Geelong mayor Trent Sullivans confirms his candidacy for October’s council election

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan has confirmed his candidacy for October’s council elections, unveiling his plan to revitalise the CBD.

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan has confirmed he is running for local council in October’s election. Picture: Supplied

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan has confirmed his candidacy for October’s council election.

Despite keeping his cards close to his chest last week, Mr Sullivan said on Friday he would be running for the Leopold ward.

He also confirmed he would be putting up his hand again for mayor, if re-elected.

Mr Sullivan, 32, said he was proud of the part he had played in improving the Geelong region however there was “always more work to be done”.

“During my time as mayor, we’ve made some great strides but there is more I want to do,” he said.

Mr Sullivan said his key priorities included revitalising Geelong’s CBD and continuing to invest in the Bellarine region.

He revealed a six-point plan to tackle issues plaguing the CBD.

“The first thing is fixing Market Square,” Mr Sullivan said.

“We need to make sure that land in the heart of our CBD brings benefit to our residents.”

Mr Sullivan and Geelong council chief executive Ali Wastie attempted to meet with the international owners of Market Square earlier this month in Singapore but no meeting eventuated.

Council is now looking to compulsorily acquire the site, with multiple tenants moving out of the centre in the past year.

Mr Sullivan’s plan also involves “getting the city moving again” and hopes to continue working with the state government to relocate the troublesome Moorabool St bus exchange.

He said Geelong council should follow the lead of other local governments and hire private security to patrol the CBD’s troublesome areas and during peak times.

“We need to cut down on the amount of anti-social behaviour we are seeing (in the CBD),” Mr Sullivan said.

“Police are already stretched with resources, they do a great job but I understand the strain on them.”

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan at the opening of the new aquatic centre in Norlane. Picture: Supplied

Mr Sullivan is one of four vice presidents of the Liberal Party’s Victorian branch and previously served as the president of the Geelong Regional Young Liberals group.

He did not specify whether he plans to run for state or federal parliament in the future when asked by the Addy on Friday.

“I believe when you put your hand up for a job, you commit to it and do it well,” he said.

He recently said he “didn’t want to be a councillor for life” and that it “would be good to get some private sector experience” during his career.

Mr Sullivan was elected mayor in November 2022, making him the youngest councillor to hold the position since the amalgamated council was formed in 1995.

Mr Sullivan also hopes to encourage more brick and mortar businesses to set up shop in the CBD and “activate” the area with more arts and culture.

He said the city has the largest job growth in the region and the highest rate of new businesses but our CBD “doesn’t reflect that”.

He said the city has the fastest growth rate of jobs in the Victoria and the highest rate of new businesses but the state of the CBD “doesn’t reflect that”.

“We have to rectify that, that’s a real priority,” he said.

Mr Sullivan also hopes to bring back tip vouchers for those doing it tough in our community to help reduce dumping.

Originally published as Geelong mayor Trent Sullivans confirms his candidacy for October’s council election