Greens preselect candidates for new Montague and Port Melbourne wards

The Greens have announced the preselection of further candidates ahead of October’s City of Port Phillip local government elections, including for the new local Montague and Port Melbourne wards.

Following changes to the Local Government Act 2020, Port Phillip will now be split into nine wards as opposed to the previous three, with Gateway Ward having formerly represented the South Melbourne and Port Melbourne communities.

The changes are largely tipped to favour The Greens’ grassroots political style and last month it announced its first three candidates, which included local resident Earl James who will run in the new South Melbourne Ward, as well as Liliana Carranza (Elwood Ward) and former Deputy Mayor Tim Baxter (St Kilda Ward).

On April 14, it announced a further three candidates in fellow local resident Ahmed Elsayed, who will run in the Montague Ward, Richard Whitfield (Port Melbourne) and Rachel Iampolski (Balaclava Ward).

Montague and surrounding precincts in Fishermans Bend are already undergoing rapid change and population growth, and Mr Elsayed said more affordable housing, accessible transport and equitable economic development was what was needed.

“As a proud resident of this area, I am passionate about giving back to this community and bring over two decades of professional expertise in project management and community services,” he said.

“I am committed to championing environmental sustainability, fostering social equity and transparency in government,” adding that he would ensure the community was “adequately consulted through regular town hall meetings and forums”.

Meanwhile, Port Phillip Emergency Climate Action Network member Richard Whitfield, who also sits on the City of Port Phillip’s Older Persons Advisory Committee will challenge for the new Port Melbourne ward.

Mr Whitfield, who holds a PhD in engineering, said he was passionate about his local community.

“Whether it’s volunteering for the beach clean-up, local fruit harvesting or mentoring young people with their career development, I love this place and its people,” he said. “I will advocate for progressive policies at all levels of government, fostering a brighter future for all residents of Port Phillip.”