This story was revised on September 18 after final nominations were confirmed.
Going, going, going ... Crs Michael Whelan, Clare Le Serve 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 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.
In the Bunurong Ward, all three councillors are seeking re-election after a surprise nomination by Cr Les Larke, who has rarely been seen in the current council term.
In the Bunurong Ward, all three councillors are seeking re-election after a surprise nomination by Cr Les Larke, who has rarely been seen in the current council term.
Seeking re-election: Bunurong councillors Brett Tessari, Leticia Laing and Les Larke
Cr Brett Tessari, a councillor since 2016 and three-time mayor, was also a late decider. “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.”
Standing again ... Crs David Rooks, Ron Bauer and Rochelle Halstead.
Crs Ron Bauer and David Rooks (Island Ward) and Rochelle Halstead (Western Port Ward) will seek re-election and all have a good chance of being returned.
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.
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.