New Hobsons Bay councillor Carl Marsich says that supporting Toyota workers is the biggest immediate challenge facing the municipality.
Last Thursday’s countback of votes by the Victorian Electoral Commission saw Cr Marsich elected with an absolute majority of 3098 votes after 4748 ballot papers were distributed.
He replaces Luba Grigorovitch in Wetlands ward, which covers the suburbs of Altona Meadows, Seabrook and Laverton.
Ms Grigorovitch resigned to become the first woman and youngest person to take the helm of Victoria’s Rail, Tram and Bus Union.
The pair had been running mates in the council election.
Cr Marsich, an occupational health and safety officer in the Community Public Sector Union, has twice served as mayor and was first elected to the council in 1996.
“I suppose one of the most immediate circumstances we face at the moment will be the impending closure of Toyota in two or three years, which is certainly going to have a massive impact on our local community,” he said.
“I want to ensure that we’re on the front foot in regards to whatever we can do from the council perspective to deal with the fallout coming out of that decision.”
