Cardinia by election to be held in July
A by-election is to be held for the Westernport ward of Cardinia Shire council.
A vacancy on council was created by the death on April 16 of the ward’s representative Ray Brown.
A by-election, rather than a countback of votes cast at the election held last October, is stipulated under the Local Government Act because the council is comprised on nine single member wards.
Cardinia shire was one of 10 across Victoria that chose to have single member words following an electoral review early last year.
Cr Brown represented the previous Port ward from 2016 before last year’s restructure created Westernport ward, the physically largest of the shire’s nine wards.
The Victorian Electoral Commission has set Saturday, July 24, as the date for the by-election to be conducted by postal vote with the ballot closing at 6pm on Friday, July 23.
Westernport Ward takes in areas extending from Tooradin to Officer South, Pakenham South Maryknoll, Modella and Lang Lang and also includes centres such Bayles, Cardinia, Cora Lynn, Iona and Koo wee rup.
One of the late councillor’s last official functions was at the recent opening of the multimillion dollar Lang Lang community recreation reserve and pavilion.
During his time on council Cr Brown served as a representative on numerous committees including audit, grants evaluation, motorsports club, town planning, Westernport catchment implementation, Yallock drainage and Westernport biosphere committees.
In paying tribute to Cr Brown Cardinia mayor Brett Owen said he would be remembered for his significant contributions to the community as a councillor and volunteer.
He was an incredible advocate and had a long history of service especially in the Koo wee rup area.
Cr Brown was named Cardinia shire’s citizen of the year in 2011.