City of Greater Geelong election 2024: Barrabool Hills candidate survey

Find out about this year’s candidates.

Picture: Alan Barber

Ron Nelson

Ron Nelson Barrabool Hills

Age: 53

Occupation: Recovery and Support Co-ordinator for people injured at work.

Do you live in the ward? Yes

Are you or have you ever been a member of a political party? If so, which one(s)? I am not a member of any political party. I was a member of the Liberal Party.

What are the three key issues you are campaigning on? 1. Fighting to freeze rates to assist ratepayers and renters with the cost of living.

2. Council should stick to core LOCAL responsibilities - investing in roads, footpaths, libraries, playgrounds, childcare, local infrastructure and rubbish collections.

3. I will continue championing and supporting our local small businesses, sporting clubs and organisations that are the heart of our community, which is why people living in Belmont, Highton, Wandana Heights and Ceres are the happiest in Geelong. This is what makes living south of the river great!

Should council only focus on the three Rs - roads, rates and rubbish? Yes

Do you believe Australia Day should remain on January 26? Yes

Do you think we are currently facing a climate emergency? In line with The Geelong Sustainability Framework I think Council should create a culture of sustainable practice in Council that will help us address significant future challenges, such as climate change.

Barrabool Hills candidate David McGinness

David McGinness

Age: 62

Occupation: Director, Workplace Relations and Risk Manager

Do you live in the ward? Yes

Are you or have you ever been a member of a political party?If so, which one(s)? Yes. ALP

What are the three key issues you are campaigning on? Creating a diverse and vibrant community

Transparency and accountability in decision making

Creating value: Adequately resourcing services and maintaining and upgrading community infrastructure

Should council only focus on the three Rs - roads, rates and rubbish? No. Council delivers over 100 different services to the community from maternal and child health to kindergartens, libraries, sporting and recreational facilities and community hubs

Do you believe Australia Day should remain on January 26? This is a National issue that must be resolved via Truth Telling. Traditional owners should be recognised, respected and celebrated; along with our diverse community.

Do you think we are currently facing a climate emergency? Yes I do. I believe that Council has an active role to play in promoting and supporting a sustainable environment. Council can lead emissions reduction.

Barrabool Hills candidate Aleta Moriarty

Aleta Moriarty

Age: 47

Occupation: Director, Centre for Sustainability

Do you live in the ward? Yes - Belmont

Are you or have you ever been a member of a political party? If so, which one(s)? I am not a member of a political party (the last time I was over a decade ago, so it is irrelevant)

What are the three key issues you are campaigning on? 1) Services and infrastructure (including. libraries, childcare), 2) Sustainability & climate action 3) Cost-of-living (including affordable housing, equitable rates, and grants for food relief orgs)

Should council only focus on the three Rs - roads, rates and rubbish? The community has expressed other areas it wants the council to focus on too: jobs and business, libraries, parks and sports grounds, childcare, local climate action, and grants for food relief.

Do you believe Australia Day should remain on January 26? I would represent my community’s views as their local voice.

Do you think we are currently facing a climate emergency? Yes, the scientific consensus supports this.

Originally published as City of Greater Geelong election 2024: Barrabool Hills candidate survey