Hand-over: Lindsay Schroeter congratulates Ron Humphrey on his re-election. Picture: Tommy Ritchie 53984
Erin Pearson
WINCHELSEA and Lorne will benefit from a “fresh focus” on council, according to Surf Coast Shire’s newest councillor.
Former councillor Ron Humphrey, of Torquay, has reclaimed his seat at council after a count-back of preferences following Lindsay Schroeter’s August retirement.
Mr Humphrey told the Independent he was “thrilled”.
He vowed to begin to work with Lorne and Winchelsea communities immediately under Mr Schroeter’s guidance.
“There are a lot of areas I want to cast a very keen eye over,” he said.
“I want to spend a lot of time in Winchelsea and Lorne and listen to people and take their concerns back to council. There are issues in these communities that Lindsay was very passionate about and I’m fairly confident I’ll represent them well.
“I’ll be going at least once a week to both places. I’ve made that commitment.”
Mr Humphrey, who lost his 2008 re-election bid, pledged to try “fitting in” with his new colleagues after clashing with members of the previous council.
“I want to tread very carefully and quietly and cooperate to the best of my ability but there are areas of concern as a councillor,” he said.
“I have no doubt this is a completely different environment in council than when I was on last time so hopefully things will work out okay.
“There have been a few people already who are happy to see me back.”
Mr Schroeter congratulated Cr Humphrey, saying he would “look after” Lorne and Winchelsea.
“I got on really well with Ron when he was on council, so I’m very happy he was re-elected,” Mr Schroeter said.
“There’s no councillor in the former Winchelsea shire left, so I hope Ron can keep an eye on the area.”
