Amy Hume
MITCHELL Shire Council has appointed the north ward’s Cr Graeme Coppel its new mayor for the next 12 months after an election last Monday.
In his first Mayoral position, Cr Coppel ensured increased levels of community consultation and engagement under his leadership.
“I am passionate about local government and good governance,” he said.
“I believe local government is the rawest and healthiest form of democracy that we have.”
He said he would encourage respect between councillors, ensuring good governance and welcoming opinions from all councillors and ratepayers.
He also pledged preservation of the Mitchell environment, management of sustainable growth in all wards and providing services to a growing community.
The councillor has served on Mitchell Shire Council since 2008 and hopes to bring a new approach to local government.
In expressing his interest in the mayor role, he highlighted his experience with negotiations, managerial roles and state, federal and foreign ministers.
Former mayor Cr Bill Melbourne did not seek another term.
Cr Ross Lee and Robert Parker were the only councillors to publicly contest the position, in favour of Cr Lee, but were defeated by a 6-2 vote (Cr Des Callaghan was absent).
Cr Parker nominated Cr Lee, but without fellow supporters, Cr Lee seconded the nomination himself.
In expressing his interest for the role, Cr Lee tried to sway votes by forfeiting his rights to a mayoral vehicle.
Cr Lee also voiced concerned that the mayoral role would not be equally shared around the wards.
“It’s time for a change, not more of the same,” he said.
“We’re moving into a new era in Victoria.”
He said his eight years of experience and connections would benefit the council.
“I am fiercely independent but conservative in politics,” he said.
Crs Parker and Lee were the only councillors to oppose Cr Coppel’s election.
After reviewing the Local Government Act, councillors decided not to appoint a deputy mayor for this term.
It was discussed that the demands and duties of the deputy mayor could be more effectively enacted by sharing the work-load among all councillors.
Upon resignation, Cr Melbourne spoke of some of the year’s highlights including Governor of Victoria David DeKretser’s visit in July, progress on the Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Walkway in Seymour, Wandong’s Memorial Garden and the Say G’day Trail.
He was presented with a painting for his time as mayor.
“It has been an honour to serve my fourth term as Mayor of Mitchell Shire Council over the last 12 months,” he said.
“Each term has offered new challenges and experiences from which I have gained a greater understanding and deeper appreciation for the people and places that make Mitchell Shire great.
“The challenge now is to fit our ambition and vision into the next two years with a vision of what we want our shire to be in ten or even twenty years from now.”
Cr Melbourne thanked and acknowledged all who supported him throughout his time as mayor.
He said he was confident that the council would continue to do well and wished council success for the year to come.
