Bendigo council candidate John Cooper suggests free parking for CBD shoppers

The Kangaroo Flat father previously ran in the Lockwood Ward in 2016, garnering 1.79 per cent of first preference votes.

Mr Cooper previously campaigned on similar election issues.

He has this time suggested free parking be made available to customers who buy goods and services from a business in the Bendigo CBD by introducing a receipt validation system, similar to that offered by Officeworks.

Mr Cooper wanted to see changes make to parking in the CBD so people would be more included to go there to shop.

He said his 2016 campaign was an interesting exercise that had helped him learn about the process.

"I see being on council as a way to help more people," Mr Cooper said.

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The 45-year-old is a member of the City of Greater Bendigo's Disability Inclusion Reference Committee.

He had also been involved in the Bendigo Autism Asperger Group.

Mr Cooper said people might know him for LGBTIQ advocacy.

He said he advocated for all minorities.

"I was raised to believe we live in an egalitarian society where everyone is encouraged to have a go and if you need a hand, you get a hand," Mr Cooper said.

"I'm a firm believer in a hand up, not a hand out."

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Mr Cooper is a founding member of The Reason Party, led by Fiona Patten.

Other candidates in the Lockwood Ward include Vyonne McLelland-Howe and Nathan Rogers.

The ward is presently represented by councillors Jennifer Alden, Matt Emond and Rod Fyffe.

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