By Colin MacGillivray
FORMER Mitchell Shire Mayor David Lowe has rejoined council after a Victorian Electoral Commission, VEC, countback to replace departed south ward councillor Christine Banks.
Ms Banks stepped down from her role as a councillor last month due to personal health issues, leaving a seat in the south ward vacant.
The VEC announced it would conduct a countback rather than a by-election to fill the seat.
Cr Lowe, who previously served on council from 2016 to 2020 including a year as mayor, was officially re-appointed last week.
He said he was ‘very pleased’ to rejoin council after a 15-month absence and was looking forward to tackling what he saw as major issues for the south ward: the completion of the Watson Street diamond interchange on the Hume Freeway at Wallan East, the Kilmore bypass and a proposed quarry south of Wallan.
“The growth in the south is a major issue. It’s going to be a major issue for the next 10 years, so we need to be conscious of what’s happening in the south ward,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to getting stuck in again.
“Hopefully we can tick off some of the big items over the next couple of years. That would be really good.”
Mayor Bill Chisholm welcomed Cr Lowe’s appointment.
“On behalf of council I would like welcome David Lowe back. He was an important leader for Mitchell Shire during his time as mayor and deputy mayor,” he said.
“He is an advocate for our communities, and I look forward to working with him to grow our shire and prepare for the needs of current and future residents and visitors.”
