Surf Coast Shire’s new mayor is announced

Anglesea Ward Cr Libby Stapleton is the new mayor of Surf Coast Shire Council, with Torquay Ward Cr Liz Pattison as deputy mayor.

The Surf Coast Shire announced Cr Stapleton was elected as mayor at a special council meeting held via Zoom this evening for a one year term, while Cr Liz Pattison was elected to the position of Deputy Mayor for one year.

Cr Stapleton told the Surf Coast Times she was grateful councillors had the confidence in her ability to lead the new council through the first year.

“It’s an honour to represent our community,” she said.

“It’s such an amazing team to be working with, there’s a huge amount of experience and insight that councillors will bring to the table, and I am just one of that team.

“We are really well placed to provide great insight from a range of perspectives that will help us come up with a shared vision that we can take to the community.”

Cr Stapleton said COVID recovery and climate change were key focus areas.

“In terms of focus, immediately it needs to  be supporting our local businesses, community organisations, residents and visitors in the covid recovery.”

Cr Pattison said she was excited to be given the opportunity. She said she was looking forward to supporting the mayor to achieve the best for the Surf Coast Shire community