An independent councillor from the Otway Range ward standing for Surf Coast Shire 2024 elections.

I am proud to announce my candidacy for the upcoming Surf Coast Shire elections as an independent candidate representing the Otway Range Ward. For over 25 years, I’ve made my home in the stunning township of Lorne, nestled in the Otway Ranges with my wife and 2 boys.

As a sustainable small business owner, my wife and I operate a beachside café and surf shop, where we connect with our community daily over coffee, food and conversation. I understand the joys of running a small business, but I also recognize the challenges we face. We need advocation for better support and resources for small businesses.

Raised in Bellbrae, my roots run deep in the Surf Coast region, with my family having lived in Torquay and surrounds for generations. My grandfather was a well-known figure, establishing the first butcher shop and supermarket in Torquay, with my dad and uncle, where community members gathered and connected. I spent countless hours in our family business, stacking shelves with my siblings and enjoying the beaches between Torquay and Bells Beach and exploring the Otways.

My connection to the area continues today as my parents reside in Bellbrae, where I visit regularly. I love where we live and I know the Surf Coast.

My background includes experience in local government in the Surf Coast Visitor Information Centres and tourism management, where I worked alongside dedicated volunteers and community to promote sustainable tourism in our backyards. I’ve witnessed the potential for positive change within local government and am committed to embracing the good while striving for improvement.

As an active community member, I volunteer on the school council and have chaired tourism and traders associations and engage with various local organizations and stakeholders, including sporting and social clubs across the surf coast and emergency services. Engaging and giving back to communities is essential to me.

The Surf Coast is a place I hold dear, and as an avid all year surfer and nature enthusiast, I am dedicated to preserving our natural environment. I advocate for educating our youth about sustainability, including joining them in paddle out initiatives to protect our coastline from seismic testing and fossil fuel mining and hosting and experiencing surf and sustainable movies and event. We can learn a lot from our youth and together, we can foster a brighter future for our planet.

In addition to my business and community involvement, I am a passionate professional photographer, capturing the beauty of our region and covering local stories and events.

With years of experience in tourism, hospitality, business, and community engagement, I understand the need for improved communication and collaboration among the various agencies and stakeholders of the region.

I believe art is vital to our culture, having been involved in the Lorne Sculpture Biennale since its inception in 2005, and I actively support our amazing vibrant arts and music scene.

I am committed to advocating for sustainability in communities, tourism and businesses and addressing pressing issues like the housing crisis and cost of living. Despite being involved in years of discussions and workshops, we must refine our planning and implementation strategies to make real progress.  We need real affordable long term rentals for our community to sustain , exploring many different options including shire and crown land and working alongside the community to make this achieveable. I will remain unbiased and transparent to best represent the whole community on these issues, without siding with any one group.

Encouraging healthy, active, and connected lifestyles is essential. Our region needs accessible services, reliable and better public transport, safer regional roads and improved amenities to meet the diverse needs of all of the community, especially our youth and older generations.  I see firsthand the issues of our youth, while support and increased opportunities can see them engage and flourish in the community.

The new Otway Range Ward encompasses Lorne, Deans Marsh, Aireys Inlet, Anglesea, Bellbrae, Bells Beach, and Jan Juc, and the land between, with three council positions open. There are worthy candidates standing. I will engage with fellow councilors as a team without political influences as an independent.

These particular town and communities of the Otway Range Ward are very similar, we live in them because we love where we live, surrounded by nature.  The physical borders of these towns may not or cannot expand, but our communities can grow and sustain internally. 

Running for local council was a natural decision for me. I am committed to advocating for the best future for all residents—young and old—of this incredible region.  I invite you to engage with me about our community’s challenges and opportunities and open up the conversation.

So, Vote 1 for Leon Walker!

As your Otway Range Ward independent councilor, I will strive to engage and represent the Surf Coast communities with transparency, integrity, and advocacy to ensure we leave our community better now and for future generations.