Andrew Banfield had resolved to step down from Goulburn Mulwaree Council this year.
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That was earlier in the year when it appeared that five new councillors would have to be elected.
"I didn't think the community needed that reset," he said.
"It takes 12 months to get your legs in and it's only a two-year term."
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In the end, only three current councillors opted out but by then Cr Banfield had decided on another tilt.
The 56-year-old was elected in 2008 and has served on several committees, including the Recreational Fishing Working Party which morphed into securing more seating and infrastructure for the Wollondilly Riverwalk, Pejar Dam and Copford Reach.
It's a source of pride to the self-confessed outdoors lover.
"It's an asset that we need to utilise and more needs to be done," he said of the waterways.
Like some of his colleagues, he wants to see through major projects on the books. These include the Performing Arts Centre and Aquatic Centre, due to be completed early next year. Cr Banfield also sat on the Goulburn hockey working party which oversaw the proposal to construct a new complex at the Workers Arena. That facility will be finished next April.
"Collectively as a council, under (general manager) Warwick Bennett's guidance, I think the region has really kicked ahead," Cr Banfield said.
"We have worked very cohesively so it's not about what I have achieved but what we've done as a group. I've learnt a lot about dealing with people and bringing business to town."
The Highland Source water pipeline from Wingecarribee Reservoir to Goulburn was also completed in his time.
He credits the infrastructure with injecting business confidence into Goulburn Mulwaree. Security of water supply had lured the Tribe Brewery but Cr Banfield argued its benefits flowed indirectly to large residential developments at Marys Mount and given faith to build major projects, like the aquatic centre.
But the region's growth is posing challenges. Cr Banfield is no fan of tight residential subdivisions with narrow roads. Although the council had introduced new controls governing amenity and infrastructure design, he maintained there was more to do.
"People coming out from Sydney are building these duplexes in subdivisions to make maximum profit. It's not right," he said.
"We need to deal with these controls because the houses are too small and the estates are congested. It's an abomination."
On heritage protection and infill design, he brands replica buildings as a poor compromise. In 100 years, people would question what happened to the architecture of today and the level of foresight, he argued. Other areas, like Albury, demonstrated how to successfully blend the old and new.
"My time on the council has been enjoyable and I've learnt a lot," Cr Banfield said.
"I still feel I have something to offer and I'll take the fight up for the little guy. We get a lot of complaints about planning matters and although we're bound by state rules and regulations, I think we can still make improvements."
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