First-time Surf Coast Shire councillor Libby Stapleton will lead council for a year after becoming mayor on Wednesday night.
Council voted 7-2 in favour of Cr Stapleton, with only Liberal Democrats councillor Paul Barker supporting her mayoral opponent Heather Wellington.
Cr Stapleton said during Wednesday night’s meeting that COVID-19 recovery would be her first priority as mayor.
The Anglesea ward councillor pledged to engage and “really listen” to understand the community’s needs.
“The election of seven new councillors … is an indication that our community is looking for change,” she said.
“During my campaign it became clear to me that the community wants a positive, proactive and collaborative council that can get on with the job of leading.
“I look forward to building positive and productive relationships with fellow councillors, and the council staff, to help achieve the organisation’s vision.”
Cr Stapleton acknowledged Greens councillor Kate Gazzard winning the primary vote in Torquay ward.
“This tells us that climate change is a key concern for our community,” she said.
She thanked her fellow councillors and acknowledged Cr Wellington’s nomination.
“Cr Wellington brings an enormous amount of experience and skill to our council, and has demonstrated how committed she is to our community,” she said.
She and Liz Pattison, who council elected unopposed as deputy mayor, said they would benefit from the local government experience of Cr Wellington and former mayor Rose Hodge.
Cr Wellington congratulated Cr Stapleton on the position. Council selected the mayor behind closed doors on Wednesday prior to the meeting.
That afternoon Cr Wellington called on chief executive officer Anne Howard to allow her to state her case for the position publicly.
Ms Howard allowed a vote in the live-streamed meeting but Cr Wellington was not allotted time to state her case.
