Bass Coast councillors have elected Michael Whelan as Mayor for 2021-22. He was the only nominee for the position. Bass Coast Post: Why did you want to be Mayor?
Cr Michael Whelan: I like to get things done. I commend Brett for his great work over the past three years and look to building on that.
I am a strategic thinker and I think my government relations experience will be of great benefit in the challenges in the year ahead as we face a Federal and a State election.
I'll also drive the climate change action plan with an emphasis on the opportunities as well as the challenges it presents.
A key area of our approach needs to be our relationship with Landcare and the carbon farming initiative. I want to broaden that out to include other forms of carbon laydown including blue carbon.
Cr Michael Whelan: I like to get things done. I commend Brett for his great work over the past three years and look to building on that.
I am a strategic thinker and I think my government relations experience will be of great benefit in the challenges in the year ahead as we face a Federal and a State election.
I'll also drive the climate change action plan with an emphasis on the opportunities as well as the challenges it presents.
A key area of our approach needs to be our relationship with Landcare and the carbon farming initiative. I want to broaden that out to include other forms of carbon laydown including blue carbon.
BCP: What’s your priority for the year ahead?
MW: Advocacy.
BCP: You bring a very different style to the role after Cr Tessari. How would you describe the difference?
MW: Advocacy.
BCP: You bring a very different style to the role after Cr Tessari. How would you describe the difference?
| MW: There is only one Brett Tessari - he is incredibly personable and knows everyone. I will be leaning on him to tap his knowledge, networks and radar. I will be collaborative and plan to involve councillors in community events and hope to support them in their objectives within the ward. I also like to delegate and support councillors pursuing specific policy areas. BCP: You’re renowned for being able to think on your feet, but the mayor doesn’t get to speak in debates. Won’t you find it hard to shut up? MW: I was very happy with the debate on Wednesday and covered the issues really well. It’s an interesting perspective being in the chair. The Mayor gets plenty of opportunity to speak on issues so I look forward to supporting my councillor colleagues. | Mayor's background Michael Whelan describes himself as a musician, a gardener and a writer with a passion to ensure a better future for his grandchildren. He was first elected to the council in 2016. Enhancing Phillip Island’s environment and climate change initiatives were a focus during his first council term. He was responsible for introducing the council's climate action plan. He also championed strong governance, the local economy, arts and transport, especially active transport. Cr Whelan was re-elected in 2020 and served as deputy mayor for the past year. Michael Whelan was a CFA officer for nearly 20 years working in operational, research and technical roles before being seconded to the Department of Justice to coordinate a range of multi-agency projects. He and his wife Mary have been coming to Phillip Island since the mid 1990s and moved here in 2009. Michael started the Bass Coast Acoustic Music club to seek out people to play music with and formed the Bass Coast Pickers with Allison Chapman, Mary and Rod Ward. |
BCP: With a federal election and a state election coming up next year, how will Bass Coast play it – and especially you as Mayor?
MW: We will be full on, we are well prepared – our strategic positions on the issues we wish to pursue are cogent and strong. We have great staff working in this area and we will be well rehearsed.
MW: We will be full on, we are well prepared – our strategic positions on the issues we wish to pursue are cogent and strong. We have great staff working in this area and we will be well rehearsed.