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VOTE 1 Aleta Moriarty

YOUR PROGRESSIVE, INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE

I’m deeply connected to Geelong—my hometown for three generations. Raising my family in Belmont, I’ve always felt a strong bond with this community, which is why I’m running for Geelong City Council.

Throughout my career, I’ve been driven by a commitment to creating positive change. Now, more than ever, I believe our community needs leadership that not only understands our challenges but is also committed to making a real difference. I bring a wealth of experience, a proven track record of leadership, and a deep-seated dedication to this role.

I’m not just offering words—I’m here to roll up my sleeves and deliver results.

As a true independent, my focus is on the needs of the community, not politics. I’m here to listen, to act, and to ensure the voices of Geelong are at the heart of every decision. It’s about putting people first, delivering real solutions, and building a future that reflects the values we all share. For me, it’s not about parties or agendas – it’s about making Geelong a better place for everyone. It’s time for change.

I am the most progressive candidate in Barrabool Hills. My platform focuses on the following areas that have been informed by my discussions with you on your priorities:

Cost of Living, Fairer Rates, and Affordable Housing

We’ve all felt the squeeze. Families are struggling, and it’s time to make life more affordable for everyone. Fairer rates and affordable housing are essential because no one should be priced out of their own community. We need to ensure that rate caps are delivered to households as intended, rather than passed off to businesses as tax cuts—taking millions out of the budget and supporting big business while households suffer. We need to put people first.

Expanded Childcare, Support for Libraries, Sports Grounds and Parks

Our children deserve the best start in life, and that means accessible, expanded childcare and well-resourced libraries. Quality childcare helps parents thrive while our libraries open up new worlds of knowledge and imagination for everyone, young and old. These are the pillars of opportunity, and we must invest in them.

Sustainability, Climate Action, Waste Management, Recycling and Tree Planting

The future is in our hands. We need to act decisively on sustainability and climate change by planting trees, creating green spaces, energy efficiency and renewables, protecting parks, and reducing our environmental impact. We owe it to future generations to make bold moves now, ensuring that Geelong is greener, healthier, and more resilient in the face of climate change.

Improved Council Governance, Financial and Human Rights Due Diligence, and Council Morale

Good governance is about trust, transparency, and integrity. We need to strengthen accountability across council operations, improve financial prudence, and introduce human rights due diligence to ensure our decisions uphold the dignity and rights of everyone in our community. At the same time, we must improve council morale by fostering a culture of respect, collaboration, and leadership. A healthy, motivated council doesn’t just benefit staff—it leads to better outcomes for the entire community.

Infrastructure (Road and footpath maintenance)

Our community is growing, and our infrastructure must grow with it. From better roads and public transport to modernized community facilities, we need to build and maintain the infrastructure that keeps Geelong moving forward. Our future can’t be held back by yesterday’s systems—we need to invest in the infrastructure of tomorrow, including greater investments in social infrastructure.

Local Development and Jobs

Local businesses are the backbone of our economy and supporting them means creating more jobs and promoting local development. When our businesses thrive, our community thrives. Together, we can foster growth that benefits everyone, building a stronger, more prosperous Geelong.

Recognition

A key priority for my campaign is the recognition of Indigenous rights and ensuring that the voices of First Nations people are heard and respected in all aspects of council decisions. I am committed to working closely with Traditional Owners to embed their knowledge and culture into our community, from protecting culturally significant sites to supporting Indigenous employment and leadership opportunities. Promoting reconciliation through tangible actions, including expanding the council’s Reconciliation Action Plan and celebrating Indigenous heritage through public art and cultural programs, will ensure we honour the past while building a future based on justice, respect, and inclusion for all.

Libraries Represent All that is Good

I have always had a deep love for books and libraries—they’re not just places filled with stories, but spaces where communities are brought together. From my early career as a publicist for children’s authors to organizing literary events right here at the Geelong Regional Library, I’ve seen firsthand the power of books to inspire, educate, and connect us all. Whether it’s getting lost in a novel or supporting our public libraries, my passion for all things books is unwavering. Libraries are the heart of our community, and I’m committed to supporting them.

Campaign Goal: 500,000 Plants

I believe leadership is about action, not just words. Our community is facing real struggles — from rising costs of living to food insecurity. When I learned that only 15% of Geelong residents are getting enough vegetables, and that people are skipping meals due to financial pressures, I knew I couldn’t run a typical campaign.

