Over the past few years he has argued that Goulburn Mulwaree Council's former Bourke Street depot should be retained and incorporated into a new community centre.

That issue is still in a holding pattern but it's one the current deputy mayor intends to pursue if elected for another term.

He is one of 17 candidates standing at the December 4 poll. Elected in 2016, the former Goulburn Workers Club CEO and manager said he was keen to contribute.

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"I've enjoyed the past five years and there are some projects I'd like to see through," he said.

"I'm a big supporter of the Performing Arts Centre, the aquatic centre (under redevelopment) and the Riverwalk but some things will cause challenges."

He says while council finances are sound, adequate funding will be needed to service them. Likewise, housing growth is surging but infrastructure must keep pace. Strategic planning over the next 10 years will be vital not just in Goulburn but also the towns and villages, Cr Walker says.

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While every regional centre is trying to draw more business, he believes Goulburn Mulwaree must be more strategic and identify a point of separation.

"We need to keep reminding people that we have a skilled workforce, good services and resources here. I applaud the Goulburn Chamber of Commerce for its 'Shop Local' campaign," Cr Walker said.

But he believed Goulburn's TAFE campus could be much better used. Vacant buildings could be reinvigorated to house programs not currently available in Australia and more trades courses, which were in demand.

Although a state responsibility, the deputy mayor argues the council has an advocacy role.

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"I'm not a believer in selling council assets (either)," Cr Walker said.

"We need to use our land and buildings productively and I think we've done that in the past few years."

A decision still looms on the Bourke Street depot's future, with a report on options to be presented to a future briefing session.

But Cr Walker maintained it should be kept and a purpose built community centre constructed at the front.

"At the moment we are paying rent on the Auburn Street building (community centre). That money could be used to service a loan for a new facility to accommodate services for the elderly, youth and a whole lot of groups," he said.

A permanent home for Riding for the Disabled and Goulburn Campdraft has been another pet project. With plans well underway for the Taralga Road facility on council land, Cr Walker says he wants to see it to fruition.

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The rural areas are just as important in his book. The council must continue to support community projects but also champion their causes.

Out at Tarago, for example, Veolia's proposed $600 million waste to energy project has sparked concern and anger. Action groups have sprung up and the council has joined the fight on residents' behalf.

"I'm absolutely against the incinerator. I've made this well known," Cr Walker said.

"I also spoke against the Jerrara Power (proposed waste to energy) plant at Bungonia. The big picture is that these things shouldn't be in rural areas at all. It is not a case of NIMBYism but about not accepting Sydney's waste and a facility that may impact the community's health."

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Finally, he sees a second access for Run-O-Waters at Goulburn as vital and firmly believes the Shannon Street extension is the best option.

Overall, he felt the council had performed well over the last term and used grant funding wisely, particularly that for drought, COVID-19 impacts and flood damage.

Cr Walker said he'd enjoyed the deputy mayoral role for the past three years and as a retiree, had time to devote to council responsibilities.

"I think to be an effective councillor you need commitment, to be a good listener and have the ability to put your point across," he said.

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