Port Fairy resident Ralph Leutton hopes to bring change to the region through local government.
RALPH Leutton and Anthony Keane will join Moyne Shire councillors over the next four years after Bernie Harris missed out on re-election.
Port Fairy councillor-elect Mr Leutton claimed 984 votes (8.97 per cent) tallied on the weekend.
The self-employed lobbyist for the agriculture industry and an independent Wannon candidate in the 2010 federal election, said he hoped to bring a long-term vision to council.
“We live in very safe state and federal seats, the only way we have to make a change is through local government,” Mr Leutton said.
“I think the skills I have I can use to gain further investment from governments.”
Asked how the previous council had performed, Mr Leutton said “illogical decisions” had been made.
Mr Leutton cited the decision by Moyne Shire Council to exit Shipwreck Coast Marketing.
Asked what his vision for the next four years of Moyne was, Anthony Keane said it would be difficult to know until he was “in the door”.
However, the councillor elect promised to base his decisions on community consultation.
“It’s what I said all the way through — I’m here for the people,” Mr Keane said.
Outgoing councillor Bernie Harris described the race as “very tight”.
“I’m more disappointed for the people who voted for me than I am for myself,” Cr Harris said.
“I’m happy that people knew what I stood for.”
With council now behind him, Cr Harris said he would have the opportunity to spend more time with his three daughters.
He congratulated Mr Keane, who he said would be an “asset” to council.