General News
20 August, 2024
Holt's reveal: When he wants to retire
VETERAN Loddon Shire councillor and mayor Gavan Holt will make his call in a fortnight on whether to seek a sixth term. Cr Holt has been the Wedderburn Ward representative since 2003 but says his preference is to retire in October. “I have been...
VETERAN Loddon Shire councillor and mayor Gavan Holt will make his call in a fortnight on whether to seek a sixth term.
Cr Holt has been the Wedderburn Ward representative since 2003 but says his preference is to retire in October.
“I have been part of community chats over recent months to encourage younger, quality candidates to stand in this year’s election where residents can consider them as the next representative of Wedderburn and the people across the ward,” Cr Holt said.
“We are at an exciting stage in the rejuvenation and new vibrancy of Wedderburn and the shire as a whole.
“Much has been achieved in recent years and investment is also coming in our future from the State Government with the upgrade of Wedderburn College and plans proceeding for a child care centre.
“More housing, employment and community growth are ahead of us and it is my preference to hand the baton of representation on to a younger person who has the qualities needed to advocate for the ward and contribute to discussion and decisions that will continue to see business and agriculture at the heart of our local economy.
“If there is no one ready to step up ... perhaps the timing is not quite right for their professional and personal circumstances, I won’t see Wedderburn Ward or the council left in the lurch and would be prepared to renominate for what would definitely be my last term on council.”
Cr Holt said he had a scheduled 10-day break this month and would make the decision when he returned.
Council nominations for the five wards - Boort, Inglewood, Tarnagulla, Terrick and Wedderburn - open on September 9 and close nine days later. Three challengers have now been confirmed to Tarnagulla Ward’s Cr Linda Jungwirth with Moliagul’s Charmain Sheppard the latest to announce her run.
Inglewood Ward’s Cr Wendy Murphy is yet to declare her intentions. She said last month: “I will make an announcement on my intentions in the coming weeks.”
Cr Dan Straub will seek a second term in Terrick Ward while farmer David Weaver will stand in Boort Ward where long-time councillor Neil Beattie is retiring.