New mayor Paul Tatchell says he will focus on grassroots issues after being elected to Moorabool’s top job for the first time.
Cr Tatchell received five votes to Cr Tom Sullivan’s two in last Wednesday night’s count.
Cr John Spain will be deputy.
Cr Tatchell replaces Cr Pat Toohey, who decided against standing.
Cr Tatchell, in his second year as a councillor, said he couldn’t have imagined becoming mayor so soon, but things had changed.
“The timing’s probably right for me,’’ he said. “There’s a perception you need to lead from the front, but I like the more holistic feel of leading from behind.’’
Cr Tatchell said he wanted to make sure that all residents felt welcome to express their opinions.
“[Being a councillor is not like] being a politician; you don’t work for a party. It’s grassroots. You work for the people, those in Elaine, Balliang.”
Councillors also voted on a trial change to the meeting schedule, with meetings to be held on the first Wednesday of each month. Four meetings a year will be held in Bacchus Marsh, four in Ballan, and one each in Elaine, Bungaree, Dunnstown and Blackwood.
The plans were last week welcomed by residents of outlying towns, who believe they will lead to greater community involvement.
