Councillor Clare Le Serve has been elected as the new Mayor for the region by Bass Coast Shire Councillors.
Cr Le Serve comes to the role with a pragmatic approach and experience, recently being recognised for ten years of service.
“I've got a lot of experience and knowledge to share and I feel passionate about what we do in Council and in the community. I think it's just a great opportunity and a privilege really to be able to stand for the mayor’s position,” Cr Le Serve said.
“It's a privilege to be supported by the councillors and it's about a team effort and I’m really proud to be able to offer that service for this year.”
Cr Le Serve sees engagement with the community as one of Councils major priorities, after having a focus on getting the format right for the capital works program and budget over the past few years.
“I think it's now bringing the community along for those conversations and making sure that they understand what we're doing and why we're doing it. They're the really important things.”
Cr Le Serve looks forward to moving on to items that impact small communities in the region once major capital works are finished.
“It's about the little things that may not cost a lot of money, but that will support each individual community.”
“Everybody gets we're spending huge money on Berrninneit, but let's look at all those other communities and make sure everybody gets something fantastic.”
Other priorities for the new mayor include gaining an understanding of what each councillor stood for initially and deciding what to do with the Wonthaggi Council site.
“Everybody's got great ideas, but let's be really practical about it and have a commonsense look,” Cr Le Serve said.
While 54% of people opposed the Surf Beach Sunderland Bay Special Charge Scheme, Cr Le Serve is hoping they can work with the community to make something happen.
“I think there's further conversations to have with them.”
Cr Rochelle Halstead was re-elected as Deputy Mayor and Cr Le Serve expressed that she is looking forward to working with Cr Halstead and continuing their positive ongoing working relationship.