Greens trio aims for council election

For the first time, three endorsed Greens candidates across the central, south and north wards have put their hand up for the upcoming local government elections.

Current deputy mayor Belinda Coates (central ward) has signaled her push for re-election, alongside first time candidates Tony Goodfellow (south ward) and Angus McAlpine (north ward)

Cr Coates said on Friday that there was plenty of work yet to be done on the environmental front, but said progress had been made over the past term.

Cr Coates acknowledged the current council had faced significant challenges with ongoing issues on the Civic Hall and saleyards site, but said securing future jobs for the city remains a priority.

“(My) priorities are built on my values and principles and Greens policies,” she said.

“(I aim to bring in) a lot of things I’ve been pushing in this term, but we really need to focused on future jobs for the city.”

Mr Goodfellow said Cr Coates’ influence over the past term had encouraged him to stand for election.

“There needs to be some change in Ballarat and Ballarat is ready for the Greens,” Mr Goodfellow said.

“We’re going to have a good crack at taking over town hall this election.”

Mr Goodfellow said he would like to see the City of Ballarat set a goal for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Meanwhile, Mr McAlpine said a change in the current council is needed to allow more voices to be heard.

“A lot of people feel that certain demographics aren’t being heard,” he said.

“(Such as the) opinions of people who aren’t real estate owners, who are young, live musicians, artists – these people aren’t getting their voices heard.”

The trio will launch their campaign on Sunday and will be joined by Greens leader Greg Barber.