Brett Owen is sworn in as one of three Central Ward councillors at the Cardinia Shire Council statutory meeting on Monday.By Paul Dunlop
THE biggest contest in the election produced the most one-sided result as councillor Bill Ronald swept to victory with a massive vote of support in Cardinia Shire’s Central Ward.
In a field of 10 candidates, Cr Ronald scored a comprehensive win on the back of a primary vote that was almost three times that of his closest rival.
Council colleague Kate Lempriere and first-time candidate Brett Owen were the other winners in the recently restructured three-member growth corridor ward that takes in Pakenham, Beaconsfield and Officer.
Sitting mayor Garry Runge and councillor Leonora Cox were defeated in what was the major upset of the election.
Cr Ronald, who had the prime number one spot on the ballot paper, was elected first, followed by Cr Owen.
Preferences decided the final place which Cr Lempriere won after a protracted count saw her pip Mr Runge and Cheryl-Billing Smith on preferences.
Cr Ronald polled 4598 first preference votes with running mate Mr Owen picking up 1682.
Cr Lempriere scored 803 to win her seat from Mr Runge (833 primary votes) and Ms Billing Smith (819).
David Drinkwater polled 609 first preference votes with Ms Cox (587), Ian Farrell (573), Tracey Radford (418) and Cathy Harbison (121) completing the field.
Cr Ronald, who described his win as ‘overwhelming’, said he was confident leading up to the poll that he had the support of the community but did not expect such a decisive result.
“It’s one of the biggest margins in the state,” he said.
Cr Owen was also pleased to be elected.
At 28, he is the youngest member of the council.
Mr Runge declined to comment on the election result.
Cr Lempriere said she was thrilled to be supported for another term.
She said she had more or less resigned herself to the prospect of defeat earlier in the day before a resurgence as preferences were counted saw her snatch a late victory.
Now in a unique position as the only woman on the council, Cr Lempriere said she was looking forward to the new term as a chance to start afresh.
She said she was hopeful that the blend of old and new could result in a hard-working and dynamic mix.
“It’s a whole different ballgame.
“I think people have got to wait a while and watch it evolve,” she said.
“From my point of view I’m certainly going in as an independent thinker.
“I’m not for or against anybody or anything and I will continue to make my decisions on the merits of the issue at hand.”
Ms Cox said she was concerned the upheaval could have serious consequences for Cardinia (see report on this page).
Ms Cox said she would have liked the opportunity to see through projects such as the new Cardinia LIFE aquatic and recreation centre, due for completion soon, as well as work towards items such as a new soccer facility and lights at Tivendale Road, Officer.
But although disappointed, Ms Cox said she still had plenty of things in her life to keep her busy, not the least of which were her husband and two young children and new employment opportunities.
Mrs Radford said it was disappointing the poll had resulted in only one woman being elected. Five of the candidates in the Central Ward were female.
Mrs Radford said she had learned from her experience as a candidate and intended to put her hand up again in three years’ time.
“I want to work for the community and you don’t need to be on council to do that.
“I’ll listen, I’ll watch what’s happening and I’ll be there again.
“Let’s hope this council doesn’t let us down.”
