SOCIAL worker Belinda Coates will stand as a candidate in October’s Ballarat City Council elections.
Ms Coates said yesterday she would stand again in the central ward after being narrowly defeated in the 2008 local government elections.
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“I’m passionate about community well-being and have worked in local community services for almost 20 years,” Ms Coates said.
“I’ve worked in allied health, counselling services, public service and tertiary education and have been active in a number of local community groups.
“This work has given me solid understanding of the issues faced by the people of Ballarat.”
Ms Coates, a member of the Greens party, said it would influence her values in the council chamber.
She said her main platforms would be community engagement, environmental sustainability and improving community services.
“It’s just getting the basics right. It’s about being sensible.
“Care for people, environment and economic prosperity are key priorities for me and I’m keen to see better community engagement in local government in Ballarat.
“Community health and well-being and sustainability are key areas in which council could improve their delivery.
“Council’s own reports show that, while their strategies in these areas are good, they fall down on implementation and community satisfaction.”
Ms Coates said the flawed Civic Hall proposal was another area the council had fallen down in, along with waste management and planning matters.
“For a council that promised good governance and increased transparency, there is a lot more that could have been achieved in these areas. I’ll be making them a high priority if I’m elected.”
