Gauci elected mayor for second term

Councillor Joe Gauci was elected for his second consecutive term as Baw Baw Shire mayor on Wednesday. Cr Mikaela Power was elected deputy mayor.

Cr Gauci said he was honoured to be elected to the position and humbled by the faith placed in him by his fellow councillors.

He said he was looking forward to working with a new council. “I want to move council forward and get on with the job for the next 12 months,” he said.

Cr Gauci said he wanted to be the voice for council and advocate for the Baw Baw Shire and the various communities.

“Baw Baw Shire is a beautiful place. I call is god’s own country with beautiful landscapes, great communities and beautiful towns.

“We are one of the largest growing municipalities so it is important that we consider our growth and the effect it has on people.” He said.

Cr Gauci said it was important council engaged with all communities, particularly new people in the shire.

He said it was important for council to communicate face to face as well as through social media to “enhance us and council as a whole.”

Cr Gauci said the closure of the Hazelwood Power Station would affect the shire at it was “on our doorstep.”

“We need to be listening to the people and groups involved and ensure our voice is heard by politicians at state and federal levels to enhance our position for our shire.

“Our voice also needs to be heard at the State and Federal Government level to enhance positions so that people can continue to work and live in our shire,” he said

Cr Gauci said the new council had four years to achieve what it wanted to achieve for the many local communities.

Following the election of the mayor council announced the appointments of councillors to various council and non council committees.