Borough countback decides new councillor

ROBERT Minty is the Borough of Queenscliffe’s newest councillor.

The Victorian Electoral Commission conducted a countback of the 2020 council election in an online presentation last Wednesday (June 21), where the VEC confirmed Cr Minty’s eligibility and conducted an investing ceremony.

The countback followed last month’s resignation of Fleur Hewitt.

Cr Minty’s sat at this week’s council meeting in one of his first official duties as a councillor.

Borough mayor Isabelle Tolhurst welcomed Cr Minty’s appointment at last week’s swearing-in ceremony.

“Council welcomes Rob Minty back to the Borough of Queenscliffe council.

“We look forward to his contributions in the chamber and wish him well for the remainder of the term.”

Cr Minty is a former president of the Point Lonsdale Civic Association and has also been involved in local organisations including Probus and the RSL since building a home in Point Lonsdale more than 30 years ago.

Cr Minty was previously elected to the council in 2019 by countback following the resignation of Tony Francis.

He initially failed to win re-election in the 2020 count, finishing seventh in first-preference voting.

Cr Minty highlighted his business credentials as his top attributes in a statement provided to the VEC ahead of the 2020 election.

“I believe in a strong and independent Borough and a council focused on its residents and local businesses.

“This will ensure the Borough of Queenscliffe, a very special place to live will flourish long into the future.

“My formal qualifications of Master of Business Administration (MBA) equips me fully to participate in the administration, financial and promotion of the Borough.

“My experience enables me to interact with business and other levels of government and work in the community gives me an understanding of sentiment on issues.”