An ex-army helicopter pilot who works in planning for footpaths and roads has become the first Greens endorsed candidate elected to Hobsons Bay council.
Jonathon Marsden, of Strand ward, joins another new councillor, financial planning and mortgage-broker business owner Michael Grech, who was elected to Wetlands ward.
Four of the six incumbents who stood in Hobsons Bay were re-elected. They include its longest-serving councillors, Peter Hemphill and Angela Altair, who retained their seats in Strand ward for a sixth term.
Sandra Wilson and Colleen Gates were re-elected to serve a second term in Cherry Lake and Wetlands wards, respectively.
Tony Briffa, who stood down midway through the previous council term, was elected to Cherry Lake ward.
Altona ALP branch president and Wetlands ward councillor Carl Marsich lost his seat on the council, as did Jason Price in Cherry Lake ward.
Cr Marsden said while he would only be answerable to the citizens of Hobsons Bay, he would bring Greens’ values to bear on council decisions.
“I want to bring the values of ecological sustainability, social justice and peace and non-violence to bear on all decisions made, and to actively promote consensus decision-making on council,” he said.
“A key Greens value is a commitment to grassroots democracy, which means I am answerable to the electors of Hobsons Bay, and no one else.”
Cr Grech ran on a platform that included a $500 rates rebate for seniors, a water play park and an annual Altona Meadows Festival.
“Four generations of my family have lived in Hobsons Bay,” he said.
“I look forward to listening to the community and working hard with fellow councillors to see some great achievements in Hobsons Bay.
“I aim for us to be an inspirational community. It’s an unexpected win.”
Cr Briffa, who served on the council from 2008-2014, was “stunned” to be elected.
“I’m stunned, overwhelmed and extremely humbled by the result.”
Four incumbents were re-elected: Peter Hemphill, Angela Altair, Sandra Wilson and Colleen Gates .
First preference votes for successful Hobsons Bay candidates were: Colleen Gates (3869 or 25.97 per cent), Peter Hemphill (4193 votes or 21.07 per cent), Angela Altair (3942 votes, 19.81 per cent), Jonathon Marsden (2850 votes, 14.32 per cent), Tony Briffa (2512, 18.67 per cent), Sandra Wilson (2282, 16.96 per cent), and Michael Grech (1934, 12.98 per cent).
