NICK Angelo will make his second tilt to be elected Tarnagulla Ward councillor when Loddon Shire residents go to the polls in October.
The Laanecoorie electronic engineer lost on preferences to Linda Jungwirth four years ago but said he remained committed to giving smaller communities a voice.
“I stood on a platform in 2020 of getting things done for all our towns, not just the bigger ones, and that’s the same reason I will stand again,” he said.
“I’m willing to listen to what the small community has to say and will try to make a difference for the little guy and supporting farmers, families, youth, small business and retirees.”
Mr Angelo said residents in Tarnagulla Ward remained concerned about the state of roads, small town infrastructure and mobile phone connectivity.
Last year, he was part of a group that built a repeater station to boost communication signals in notorious phone blackspots in southern areas of the Loddon Shire.
The CFA volunteer said district brigades had been without a communication backup before the CB repeater station went on air.
“There’s now a signal that can reach almost to Wedderburn, helping to improve safety in local towns,” he said.
Mr Angelo also wants greater promotion and awareness of small town history across the Tarnagulla Ward.
“It would be great to have local history boards telling the stories both to local residents and also visitors,” he said.
“Laanecoorie itself is a very popular destination for campers at the caravan park and along the Loddon River. It would be great for them to know more of our story.”
Mr Angelo last year was part of community calls for improvements on a sweeping bend of the Bendigo-Maryborough Road at Eddington.
“With the expansion of business and more trucks travelling to Eddington we should see action now before there are more accidents and fatalities … I’ve already attended too many as a CFA member,” he said.
“We want our roads to be safer for all, I will make this one of tthe hings to advance in standing up my the community and the things we need in our area.”
WHO’S STANDING SO FAR
Boort Ward: David Weaver.
Inglewood Ward: No declared candidates.
Tarnagulla Ward: Nick Angelo, Cr Linda Jungwirth, Carly Noble.
Terrick Ward: Cr Dan Straub
Wedderburn Ward: No declared candidates.
Nominations open September 9.
Nominations close: September 17.