools, colleges; numerous health, community and family services; recreation areas and parks; large, diverse commercial areas and industries of all shapes and sizes; all bounded by the Barwon River, Eastern Park, busy major roads, and Corio Bay.

Enormous pressure on our facilities and infrastructure is exacerbated by the desirability of our ward. Better planning of public transport, traffic management issues and off-street car parking are high priorities, together with preservation and care of public open-space and replacement or maintenance of footpaths, streets and kerbing.

I support smart and empathic development, as opposed to an unbridled desire to create another Gold Coast on the waterfront. My municipal vision includes promoting our region as the best place to live, work, and relax, by building on existing strengths - its citizens, services and facilities, its unique natural environment, and its outstanding vigorous economic growth and tourism.

I’ve lived in Cheetham Ward since 1989, and, as the current representative, hold the portfolios of Planning, Economic & Strategic Development. Over that time I’ve participated on committees and worked with a number of sporting, youth and community groups, including cricket, football, cubs/scouts and a youth health program, and have also assisted in fundraising for charitable and not-for-profit organisations.

The pace of global economic change and its implications for Geelong have been accelerated with the current global financial issues. I will be working to encourage and support the expansion of existing business as well as encouraging new business into Geelong. Without doubt, the Geelong economy is in a transition phase. Our traditional manufacturing industries are increasingly under pressure from overseas competition and we must look to new industries to support our relative level of prosperity.

In our region we have many natural competitive advantages. Uppermost is liveability. Equally for businesses, we need to ensure we have a suitable pool of available people with the skill set we need to be successful. We have a unique set of attractive features. We have a university, private schools, quality government schools, and a respected TAFE college. We have a diverse economy that provides a wide range of employment opportunities. We have the beaches and the natural environment, along with fabulous recreation facilities. To complete the package, we are one hour from Melbourne with all its associated cultural institutions and services. We need to build on these attributes to attract viable and sustainable businesses to Geelong.