Top candidate talking rubbish in by-election

Alex de Vos
Six candidates will battle for a place on Geelong’s council at a by-election next month.
Highton mother and Liberal party member Trish McClure won the coveted first place on the ballot for Deakin Ward at a Victorian Electoral Commission draw this week.
Geelong Greens’ Bruce Lindsay was second, Labor unionist Andy Richards third, Liberal businessman Andrew Katos fourth, Barwon Health finance manager Brandon Howard fifth and Waurn Ponds public servant Ron Nelson sixth.
The six will compete for the seat, covering Highton, Waurn Ponds and Wanda Heights, after former Geelong councillor Shane Dowling quit and moved back to Melbourne.
Ms McClure promised to improve rubbish collections if she won the $50,000 by-election.
“I’d like to see the return of hard rubbish collections and annual tip vouchers,” she said.
Mr Lindsay vowed to improve urban design, especially for new suburbs in a proposed Armstrong Creek growth area.
“Poor urban design is going to have a long-term, detrimental impact on communities in Deakin Ward,” he said.
Mr Richards wanted more childcare facilities.
“There are more than 1000 families in the area with young children. I have found a desperate need for good quality, not-for-profit childcare,” he said.
Mr Katos said he would work on keeping rates low and reducing traffic congestion at Highton intersections.
“I want to be open and accessible to all and am willing to talk to anyone,” he said.
Mr Howard promised to investigate ways of providing additional financial rebates on rates and charges for carers and pensioners.
Mr Nelson joined Mr Richards in vowing to lobby for increased childcare facilities.
“Childcare is really expensive – we need not-for-profit childcare facilities,” he said.