Shooters, Fishers and Farmers (SFF) representative Andy Wood has thrown his hat into the ring for local government.
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The Goulburn Mulwaree Council local government elections are set to be held on Saturday, December 4.
Mr Wood was on the ballot for the 2019 state election and is now running for council. He decided to run after he observed an increase vacant and closed shops along Auburn Street.
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"We keep on seeing businesses close, move or disappear," Mr Wood said.
The candidate believes with more people moving to the area, "we should be seeing an expansion in our businesses".
While Mr Wood did not grow up in the region, he moved to Goulburn in 2003 and fell in love with the country lifestyle. He said Goulburn was his life, with his children, church and hobbies here.
The former teacher has spent 16 years teaching music at Mulwaree High School and Goulburn South Public School.
SFF party MP Mark Banasiak traveled to Goulburn to personally endorse Mr Wood's campaign.
Mr Wood was adamant the SFF was not a "one issue" party.
"The bottom line is, we are about the country," he said.
The council candidate urged people to vote for him, saying he would stand against "anything that is going to be detrimental to country communities".
In particular, he expressed firm opposition to the controversial Woodlawn waste to energy incinerator proposed in Tarago, and praised the council for opposing the project.
Mr Wood was adamant he would not be standing alone and had the SFF party behind him.
"We are not afraid of being controversial," he said.
"When we stand for the community, we don't bend for what is convenient."
When asked about the increased number of council candidates from political parties, Mr Wood said there was "no such thing as independent".
"Some councillors call themselves independent but they are extremely far from independent," he said.
"I'm declaring my allegiances."
Follow Andy Wood on Facebook @andywood4goulburn
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