King throws hat in the ring for return at October’s council election

By Contributed

Feb 16, 2024

On the ballot: Benalla Deputy Mayor Justin King has announced his intention to stand for a third term at October's council election. Photo by Simon Ruppert

Benalla Deputy Mayor Justin King has announced that he will be seeking re-election in the upcoming local government council elections to be held this October.

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Cr King said that the decision to announce his intentions to seek re-election early was based on wanting to connect further with the Benalla community during the next eight months.

“I have always found announcing early allows people the chance to discuss all matters relating to local government leading up to the election, which allows me to take to the community a platform of campaign commitments made by the community,” Cr King said.

Cr King said he is proud of what council has achieved in the last three and a bit years and is eager to continue to grow Benalla into the future if re-elected.

“This term of council has delivered some great projects, programs, and capital works for the Benalla Community. But there is still more to be done,” he said.

“With one of the biggest investments in roads, drains, footpaths and improving facilities and services it has been a council term that has really put in focus the needs of the community with a focus on the future.

“We have successfully delivered on projects such as the Benalla Visitor Information Centre and are actively progressing with the redevelopment of the Benalla Indoor Recreational Centre redevelopment.

“Also, we’ve demonstrated resilience in rebounding from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, a testament to the strength of our community, and have supported significant growth in future residential development in Benalla.

“Looking ahead, we have strategic plans to shape the landscape of Benalla, which includes a number of plans and developments which are exciting for our community”.

Cr King said he looks forward to speaking with the community in the lead-up to the October elections and will be making time to engage with people of all ages and from every corner of the Benalla electorate.

“I find campaigning to be an invaluable opportunity to gain a deeper insight into the community’s concerns and aspirations and to offer my support and ideas where needed,” he said.

“In the upcoming months, I intend to outline my commitments for re-election, which will be in line with my engagement with the community. I am very eager to hear from you.”