Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors met last night (18 November) and elected mayor Cr Anthony Marsh and deputy mayor Cr Paul Pingiaro for another 12 months, appearing to continue the majority councillor’s campaign of change at the shire.
The meeting started with a motion resolving to determine the term of a new mayor and once determined at one year, to establish the office of deputy mayor.
Calling for nominations for mayor, Cr Andrea Allen nominated Marsh while Cr Michael Stephens nominated Cr Max Patton.
Given the opportunity to speak on their nominations, Marsh said “As an incumbent, I don’t think what I say in the next few minutes is going to make a big difference, but I’ll just refer to my record. I have been incredibly privileged and humbled to serve in this position over the past 12 months and I’m happy to do that again”.
Patton told the councillor group “I’m standing for mayor this evening to provide another option to the council group”.
“I think it’s important in a democracy to have a couple of choices. I think each year is an opportunity for renewal and I do get the feeling that there’s a want for that in the room.
“So, without going into the previous year, I’m focused on the way forward. If I get the support to be mayor, I’m looking forward to a refreshing approach, the inclusion of all councillors in all matters and bringing the community along with us.”
Shire CEO Mark Stoermer then put it to the vote with Crs Williams, Pingiaro, Allen, Ranken, Batty and Marsh voting for Marsh, and Crs Gill, Stephens, Binyon, Patton and Roper voting for Patton. The final result being six votes to five in favour of Marsh.
Marsh, as the newly elected mayor, then resumed the chair of the meeting and moved and commenced the process of electing a deputy mayor.
Calling for nominations for the role of deputy mayor, Stephens nominated Patton and Ranken nominated Pingiaro.
Putting it to the vote, Crs Gill, Stephens, Binyon, Patton and Roper voted for Patton and Crs Williams, Pingiaro, Allen, Ranken, Batty and Marsh voted for Pingiaro. The final result being six votes to five in favour of Pingiaro.
Pingiaro then spoke on his re-election to deputy mayor.
“First of all, thank you to everyone for their support. It’s been a huge year and I’m honoured again to accept the role of deputy mayor”.
“We’re committed to cultural and organisational change and we’ve followed through with that in the past year. We’ve finalised our financial plan, council plan, public health and well being plan and adopted domestic animal management plans, but to name a few.
“We’ve increased road funding by 72%, delivered $4m in direct community grants and commence restoring access to many coastal facilities.
“We’ve undertaken a significant restructure, organised, addressed financial risks and broken ground on many projects.
“Now let’s turn stability into tangible, measured, measurable results for our community.”
Marsh then spoke on being re-elected mayor for another term.
“When I look back over the past 12 months, the feeling I have is one of pride, gratitude and optimism for the future ahead. The past year has been one of hard work, some pretty massive decisions, and constant momentum. And I couldn’t be more grateful for the people that have been part of that journey.
“To my fellow councillors, thank you all for your support and commitment. We have a diverse range of views, skills and experience in the room and I think that is something we need to see as our strength.
“The skills and experience around the table is something that we need to tap into more. And I agree with some of the comments we’ve heard of late about working together better and I’m sure we can do that.
“Moving forward, I aim to honour that diversity and ensure that all our voices can be heard and that we continue to serve this role with dedication and commitment.
“This is the year where our community and our organisation will begin to reap the benefits of the hard work done over the past year. The structures are mostly set, the plans are adopted and the team is now ready to deliver. And now is the time for that strong delivery in visible outcomes to come to our residents and our community.”
The next Mornington Peninsula Shire council meeting is scheduled for 2 December.
