Wyndham’s new mayor has vowed to do more to address residents’ concerns and improve the council’s consultation processes.
Cr Bob Fairclough, who was elected mayor last Wednesday night, said while the council had made an effort to listen to residents in the past, he believed its community engagement could be improved.
“We want to listen to concerns of residents and address those concerns,” he said.
Cr Fairclough, who defeated Cr Marie Brittan seven votes to four, said he also planned to focus on addressing the municipality’s public transport and traffic problems, improving public safety and enhancing the city’s image.
“Imagine if we could transform Wyndham into a place where residents can work locally and not need to experience the congestion and traffic problems to the Melbourne CBD, where there is an effective and efficient public transport service, where we can relax and have fun in a safe environment.
‘‘Our task is to endeavour to implement as many of these items over the next 12 months as possible.”
In a surprise move, councillors decided not to elect a deputy mayor. Cr Intaj Khan said this year’s introduction of councillor portfolios meant the traditional role of a deputy mayor was not as relevant as it was in the past. He said the portfolios would allow councillors to become more involved in the business end of council and ease the burden on the mayor.
Cr Glenn Goodfellow said while he was a traditionalist who would like to see the deputy mayor’s role retained, he was not against change.
“It would be a fool who doesn’t embrace change to move forward … if it doesn’t work we can always U-turn.”
BOB FAIRCLOUGH
1984: Arrived in Wyndham from New Zealand
2005: Elected to Wyndham council
2009: Made an adjunct professor in Victoria University’s department of innovation and sustainability
2010: Elected deputy mayor
June 2013: Awarded Order of Australia Medal for services to education and the community
November 2013: Elected mayor
