Two contenders have emerged for Surf Coast Shire mayor with experienced councillor Heather Wellington and fresh face Libby Stapleton declaring their interest this week.
Cr Wellington, who won more than a third of the primary vote in Winchelsea ward, called for “cultural change” and transparency within the shire’s administration.
“I’ve made my position clear and I got a very strong endorsement of that position from the community,” she said.
Previously council had failed to ensure the shire was accountable and acting in ratepayers’ interests, Cr Wellington said.
She cited her 13 years’ experience in council, and board and chair positions for organisations including Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, GHMBA, National Heart Foundation and Barwon Health.
She said believed she had the “knowledge, experience and community confidence” to lead cultural change in an organisation as “large and complex” as the shire.
Cr Stapleton, who won Anglesea’s primary vote, declared she was “certainly considering” running for mayor.
“I have been encouraged to do it, which is a positive start,” she said.
Cr Stapleton hoped to build a “strong and respectful” council that “works well together” for “a new way forward”.
“The community has obviously spoken when they’ve elected seven new councillors,” she said.
Cr Stapleton said former mayors Libby Mears and Ruth MacGowan would mentor her.
“I’m not foolish enough to think I’ll understand the mechanics of being mayor from day one.”
Cr Wellington raised concerns about Ms Mears, currently chairing state government’s Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority, potentially mentoring the mayor.
But Cr Stapleton said she had been transparent about the relationship and would follow council guidelines to avoid conflicts of interest.
Previous mayor Rose Hodge and councillors Adrian Schonfelder and Gary Allen declined to declare or rule out running.
Cr Schonfelder backed Cr Hodge after her “excellent job in unprecedented circumstances”, while Crs Allen and Hodge declined to divulge their “informal discussions” with other councillors.
Crs Paul Barker and Liz Pattison ruled out running due to work and family commitments respectably.
Cr Barker said selecting a mayor without council experience would be “folly” while Cr Pattison said both Crs Wellington and Stapleton had the “qualities” to be mayor.
Crs Mike Bodsworth and Kate Gazzard did not return the Independent’s calls prior to deadline.
