Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood has announced he will run for another term, saying the next four years need to be about turning plans into reality.
Garwood, who was first elected to council almost four years ago, said he was proud of what had been achieved but believed the city’s best years were still ahead.
“Almost four years ago, this community made a pretty bold choice. A choice to back a young(ish) bloke with tattoos and a pocket full of dreams. Someone who didn’t fit the mould,” Garwood said.
“I put my hand up because I wanted to bring the community back to the table. I wanted Council to be more connected, more approachable and more focused on people.”
He described the past four years as both rewarding and transformative.
“To say it’s been wild is an understatement. I honestly don’t have the words to describe it. I can’t express how much I’ve learned or how much I’ve matured. I had to.”
During his first term, Garwood said the council had helped attract major events, secure millions of dollars in outside funding, support local businesses, invest in parks and public spaces and strengthen the city’s arts and cultural identity.
Looking ahead, he said the focus would shift to delivering projects already underway while continuing to grow the economy and liveability.
“We’ve ticked off projects that had been talked about for far too long, but we’re only just getting started,” he said.
“The next four years are about delivery. Turning plans into projects. Growing our economy. Creating more opportunities for our young people.”
Garwood said his campaign would focus on ideas rather than personalities.
“This campaign won’t be about attacking people. It’ll be about ideas, optimism and a genuine vision for where our city can go next.”
“I’m just a pretty normal bloke who believes in this city. I believe in its potential. I believe in its future. More importantly, I believe in its people.”
