By Justin Flynn
Stephanie Asher will not return as City of Greater Geelong mayor, saying the decision was “vital” for a working relationship between council and the new federal government.
Ms Asher was the Liberal Party’s candidate for the seat of Corangamite in last month’s federal election. She lost to Labor’s Libby Coker.
Ms Asher was elected to council in October 2017 and was elected mayor two years later, but took a leave of absence to run for the seat of Corangamite.
Ms Asher will formally step down as mayor on June 15 and return to her position as a councillor.
“It has become apparent that the best thing for achieving progress – particularly in relation to the vital working relationship between the new federal government and the council – is to have a change of mayor,” Ms Asher said.
“Since returning as mayor last week, my aim has been to work closely and intently with my council colleagues to achieve the best outcomes for the City and, most importantly, choose the course that will best serve our community.
“The role of mayor is not a political role, it’s a community representative role. I have never mixed the two and party politics has never been welcome or accepted in the chamber during my time as mayor.
“Our future needs to be about looking forward together, continuing to use our diversity of opinion towards better outcomes, not dividing on the basis of party politics.
“We have been a council that has achieved a lot together since 2019, despite the pandemic. I don’t wish to see projects stopped or negativity taking over from our positive and well-mannered group.
“I’m very grateful for the lovely support of many people in our community who have encouraged me to continue in the role.
“Heartfelt thanks to my council colleagues for their support. And I pay particular tribute to deputy mayor Trent Sullivan for performing the role of mayor since January.
“Thank you also to our community – which has continually provided such insightful feedback and input on council plans and projects.
“Geelong is realising the potential we have all seen for so long and, as I depart the mayoral role, I’m comfortable I have led a council that has given its absolute all to advancing the cause of our region.”
A date and time for a special meeting of council to elect a new mayor will be communicated in the coming days. Once elected, the new mayor will serve until the scheduled mayoral election in November 2022.
