Vale Cr Susan Salter

BOROUGH of Queenscliffe (BOQ) councillor Susan Salter is being saluted as a passionate and dedicated public servant who served her community for almost 10 years in office, after her death last Wednesday night.

Two weeks ago BOQ mayor Ross Ebbels announced the immediate resignation of Cr Salter “to better manage an ongoing illness”.

“As a councillor, as a colleague, and as a friend, it has been a privilege to serve alongside Susan Salter,” Cr Ebbels said last week.

“Cr Salter has left a proud legacy and a better borough in her wake.”

Bellarine MP Lisa Neville paid tribute to her former campaign manager, saying she had enjoyed her friendship and support for over 20 years.

“I am shocked and saddened to learn of Susan’s death,” Ms Neville said.

“Queenscliff has lost a true community champion, whose legacy will never be forgotten.”

First elected to council in 2012 and serving as mayor between 2017-18, “Cr Salter’s near-decade of service was marked by a devotion to her community and to the people who live here,” a BOQ statement said.

“While her passion for many subjects was remarkable, Cr Salter’s particular interest in trees, gardens and parks saw her lead renewal works on the borough’s Avenue of Honour and influence a number of other landscaping projects.

“From the grand old trees she worked to preserve to the newest green shoots of planting she encouraged, Cr Salter’s legacy will be in the natural spaces she nurtured that our community will enjoy for years to come.

“Cr Salter will be deeply missed by her fellow councillors, council officers, and our entire community. Our thoughts go to her family and friends during this difficult time.”

President of Queenscliffe Climate Action Group, Kitty Walker, worked with Cr Salter prior to her moving a motion in council declaring a climate emergency.

“Susan spoke from the heart that night and we will never forget the emotion in her voice. In the COVID-chaos that has followed, that response plan has been developed – a 10-year roadmap to transition the borough to a Zero Carbon Community – and is now being implemented by the community and council.

“The Queenscliffe Climate Action Group and the many, many locals who asked for significant action to be taken, will never forget the leadership role that Susan took in moving the motion that night and the ongoing legacy she has left by doing so,” Ms Walker said.

Former Surf Coast Shire council mayor and now Corangamite MP Libby Coker said she was “deeply saddened by the passing of my friend and colleague … our region has lost one of its finest community leaders”.

“Susan had a fierce intellect, a warm laugh and she cared deeply for the more vulnerable in our community,” Ms Coker said.

“My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. Vale, Susan.”