Cr Herbert was voted into the top job with a 4-3 split at the annual general meeting on Monday evening.

Crs Neoh, Kylie Gaston and David Owen voted with Cr Herbert while Crs Peter Hulin and Rob Anderson voted with Cr Cassidy.

In an emotional speech Cr Herbert said he had a “can do approach” and was excited to lead the city for the coming year. 

“We are growing and cementing our role as the regional capital of the south-west,” he said. “Warrnambool is where the region’s people come for education, professional services, to shop and to simply enjoy our cosmopolitan city by the sea.

“Independent studies by two world-leading private companies have judged our city as the most live-able in the state, ahead of Melbourne, and our region as the second-most live-able region in all of Australia.” 

He said he would be an ambassador for the city.

“This year some of the major projects we as a council will work on are the business plan for the continuation of the Princes Highway from Colac – this plan forms the basis for a funding application,” he said.

“The major upgrade is a game-changer for the entire region. The current state government has pledged $114 million for upgrades to our rail service and we will continue to advocate for all the upgrades to be completed as soon as possible – a city wanting to attract population and investment must have adequate transport to Melbourne.

“The Liebig Street framework has been completed and it is now time to further encourage some more life back into it. Spending trends have been positive but there is still more to do to ensure shoppers return in bigger numbers than ever before.

“The council is committed to achieving the best results from the funding grant for the Reid Oval. This has been one of the council’s major projects that we can now tick off as funded.

“Our advocacy is still required for stage two upgrades to the hospital and if the current state government is re-elected in the coming weeks we will have a new library and learning hub at South West TAFE, with a funding pledge of $16.3 million.” 

He said he felt privileged to be elected by the residents of the city two years ago, and to have been voted mayor by his fellow councillors.

“I wake up every morning and think of how to make Warrnambool better,” he said. “I’m here to listen and most importantly work cooperatively with the team.” 

Cr Mike Neoh, who nominated Cr Herbert, said it took a lot of courage to step forward into the leadership role.

“Tony I’m sure will bring a lot of enthusiasm into the council and we need to harness that,” he said.

Cr Kylie Gaston congratulated Crs Cassidy and Herbert for nominating.

“It’s obvious we have a lot of passion, commitment and perseverance in this room, which is good for all of us going forward,” she said. “Tony you are a very good ambassador and I appreciate deeply your positivity.” 

Cr Cassidy said she had worked closely with Cr Herbert and looked forward to seeing how he acted on his beliefs and discussions they had shared over the past few years.

“Remember you will be judged on your honesty, knowledge, your understanding of good governance and leadership skills as well as your involvement in the community,” she said. “You have stated your intentions to us on how you want to lead your team. You have talked the talk, now it’s time to walk the walk.”

Former mayor Rob Anderson, said it was a “great ride” and Cr Herbert had his full support. 

Cr Peter Hulin said there was a “wind of change blowing through the council” with a new mayor and a soon-to-be new chief executive officer.

“When others say ‘you can’t’ you say ‘I can’. I’m very proud to call you a friend,” he said.

In a comedic speech Cr David Owen said Cr Herbert would make an excellent mayor. “The role of the mayor is to bring out the best in councillors,” he said.