From left: Newly elected Moyne Shire councillors Ralph Leutton, Colin Ryan, Jim Doukas, Jill Parker, Anthony Keane, James Purcell and Mick Wolfe.
MOYNE Shire councillor Jim Doukas has been re-elected as mayor to lead the shire for another four years.
The Mailors Flat farmer was re-elected yesterday after a challenge by Mortlake councillor Jill Parker for the position.
Speaking just after his victory, Cr Doukas said he was pleased to be leading the shire for what will be his third term.
“It’s a great honour … I’ve always liked being a councillor and I’ve enjoyed being a mayor,” Cr Doukas said.
“It’s a good feeling to work for your community.”
Councillors split their votes four to three yesterday when they met for the ballot in Port Fairy.
Supporting Cr Doukas’ push for a third term were councillors Mick Wolfe, James Purcell, Jim Doukas and newly elected member Anthony Keane.
Councillors Colin Ryan, new member Ralph Leutton and Jill Parker each voted for her mayoral claim.
Port Fairy accountant Cr Purcell was also re-elected as deputy mayor.
Promising more of the same, Cr Doukas said he would continue to lead council in the same direction as he has in his previous two terms.
“I’m very happy. It’s a follow on from where we have been in the previous 12 months,” he said.
“The vote has been done and it’s business as usual.”
He vowed to continue pressing the government to fund major projects and fix the vast network of Moyne roads.
“It’s time they chipped in and do their bit,” he said.
“We need to get some funding into the roads, we can’t just drive around at 60km/h on roads because there’s no funding. That’s prehistoric.
“We need to continue ahead on the need for a Nullawarre Nirranda multi-purpose stadium and we need to keep the pressure on the government for that.”
Mayoral appointments will be held next Tuesday for Glenelg Shire and on Wednesday for Corangamite, Southern Grampians and Colac Otway shires.
Warrnambool City Council will hold its mayoral inauguration the following week on November 12.