Going, going, going ... Crs Michael Whelan, Clare Le Serve, Les Larke and Geoff Ellis
By Catherine Watson
AFTER three progressive councils, the pendulum could be about to swing for Bass Coast Shire with the exodus of three current left-leaning councillors, Clare Le Serve, Michael Whelan and Geoff Ellis.
If the council does swing right, there will likely be less interest in issues such as climate action, reconciliation, the environment and gender equity and more on the traditional three Rs of local government: “roads, rates, and rubbish”.
After two optimistic, visionary terms, where the money was flowing from State Government and cheap loans were available for capital works, it’s likely to be a case of buckling down for the next council team.
AFTER three progressive councils, the pendulum could be about to swing for Bass Coast Shire with the exodus of three current left-leaning councillors, Clare Le Serve, Michael Whelan and Geoff Ellis.
If the council does swing right, there will likely be less interest in issues such as climate action, reconciliation, the environment and gender equity and more on the traditional three Rs of local government: “roads, rates, and rubbish”.
After two optimistic, visionary terms, where the money was flowing from State Government and cheap loans were available for capital works, it’s likely to be a case of buckling down for the next council team.
Standing again ... Crs David Rooks, Rochelle Halstead, Ron Bauer and Leticia Laing
Crs Ron Bauer and David Rooks (Island Ward), Rochelle Halstead (Western Port Ward) and Leticia Laing (Bunurong) will seek re-election and all have a good chance of being returned.
Cr Brett Tessari: Undecided Cr Brett Tessari, a councillor since 2016 and three-time mayor, is still undecided. “Am I burnt out after eight years? Probably. But I feel I owe it to the community to go one more term because times are going to get tough and we need experienced, level-headed councillors there.”
If Cr Tessari does decide to stand, he has one more decision to make: whether to stand in the Bunurong Ward again or switch to the Western Port Ward, which includes all of North Wonthaggi following a recent boundary change.
North Wonthaggi voters now make up around one-third of the roll in Western Port, although so far all the potential candidates are from the Waterline towns or San Remo.
Western Port is the most open election, with Crs Le Serve and Ellis bowing out. Cr Rochelle Halstead, the current deputy mayor, will stand again. Jan Thompson has also announced her candidacy.
If Cr Tessari does decide to stand, he has one more decision to make: whether to stand in the Bunurong Ward again or switch to the Western Port Ward, which includes all of North Wonthaggi following a recent boundary change.
North Wonthaggi voters now make up around one-third of the roll in Western Port, although so far all the potential candidates are from the Waterline towns or San Remo.
Western Port is the most open election, with Crs Le Serve and Ellis bowing out. Cr Rochelle Halstead, the current deputy mayor, will stand again. Jan Thompson has also announced her candidacy.
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In Island Ward Cr Michael Whelan, two-time mayor, is bowing out and Cr David Rooks and Cr Ron Bauer have a good chance of being re-elected. Several other potential candidates have expressed interest in running and look likely to be battling for the one remaining spot.
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The Bass Coast Post will run a Q&A with all candidates as part of our election coverage. Please email [email protected] if you are standing for election. |
In Bunurong, Cr Leticia Laing is standing again. She was elected in 2020, has served a term as deputy mayor and has strong support particularly in Cape Paterson.
The only other confirmed candidate for Bunurong so far is Mat Morgan, who is standing as an endorsed Greens candidate. Mr Morgan was the Greens candidate for Monash at the 2022 federal election and the Greens candidate for Eastern Victoria at the 2022 state election.
Only the Greens Party requires its members to stand as endorsed candidates, but several other candidates, or potential candidates, have party political links.
The only other confirmed candidate for Bunurong so far is Mat Morgan, who is standing as an endorsed Greens candidate. Mr Morgan was the Greens candidate for Monash at the 2022 federal election and the Greens candidate for Eastern Victoria at the 2022 state election.
Only the Greens Party requires its members to stand as endorsed candidates, but several other candidates, or potential candidates, have party political links.
- Cr Brett Tessari was the National Party candidate for Bass at the 2022 state election.
- Cr Halstead was the Liberal Party candidate for Frankston in 2006.
- Jan Thompson is endorsed by Alan Brown, president of the Bass Coast branch of the Liberal Party and former state party leader.
Election timeline
Sept 9: Nominations open
Sept 17: Nominations, candidate statements, photographs, and questionnaires close
Sept 18: Ballot draw
Oct 7: Ballot pack mail out begins
Oct 25: Voting closes
Nov 1: Postal votes must be received by 12 noon
Nov 15: Election results declared
Full information is available at the Victorian Electoral Commission. Candidates must complete the free online Local Government Candidate Training before nominating. and are also encouraged to join a VEC information session.
Sept 9: Nominations open
Sept 17: Nominations, candidate statements, photographs, and questionnaires close
Sept 18: Ballot draw
Oct 7: Ballot pack mail out begins
Oct 25: Voting closes
Nov 1: Postal votes must be received by 12 noon
Nov 15: Election results declared
Full information is available at the Victorian Electoral Commission. Candidates must complete the free online Local Government Candidate Training before nominating. and are also encouraged to join a VEC information session.