THE Southern Grampians Shire Council (SGSC) has hit a roadblock with its search for a replacement for councillor Greg McAdam, after his replacement informed the council he would not take on the role.
Cr McAdam tendered his resignation on April 12 due to health reasons, triggering a process outlined by Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) election manager, Kathy Georgiou.
“The vacancy will be filled through a countback of the formal ballot papers cast at the last general election in October 2020,” she said.
“Votes will be redistributed to candidates who were unsuccessful at that general election, and who remain eligible to participate in the countback, to fill the extraordinary vacancy.”
On Monday morning, Nick Brown was elected as the new councillor to take over from Cr McAdam, but could not serve as councillor after moving to Brisbane.
Mr Brown said he has a stable employment position and was honoured to be elected, also took time to celebrate the service of the former councillor.
“Firstly, I would like to send my well wishes to Greg McAdam and thank him for all he has done as a councillor for Southern Grampians,” he said.
“When I ran for council, I was back living in Hamilton and wanted nothing more than to be elected and do whatever I could to help make Hamilton and the Southern Grampians Shire thrive.
“It’s mixed feelings that (I have) after missing out in the initial election – I was lucky enough to move to Queensland and be living out a dream job as media manager with the Brisbane Lions.
“Despite being extremely grateful and honored to be offered the role with Southern Grampians, I am unfortunately unable to accept the position as I will be remaining in Brisbane.
“I thank everyone who voted for me and hope to one day in the future be able to return to Hamilton and run for council again.”
Another countback will be required to decide the new councillor as soon as practicable.
After Mr Brown, Chris Sharples had the greatest number of first preference votes with 516, just one ahead of Peter Foley with 515, however this does not take other preferences into account.
The Shire said another countback was expected to take place later in the week.
