By John Van Klaveren
Geelong’s first directly elected Mayor, Keith Fagg, bid a teary farewell to the job today, citing health issues.
Cr Fagg announced his immediate resignation but did not elaborate on the health issues he faces, pleading for privacy.
“I am faced with personal health concerns which, after seeking professional advice, mean I cannot continue in this role,” he said in a prepared statement.
“I am disappointed this will not allow me to properly fulfill the confidence of the people of Geelong. However, health and family must come first.”
Cr Fagg paused several times during his announcement as emotions welled to the surface.
Cr Fagg was elected to the role last October, with a significant majority over a packed field of candidates, taking the reins in November.
He said his commitment to the Geelong community remained strong and hoped to contribute “in other ways in due course”.
He said he was proud of a number of initiatives including Enterprise Geelong and the recently-formed CBD taskforce.
Cr Fagg said he supported the concept of a directly elected mayor for Geelong although the model could be improved.
He said he looked forward to the next chapter for the city and asked for support for the new mayor.
City CEO Stephen Griffin said Cr Fagg was extremely well respected and his presence from the mayoral office would be sadly missed.
A fresh mayoral election will cost $200,000 and would be held within three months, he confirmed.
Mr Griffin said any current councillor seeking to stand for mayor would first have to resign, however the local government act says a councillor may stand in a by-election and resign if elected.
The election would be held on a Saturday on a date to be decided by the local government minister.
Deputy mayor Cr Bruce Harwood will step in as acting mayor until the election is finalised. He ruled out standing for mayor.
Cr Harwood said councillors held a number of “emotional discussions” with Cr Fagg over the resignation.
He said Cr Fagg demonstrated a high level of passion and drive and he had advised him to “slow down” on occasion because Cr Fagg “took a lot personally”.
Cr Harwood agreed the directly elected mayor model “could be improved in some areas”.
A state government review of the system is due next year.
