Councillor David Owen has announced he will contest the next council election and says the pandemic and climate change are public health crises that must be dealt with now.
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Cr Owen said actions taken at a state and local level would help us all to deal with and recover from the extraordinary challenges of COVID-19 and climate change.
"Both have created public health crises that must be dealt with immediately," he said,
Cr Owen said the city needed a strong COVID-19 plan for recovery in all sectors, particularly local business.
"The necessary lockdowns have increased the incidence of domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse, child abuse, homelessness and suicide," he said.
"All those affected by this pandemic must receive the help they need."
Cr Owen said that Warrnambool aimed to be the most sustainable regional city in Australia.
"The community-led Warrnambool 2040 and Green Plan and the Warrnambool - Healthy City Strategy are great guides and will help us to reach that goal," he said.
"Listening to my fellow residents is my top priority, especially those who are experiencing hardship, and I am never afraid to speak up for what is right.
"I hope to continue making Warrnambool a better place for everyone."
Cr Owen said that to take the actions needed to create a more secure economic, social and environmental future we needed a strong, experienced council with good knowledge of procedure and an open-minded and energetic vision.
"We will need to be a unified council, dedicated to a healing and supportive work culture," he said.
For 30 years Cr Owen was owner/operator of Kodak Express and other Liebig Street and Warrnambool businesses.
During that time he was on the National Kodak marketing committee and for 10 years was store manager and volunteers coordinator of Lifeline in the south-west.
"I have much social justice and environmental experience as well as being an active life member of the Warrnambool Surf Life Saving Club, gaining a Royal Life Saving Association of Australia bravery award for the tragic incident at Stingray Bay," he said.
Cr Owen said he was most proud of the protection of Belfast Coastal Reserve, FOGO Waste, a pedestrian friendly Liebig Street, the successful campaign to stop oil drilling in the Great Australian Bight, the declaration of a council climate emergency, the Library Learning Hub, safer beach access, the Reid Oval redevelopment and the raising of the rainbow flag.
If re-elected he said he hoped to continue to drive the funding of the foreshore development plan, the Merri River plan in north Warrnambool and the Warrnambool - A Healthy City strategy.
"I'll support the youth of our city and encourage council involvement of indigenous residents, while recognizing their heritage and sovereignty," he said.
"I will also work with our arts and culture community, as they will play a vital role in the process of our recovery."
Warrnambool City Council candidates in the running:
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