11 ‘outsiders’ running for council in Geelong

By John Van Klaveren
TEN WARD candidates and one mayoral candidate in City of Greater Geelong elections are unable to vote for themselves, an Independent investigation has revealed.
Nine live outside their nominated ward and two beyond the municipality’s boundaries.
The Independent checked candidates’ Australian Electoral Roll addresses against their nominated wards after Angelo Kakouros and Michelle Heagney highlighted that neither lived in Brownbill Ward.
Victorian Electoral Commission rules state candidates can run in the ward of their choice as long as they are either residents or property owners in the municipality.
However, candidates receive ballot packs only for the ward recorded on the electoral roll as their main address.
Ms Heagney and mayoral candidate Ron Watt live outside the City but are eligible as property owners.
Mr Watt said he did not consider his latest address a “huge issue” after living in Geelong for 15 years.
“If I become mayor I’d like to ensure ward councillors are seen in their ward regularly and have contact with electorate.”
City chief executive officer Stephen Griffin said anyone living outside the municipality qualified for a vote in the ward in which their property was situated.
“This vote is attached to the property with the highest capital improved value,” he said.
Sitting Deakin ward councillor Ron Nelson labelled opponent Bruce Lindsay “not local” on an election flyer.
“I’m a big believer in representing the area where you live,” Mr Nelson said.
“It is imperative that people stand for where they live and be upfront and honest about it.
“I understand candidates don’t have to live in their ward but if it was me voting and I saw that people weren’t local I would vote for the local.”
Mr Lindsay said candidates “casting those aspersions” needed “something more serious to talk about”.
“What people want is a good councillor who advocates and is approachable.”
Beangala candidate Warren Smith said he decided to stand in the ward despite living in Buckley because he could make a difference.
“The voters of Beangala can expect 110 per cent out of me,” Mr Smith said.
“Labelling a candidate as not a local is just a tactic.”
Corio candidate Sue Perron said she chose the ward carefully after working in its health centre for 10 years.
“I developed a connection with the people there and respect their strength.” Buckley candidate Katherine Oliver said she chose the ward because it offered the best opportunity for her to contribute positively on council.
The remaining candidates unable to vote in the wards included Greg McDonald, Margrette Lewis, Renae Otmar and Gail Cook in Brownbill.