The new Geelong council will have just one fresh face, Put Climate First candidate Belinda Moloney, after voters re-elected 10 of 11 current councillors.
The Kardinia ward candidate was “overwhelmed” but “excited” after the Victorian Electoral Commission announced the results on Wednesday.
“It hasn’t sunk in at this point,” she said.
Dr Moloney credited her election to Put Climate First, which fielded seven candidates in greater Geelong and neighbouring municipalities.
The IT worker and university lecturer thanked family, friends and environmental groups for their support.
“During COVID it’s very difficult to extend your networks and get your information out there,” she said.
“It was a very groundswell type of initiative.”
Dr Moloney listed COVID-19 recovery, increasing council transparency and improving its Sustainability Framework Action Plan as her priorities.
Put Climate First ran on a plan of Geelong council achieving zero emissions by 2030, which Dr Moloney said would be a “monumental endeavour”.
“But I think if we hit it with as much gusto as we have COVID, it won’t be as monumental. Geelong could be a real leader and innovator in how we tackle climate change.
“We can create a change from the ground level up, which starts at council.”
Dr Moloney said she had “big shoes to fill” replacing sole outgoing councillor Pat Murnane.
“He’s a pillar in the community and he’s quite an unsung hero, especially with all the food relief endeavours he’s been involved in.”
After preferences, Dr Moloney narrowly ousted fourth-placed Kardinia ward candidate Jack Williams, who said on Wednesday morning he would not call for a recount.
Bruce Harwood placed first in Kardinia ward followed by Ron Nelson, while Anthony Aitken and Kylie Grzybek regained their seats in Windermere ward.
Councillors Stephanie Asher, Trent Sullivan and Jim Mason all won convincingly on first count and preferences in the Bellarine ward.
Sarah Mansfield, Eddy Kontelj and Peter Murrihy were also re-elected in Brownbill ward.
