Election watchdog praises candidate conduct

GEELONG’S newest council is off to a flying start, with the local government watchdog praising a fair and transparent election.

As the City of Greater Geelong’s 11 new councillors were declared yesterday, the Local Government Investigations and Compliance Inspectorate commended their campaign period behaviour.

“Our monitoring of campaign activity indicated a very fair and transparent election, which is a positive sign for the municipality,” chief munici- pal inspector David Wolf said.

Mr Wolf also confirmed there were no pending or current investigations related to the council or recently elected councillors.

The last council was sacked by the State Government in 2016 after a Commission for Inquiry found a culture of bullying at the dysfunctional council.

Mr Wolf said he planned to meet the new council to discuss governance and the new councillor conduct framework implemented last year.

Geelong organisation leaders welcomed the new councillors yesterday.

“I am very pleased to see democracy return to our city,” G21 chief executive Elaine Carbines said.

Ms Carbines said she expected the mayor — due to be elected by councillors on Tuesday — to create “respectful professional relationships” with councillors, staff and stakeholders.

Geelong Chamber of Commerce chief executive Bernadette Uzelac also said the ability to create a unified and cohesive council team would be a key attribute of an incoming leader.

Committee for Geelong chief executive Rebecca Casson said the new council should focus on continuation of the Central Geelong Revitalisation project, continue advocacy for the convention centre, the final stage of GMHBA stadium, the redevelopment of Geelong Performing Arts Centre and development of the Geelong Gallery.