With postal voting for Geelong council elections opening this week, the Independent asked Windermere ward candidates why residents should vote for them.
Monique Connell
I’m running for council to be a voice for all those who are demanding that council put climate first. Declaring a climate emergency and creating an environmental strategy is a good first step, but council has to commit to actually doing something about climate change.
I want Geelong to be a world leader in recycling, utilising the Morrison federal government’s Recycling Modernisation Fund, which will drive a billion-dollar transformation of Australia’s waste here, creating jobs and securing our economy for the future. I will foster community gardening, and better, more accessible and cheaper public transport, and build a stronger Geelong.
Anthony Aitken
Three years ago, I was elected to be your councillor. I promised to be a strong authentic voice and fight for a fair share for the northern suburbs, Lara and the rural north. I’m passionate about the north, my community, where I was born, educated and continue to live. I have worked tirelessly to represent my community and I’m proud of many achievements including Barwon Health North, moving the Spirit of Tasmania from Melbourne to Geelong and multi-million-dollar investments in community and sporting infrastructure. I seek re-election to continue the fight for jobs, appropriate development, our environment and my community.
Enamul Haque
I’m a proud resident of Corio, a medical doctor at Geelong hospital and involved with many community networks, including Geelong Chamber of Commerce.I will strive to make Windermere ward a beautiful, liveable and resourceful area for all residents by:
· enhancing post-pandemic support for all residents;
· initiating more local projects to create more jobs;
· introducing new and more frequent bus routes;
· expanding and improving railway station car parks in Lara, Corio and Little River;
· creating new community hubs and leisure centres to help unify the area; and
· encouraging sustainable development to reduce our carbon footprint.
I listen to the community and care about your voice.
Sarah Hathway
I live in Norlane with my partner and two-year-old daughter. Areas like Norlane are underserviced and ignored. Local councillors claim they do a lot, but little seems to change. Why can’t our council demand more funding from state and federal governments? I want to see a council that listens to the community and provides services and jobs. We need public housing, mental health services, free childcare and an expansion of community health services. There is too much reliance on the private sector to provide. As a union organiser and member of Socialist Alliance I will put community need first.
Kylie Grzybek
As a current councillor for Windermere ward, I will continue to represent the community’s views at all times. I promise to continue to work hard for a fair share for the north and a safer community. I promise to continue to listen to the community, as I did with the Lara goat farm decision and many planning application decisions. I’m really proud to be part of a community that cares for each other and its environment. I have been part of a council that has delivered and budgeted for many projects in the northern suburbs including a $1m athletics track at Goldsworthy Reserve, Corio.
