Countback to decide new councillor

By Lia Bichel
A COUNTBACK to determine a new Springfield Ward Councillor will take place in the New Year.
Following the resignation of Springfield Ward Councillor Lorraine Wreford on 7 December, the Victorian Electoral Commission has advised that the position will be filled through a countback of votes from the November 2008 local election, at 11 am on Thursday 13 January 2011.
Ms Wreford, who was elected to State Parliament recently, was first elected to council in November 2003, and re-elected in 2005 and 2008. She served as Mayor in 2009-10. At a council meeting following the State Election, Ms Wreford told fellow councillors she had enjoyed working with the Casey Council but looked forward to her new role. She said she had strong ties with Morrodialloc, having grown up there and worked several years in Cheltenham.
“I look forward to moving back.”
She said her driving factor in running for State Government was the challenge.
“One of the main reasons I wanted to move from local to State Government is that many issues we lobby for at a local level are really state issues,” she said.
“Hopefully, I have done a lot for the community here but it is time to rise to a new challenge.”
On behalf of the council, City of Casey mayor Shar Balmes congratulated Ms Wreford on her new role and thanker her for her contribution to the Casey community over the past seven years.
“Not only was she a hard-working and dedicated councillor for the residents of Springfield Ward, but she also achieved many wonderful outcomes for the Casey community during her term as mayor this year,” Cr Balmes said.
“Ms Wreford was passionate about a number of key issues towards which she made significant contributions. These include addressing the issue of housing affordability, protecting Casey’s prime agricultural land from sprawling urban growth, supporting Casey’s business community and facilitating local jobs, and working to improve community health and wellbeing.”
Victorian Electoral Commission Returning Officer David Triplow said countbacks were used to fill vacancies in multi-councillor wards and unsubdivided municipalities if a councillor resigns or was ineligible to hold office.
“Those candidates who were unsuccessful at the general election and are still eligible to be elected will be included in the countback,” he said.
The countback will take place at the City of Casey Council Chambers, Magid Drive, Narre Warren.
For further information, contact the Victorian Electoral Commission on 9299 0791.