Maribyrnong voters have elected four new faces to council, including one former councillor, with the surprise exit of council stalwart Michael Clarke.
Despite a highly visible campaign Labor failed to return Maribyrnong to its former stronghold status, held to only three of seven positions as they picked up one councillor only to lose another.
Provisional results released on Saturday reveal the council will be made up of five women and two men, a reversal of the previous term.
Incumbent Labor councillor Martin Zakharov was returned in third position for another term in Yarraville Ward, at the expense of running mate Cr Michael Clarke.
Cr Zakharov will be joined in his third successive term by first time councillors Simon Crawford of the Greens and independent Mia McGregor.
In River Ward Labor’s Sarah Carter returns for a third term, to be joined by new independent Gina Huynh.
Independent councillor Catherine Cumming will celebrate her 20th year in Council next year after being returned in Stony Creek.
Former councillor Cuc Lam of Labor took the second Stony Creek vacancy.
Three of the positions were left for the taking when single-term councillors Grant Miles, Cameron McDonald and Nam Quach all stepped down without seeking re-election.
Cr Clarke was the only incumbent to stand and fail to retain his place on council, a result that surprised many.
Cr Zakharov sought his third term on a platform of protecting open space, a fairer rates system and the best possible outcomes during construction of the Western Distributor.
“As a councillor I initiated and protected the Yarraville Pop Up Park, Yarraville Bus Station Plaza, Alfa Goods Yard Park, a pedestrian crossing in Seddon, made numerous park and sports improvements, introduced street recycling bins and inaugurated the street art project to stop graffiti,” his statement said.
“I successfully fought to stop Yarraville parking meters. I’ll work to increase truck curfews and establish a youth centre in Yarraville, pop up park in Seddon and sculpture park in Footscray.”
Simon Crawford of The Greens said he ran for Council to lead the sustainable development of a diverse community.
“I grew up in the west, and I’m raising my family here, surrounded by the classic street shopping of Seddon, the parklands in Yarraville and the culture of Footscray,” his statement said.
“I’ll advocate for safer, more reliable public transport options, more educational opportunities for our children and getting trucks off residential streets – while investing in safer cycling and walking infrastructure.”
Independent Mia McGregor, founder of the West Welcome Wagon charity, said the community deserves services like a pedestrian underpass for Yarraville station, better streetscapes, adequate parking, truck-free local streets and no waiting lists for childcare.
“The sense of community demonstrated in places like Seddon Village is our strength.
“Our area is changing quickly. We are concerned about losing things that are important to us – its charm, heritage, family appeal and liveability.”
Cr Carter told Star Weekly she was very happy to be back on council.
“I’m thrilled to be returned and consider it a privilege to be representing the residents in Maribyrnong for another term. I’m also especially pleased to see that we have a majority of women councillors who have been elected.”
New independent Gina Huynh said the community has been supportive of her Vietnamese refugee mother and she now wishes to get involved in the community that has been great to her family.
“I will aim to listen to community issues with a genuine concern, push for more open park spaces and more public toilets, engage regularly with community on all social issues, endeavour to keep rates as low as possible and be the voice for the youth of the community.”
Independent councillor Catherine Cumming said she will focus on issues that affect the community and need addressing now.
“Over the next four years in Footscray, West Footscray, Maidstone and Braybrook, I pledge to remove graffiti and dumped rubbish, green and improve parks, increase safety by working with local police, upgrade footpaths and roads and increase childcare and kindergarten places.”
Former Labor councillor Cuc Lam said that as a long-time resident she understands the issues and effort needed to ensure Maribyrnong is a great place to live.
“Residents are concerned about cleanliness, graffiti and personal safety in our streets.
“I will fight to reinstate a yearly hard waste collection and insist council takes a hard line on graffiti and its removal. To improve personal safety, I will encourage better street lighting, community safety campaigns, better police presence and more police patrols.”
The results will be officially declared at the Town Hall at 10am Monday.