Instead of spending money on balloons, t-shirts, or how-to-vote cards, I decided to do something meaningful: My campaign promotional materials include vegetable seeds. My goal? To plant 500,000 vegetable and herb plants across Geelong by the end of my campaign.

We’re already well on our way, with hundreds of thousands of seeds out there. This isn’t just about a council seat – it’s about creating a lasting, positive impact for our community. Whether I win or not, I want to leave behind something that makes life a little better for all of us.

It’s time to take real action for Geelong. Together, we can grow a stronger, more sustainable future. For those that have received seeds, please look on the second page for instructions.

A Commitment to the Environment

Here in Geelong, we have the power to shape the future for generations to come. Climate change isn’t just a distant problem – it’s here, and it’s urgent. But we can do something about it. By taking real action and protecting our environment, we’re not just solving today’s challenges – we’re giving our children and grandchildren a world they can thrive in. Let’s lead the way and create a future we can be proud of.

Empowering Communities, Shaping Tomorrow

Over the past year, satisfaction with Geelong Council has plummeted to an all-time low. Nearly half of our residents are unhappy with council decision-making. Broken promises, stalled infrastructure projects, a $130 million budget black hole, and a spiralling cost-of-living crisis have left many feeling disillusioned.

Geelong deserves better. It’s time for change, and with your support, we can build a brighter future for our community.

Making a Difference

Aleta has more than 20 years of experience making a difference with some of the world’s most influential organizations, including the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the United Nations. Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to making a tangible difference.

Strong Record of Getting Things Done

Aleta has a strong record of delivering results including spearheading global poverty alleviation initiatives and successfully delivering major infrastructure projects across three countries. She was previously CEO of one of Victoria’s largest arts events, the Human Rights Arts and Film Festival, leading the organisation to record attendance and revenue.

Proven Business Leader

Aleta is a successful business owner and in her current role as Director of the Centre for Sustainability, where she works to enhance environmental sustainability and human rights outcomes for clients across Australia and around the world. She has a strong background in business and has previously worked in management for a number of Australia’s leading businesses. Aleta holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Cambridge.

Community First

Aleta is an active volunteer in Geelong, serving on the Disability Advisory Committee for the council and participating in various community initiatives.

Aleta Moriarty isn’t just a leader; she’s a dedicated member of this community. From organizing events at the Geelong Regional Libraries to rolling up her sleeves for causes like supporting refugees, Aleta is someone who shows up and puts in the work. She knows that real change happens when we come together, and she’s committed to making a difference in the lives of others. Whether it’s through her professional work or her volunteering, Aleta’s heart is with the people of Geelong – and she’s here to build a stronger, more inclusive future for us all.

Her favourite things to do in Geelong are walks by the river, going to Belmont market, op-shopping, visiting the botanical gardens and checking out the local eateries and Belmont and Highton.

Is there equity in rates setting?

Many were shocked to receive household rate increases this year, which exceeded both the State Government’s rate cap of 2.75% and the official inflation rate (CPI) of 3.5%. Geelong City Council’s recently approved budget reveals that residential rates will increase on average by 4.5%, while commercial entities will see an average rate cut of 5%, raising concerns of fairness, especially as residential property values are falling while commercial property values are rising. Even more concerning, household rates are set to rise by a total of around 20% over a four-year period, while commercial entities are planned to receive a total cut of 18.4%. This comes despite the State Government’s intention for the rate cap to provide stability for households during economic uncertainty.

Minister for Local Government, Melissa Horne, stated: “Fair Go Rates mean households have certainty over their council rates, and in 2024-25, the increase will be kept to the forecast inflation rate.” Residents are demanding more transparency and answers as to whether the rate cap intended for households is being used to benefit commercial entities. In response, many in the community asked for a petition to be started, which I did, and we’ve already gathered over 450 responses. Add your voice to ensure that decisions about rates are made openly and fairly for everyone in the community.

The cost of living is having a severe impact on Geelong residents.

Read this report, written by Aleta in her role as the Director at the Centre for Sustainability.

Our City, Our Vision, Our Candidate: Vote 1 Aleta Moriarty

I acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land, the Wadawurrung people of the Kulin Nation. I pay our respects to the Elders past, present and emerging.
I thank the Traditional Owners for custodianship of the land, and celebrate the continuing culture of the Wadawurrung people acknowledging the memory of honourable ancestors