Stuart Baker confirms he will definitely stand at Albury Council elections in September

Mr Baker has confirmed he will be standing for re-election and will turn his attention to campaigning once the Winter Solstice mental health event is held next Monday.

In March, he flagged a return to local government after standing down in 2008 after two terms which included being mayor in 2007-08.

But a mayoral comeback wasn't on his radar and was concentrating solely on winning a spot on the nine-member council which had its term extended by one year due to COVID-19.

"I would be really reluctant to be mayor," he said.

"I think there would be a better mayor than me.

"It's not on my radar."

Mr Baker is a member of the family-owned Baker Motors car dealership company and been a passionate mental health advocate.

He recently paddled across Bass Strait with Matt Flower to raise funds for mental health.

Mr Baker has also been a strong advocate for a regional indoor aquatics facility in his 13-year absence from council, but said pools wasn't the single motivating factor about seeking a local government return.

"After two terms out I've got some unfinished business and I would like to make a positive difference," he said.

"It won't be all about aquatics, but it will be one of the topics.

"I'm just a bit concerned about what has been happening.

"I am worried about Lavington and what was spent out there. There needs to be an independent look at how that all came about in the next council term and I think people would like to see some transparency coming out of Kiewa Street.

"Because of that (issue) I think there is going to be a lot of people running."

Blowouts with the $19.6 Lavington Sportsground redevelopment has been one of the major controversies of the current council.

The head contractor of stage one of the project, Depan, went under financially and left local sub-contractors out of pocket.

The liquidation process remains unresolved, but the prospect of council paying outstanding amounts has been raised by councillors and Farrer MP Sussan Ley with the federal government a major funding contributor to the project.

IN OTHER NEWS

The council agenda for tonight's meeting contains a recent update on the saga.

"Awaiting completion of liquidation process, which is dependent upon (Australian Securities and Investments Commission's) assistance to obtain information requested by the liquidator from the director and de-facto director regarding possible voidable transactions, per most recent advice provided by the liquidator on (June 3). It is also understood that ASIC are experiencing delays due to a backlog as a result of COVID-19."

In 2004, Mr Baker was the only successful "below the line" candidate, but this time around he will be spearheading a ticket of other candidates who are yet to be confirmed.

Another former Albury councillor, Daryl Betteridge, has also confirmed he is seeking a return in September.

He also served two terms before stepping down in 2016.

Mr Betteridge confirmed the make-up of his ticket and he will be joined by Barbara Hull, Jodie Tiernan, Brian Grenfell and Gavin Grant.

Mrs Hull's husband Neville is a former Albury councillor and Ms Tiernan, Mr Grenfell and Mr Grant have previously stood on Mr Betteridge's election tickets.

"The ticket we've put together come from small business backgrounds, well connected in the local community and wish to bring responsible representation to the table," Mr Betteridge said.

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