Back-to-basics candidate named in Surf Coast countback

Eric Menogue (far right) campaigned on a back-to-basics ticket at last year's local government elections. He is pictured here (L-R) with fellow team members Torquay Ward councillor Paul Barker, Winchelsea Ward councillor Joel Grist, and Rebecca Bourke, who resigned in September. Photo: FACEBOOK/SURF COAST BACK TO BASICS TEAM

A new councillor was provisionally appointed to the Surf Coast Shire council today, following a Victorian Electoral Commission countback to fill the vacancy left by Rebecca Bourke.

Long-time Torquay resident, father of three and Army special forces veteran, Eric Menogue, was named the successful candidate.

A member of last year’s back-to-basics team, Menogue campaigned on returning council’s focus to core services and community priorities.

He received only 910 votes to Greens candidate Phoebe Crockett’s 1,501 votes in last year’s election, a difference of almost 600 votes, but gained enough support through the flow of preferences to claim the seat.

He will join councillors Liz Pattison and fellow back-to-basics advocate Paul Barker in representing the Torquay Ward.

Eric Menogue. Photo: FACEBOOK/SURF COAST BACK TO BASICS TEAM

Rebecca Bourke, who resigned in September less than 12 months into her first term, also ran under the back-to-basics banner in last year’s local government elections.

The platform emphasised rates, roads and rubbish, cutting wasteful spending, and steering clear of state, federal and international issued viewed as outside local government’s remit.

Menogue now has 48 hours to sign and return a written declaration confirming his eligibility to serve.

If he does not return this declaration within that timeframe, another countback will be held to fill the vacant seat.

Today’s countback was initially scheduled to take place on Monday, but was delayed due to technical issues.