Andrew Woodward puts hand up for Bellingen Shire Mayor

Labor reveals team to contest September elections as leader says ‘nothing is happening’ in LGA.

Andrew Woodward will run for Mayor of Bellingen Shire Council with the Labor team.

Bellingen’s Andrew Woodward has promised to govern for humans and canines as he puts his hand up for Mayor.

With September’s local government elections fast approaching The Labor Party have unveiled their team vying for a spot on Bellingen Shire Council, with Mr Woodward at the top of the ticket.

The general manager of North Coast Football is no stranger to elections, running in Cowper as Labor’s candidate in 2019 federal election and Warringah in 2016.

Joining him on the ticket is Luke Barbagallo, Paul Hemphill and Paul Mulally.

Mr Woodward said Bellingen Shire needs “change and progress” and that social, economic and environmental progress has “stalled”.

“Nothing is happening. We need to take the handbrake off,” he said.

“To continue to be a great place, Bellingen Shire must progress steadily and sensibly.

“I have the experience, credentials and commitment to deliver change. We need new and qualified people on the council who are committed to change and progress.”

Andrew Woodward (centre-left) will run for Mayor of Bellingen with the Labor team. From left: Paul Mulally, Andrew Woodward, Luke Barbagallo and Paul Hemphill

Mr Woodward worked in business management in Australia and overseas while also active in developing social, economic and environmental policy at national and state levels for more than 20 years.

With a nod to his love of dogs, Mr Woodward said “I think I will be the first ever Mayoral candidate to promise to be a Mayor for dogs as well as people.”

“The truth is that Bellingen Shire is a dog place. There’s a larger than average number of dogs here,” he said.

“We need proper facilities for dogs and their owners, like fenced off dog parks and walking trails. These are lacking in Bellingen Shire.”

The nomination comes off the back of The Greens announcing their team, with current Mayor Dominic King looking to be re-elected on a platform of sustainability and conservation.

The Greens have been campaigning for the establishment of the Great Koala National Park and are seeking to have council operating on 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030.