Council elects new Mayor

At the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Thursday 22 November 2018, Cr Bob Merriman AM was elected unopposed as the new Mayor of the Borough of Queenscliffe Council for a one-year term.

Cr Merriman has previously served as Borough of Queenscliffe Mayor from 2008 to 2012.

Cr Boyce Pizzey OAM was re-elected unopposed as the Deputy Mayor, also for a one-year term.

In his acceptance speech, Cr Merriman noted the importance of achieving a number of key projects in the remaining two years of the current Council.

Cr Merriman highlighted the progressing and finalising of State and Federal funding for the Hub project and the Shortland’s Bluff project, and progressing the Heritage Review, the Hesse Street revitalisation project, the activation of the Queenscliff front beach and surrounding parklands, the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Reserve project and the Avenue of Honour project, as critical activities for Council.

“Lastly, and most importantly, it is vital that we maintain the independence of the Borough so that it remains a safe haven defined by its unique heritage, rich culture and significant natural environment, and a special place for our community and visitors,” said Cr Merriman.

“We must continue to advocate for funding from all levels of government, with a view to establishing long-term funding sources for projects that are integral to the continued independence and viability of the Borough of Queenscliffe.”

“Council intends to foster positive, transparent relationships with the community and the media. We are keen to improve the flow of information so that the people who live in and visit the Borough of Queenscliffe are informed about Council’s plans and the progress of local projects,” said Cr Merriman.

Cr Pizzey noted the strong support of all Councillors for Cr Merriman’s election as Mayor. Cr Pizzey said that, like most governments in Australia and overseas, the issue of mutual trust – between levels of government, different parts of the community, individuals, the media and above all, Council and citizens – was a real issue that had to be directly addressed. Cr Pizzey also noted that Cr Merriman’s election acknowledges the complementary skills of all the Councillors and their best roles in contributing to a successful team effort.

Cr Merriman was first elected to Council in November 2008. He was re-elected in October 2012 for a second term, and re-elected again in October 2016. Cr Merriman is actively involved with the community, particularly sporting clubs and organisations, and he has played a key role in the upgrade of the Queenscliff Sport and Recreation Precinct.

Cr Pizzey was elected to Council in October 2016. Cr Pizzey, his wife Rhonda and their family have enjoyed their property in Queenscliff since the early 1980s. He served as Director Historic Buildings Council Victoria (now Heritage Victoria) from 1976 to 1986 and as Deputy Director of the Museum of Victoria from 1986 to 1998. Cr Pizzey has been a member of the Queenscliffe Restoration Fund Committee and the Council’s Heritage Portfolio Advisory Committee. In 2014 he was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his contribution to the Arts through development of cultural institutions and conservation of heritage.

Councillor portfolios allocations for the next twelve months are unchanged:

Governance and Performance Portfolio: Cr Bob Merriman (Mayor) Planning and Heritage Portfolio: Cr Boyce Pizzey (Deputy Mayor) Local Economy Portfolio: Cr Ross Ebbels Environmental Sustainability Portfolio: Cr Tony Francis Community Wellbeing Portfolio: Cr Susan Salter