HEALTH professional Richard Ziegeler wants to "preserve" the Warrnambool landscape and city.
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That, along with a life-long interest in making Warrnambool "as good a place to live as it can be", is why he's campaigning to join the city council in October.
He said protecting south-west beaches from pollution and the impacts of race horse training were at the front of his mind in standing for election since a bid in 2016 that placed him 11th among 25 candidates.
"We have to protect our natural attractions, because they are too easily ignored and exploited to our detriment," Mr Ziegeler said.
"We have to listen to the community and do what the community has asked for with the harbour."
He said he also wanted to see the city's buildings better preserved.
"You look around the central business district, not just Liebig and Koroit streets, there are none of the beautiful old buildings left," Mr Ziegeler said.
"People got permits from the council to destroy them. We have to try and preserve that country feel."
Mr Ziegeler, an occupational therapist, says he operates one of the only independent facilities for making artificial limbs and braces and splints in regional Victoria.
He moved to Warrnambool aged eight when his father took a healthcare role, moving the family from Melbourne.
Also a Dennington resident, Mr Ziegeler has been vocal about the location of The Lookout Residential Rehabilitation Centre, but said that was now out of the council's hands.
He believes the council has work to do improving communication and constitution with residents.
"The current problems are due to a councillors' view that they are beholden to council operations and officers and not to their constituents," Mr Ziegeler said.
"There is no general business allowed, no open question allowed at council meetings, and that culture has to change."
Mr Ziegleler is one of 14 candidates who have so far declared they will stand at the October poll.
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Jackson Graham
Jackson is a reporter for The Standard.
Jackson is a reporter for The Standard.
