General News
3 August, 2024
Murphy, Mayor yet to make re-election bid decision
MAYOR Gavan Holt and Inglewood Ward councillor Wendy Murphy are to to decide whether to contest October’s Loddon Shire elections. Cr Holt, the Wedderburn Ward representative for more than 20 years, said he would make a decision closer to the...
MAYOR Gavan Holt and Inglewood Ward councillor Wendy Murphy are to to decide whether to contest October’s Loddon Shire elections.
Cr Holt, the Wedderburn Ward representative for more than 20 years, said he would make a decision closer to the opening of nominations on September 9.
Cr Murphy, elected in 2020, on Monday said: “I will make an announcement on my intentions in the coming weeks.”
David Weaver last month announced he would stand in Boort Ward to succeed Cr Neil Beattie and Cr Linda Jungwirth (Tarnagulla Ward) and former mayor Dan Straub (Terrick Ward) announced earlier this year that they would seek second terms on council.
The next Loddon mayor will also be chair of the Murray River Group of Councils under the rotation of the group’s leadership, acting as spokesperson on key local government issues across the region.
Cr Jungwirth, who last November nominated Cr Murphy to be Loddon mayor, has already ruled herself out of contesting the mayor’s position.
She said: “It is not my intention to seek nomination as mayor. While I would relish the opportunity, I have family constraints at present. I believe I have a lot to offer in my current position as ward councillor. I would, however, consider the position of deputy mayor if council decided to make use of a deputy in line with most other councils.”
Victoria’s Remuneration Tribunal last month increased the annual mayoral allowance in tier one councils, including Loddon, to $84,498.
Loddon councillors have previously rejected a deputy’s position that has an annual allowance of $42,248. Councillors now receive $27,291.
Enrolments for the election close this Wednesday.