Andy Richards and Andrew Katos going head-to-head in Deakin ward

Two veteran Geelong politicians will go head to head for a hotly contested ward in the city’s south.

Deakin ward candidates Andrew Katos and Andy Richards and Andrew Kato pictured together at Waurn Ponds Creek. Picture: Alan Barber

Two political rivals with a long history are once again facing off as they seek a return to City Hall.

Andy Richards, a Labor member, and Andrew Katos, a Liberal member, have previously served as Geelong councillors and in 2014 the pair went head-to-head in the state seat of South Barwon.

A new battle has emerged as they seek to represent the newly created Deakin ward, which takes in Waurn Ponds, Mount Duneed and parts of Grovedale and Belmont.

The pair are among eight candidates, none of whom are incumbent councillors.

Mr Richards’ time in council came to an when the state government sacked the Darryn Lyons-led group in 2016, while Mr Katos departed City Hall in 2010 after being elected to South Barwon.

He defeated Mr Richards in 2014 but lost to Darren Cheeseman in 2018.

Andrew Katos and Andy Richards are hoping to return to City Hall. Picture: Alan Barber.

Mr Richards, a rigger by trade, said community feedback had convinced him to run.

“They all tell me that they don’t get their problems solved by council,” he said.

“They need someone to stand up and advocate for them.”

Deakin ward candidate Andy Richards. Picture: Alan Barber

Mr Richards said community groups in the Deakin area were desperate for help as Geelong’s south continued to experience “growing pains” as the population surged.

“If you go to any of the cricket clubs, their juniors and their female clubs are expanding very quickly,” he said.

“Mount Duneed’s men’s shed has 60 members, which makes it close to capacity.

“Every facility in the ward is under pressure.”

Mr Richards, 55, said he was committed to leading the delivery of much-needed infrastructure.

“I think the race in Deakin comes down to whether people want council to deliver essential services like aged care, library services and children’s services, or do they want something else?” he said.

Andy Richards on the state government campaign trail in 2014. Picture: Peter Ristevski.

Mr Katos, like fellow Liberal council candidates, is campaigning on a “back to basics” approach.

“People want to see the roads fixed, the sporting grounds looked after, council services provided,” Mr Katos said.

“And you know what? They want the lowest rate hike possible, or if anything a freeze,”

Mr Katos, 54, said he was unimpressed with council’s performance in recent years.

“I think they’ve lost their way,” he said.

Andrew Katos during his time at Spring St. (AAP Image/James Ross)

“They’re focused on issues that have no relevance to the ratepayer at all, probably a great example at the moment is Gaza.

“Everyone might have their opinion for or against a certain side, but quite frankly, that’s nothing to do with the ratepayer.”

Deakin ward candidate Andrew Katos off at Waurn Ponds Creek. Picture: Alan Barber

While Mr Katos and Mr Richards are the most familiar faces among the Deakin field, Greens candidate Izzy Scherrer looms as a major threat.

Ms Scherrer was one of 11 Geelong council candidates who recently committed to taking “tangible action towards a free Palestine” if elected.

The 45-year-old is campaigning on improving active transport infrastructure, creating more affordable housing options, and ensuring council services are properly funded.

“Geelong is at a crossroads, with huge growth and massive congestion issues,” she said.

“The three Rs (roads, rates and rubbish) are important, alongside planning and action for a sustainable future for this city.”

Some onlookers have suggested that both Mr Richards and Mr Katos want to use a return to City Hall as a stepping stone to Spring St.

However, both have pledged to serve a full term if elected.

Originally published as Andy Richards and Andrew Katos going head-to-head in Deakin ward