New Wyndham mayor Peter Maynard knows a thing or two about persistence.
After first standing for Werribee shire council in 1982, he finally won a place at the 2012 city council elections. And last week the Iramoo ward councillor claimed the top job, being elected Wyndham’s mayor.
Cr Maynard, who is ALP-affiliated, fought off a challenge from the only other mayoral nominee, long-time Harrison ward councillor Glenn Goodfellow, winning seven votes to four.
Formerly president of Wyndham Vale Sports Club and chairman of the Iramoo Community Centre management committee, Cr Maynard said he was “proud and honoured” to have the opportunity to lead the city for the next 12 months. “Our city is growing rapidly and the decisions we make now will set up our city for future generations,” Cr Maynard said.
“Wyndham’s population is already more than 200,000 and by 2030 it will be 430,000, taking us to the size of Canberra.
“We’ll fight hard with those who argue our city is already sufficiently funded … not with emotion, but with sound evidence.”
With major projects, including the council’s $45 million Wyndham Leisure and Events Centre redevelopment and the $4 billion Regional Rail Link, due for completion, Cr Maynard vowed to push both state and federal governments for greater investment.
“At the end of the day, it’s irrelevant which party is in government. What’s important is that the government is made aware of this community’s needs, both now and for the future,” he said.
“There’s no use pointing the finger – as a council we need to make things happen.
“Under my leadership, this council will … seek a fair share of funding from both levels of government to make Wyndham more liveable.
“We have shovel-ready projects ready to go.”
For the second year in a row, Wyndham will not have a deputy mayor.
However, Chaffey ward councillor Marie Brittan will be acting mayor when Cr Maynard is absent.
