THE new Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors met for the first time on Tuesday 19 November and elected Briars Ward councillor Anthony Marsh as mayor and Tanti Ward councillor Paul Pingiaro as deputy mayor.
Marsh told The News he was “humbled” by the endorsement of other councillors and saw his term as a “huge opportunity for change at a pivotal time in the shire’s history”. Marsh, who served in the mayoral role in 2021/22, sees this term as one of “cultural shift”. “We have huge challenges ahead,” said Marsh. “And to see through these challenges, the voters have chosen to elect a more commercially minded group of councillors that are well equipped to face them.”
Marsh believes the election results reflect a mandate to get back to core issues and get the shire “back on track”. “It’s fair to say we got a bit distracted in the last council term,” said Marsh. “But while I want to emphasise the need to change, I want it to be positive change. “I want to make it clear, our mandate is not about gutting services, but rather ensuring every dollar of ratepayer money is spent wisely. “Now we have eight new councillors, and two business owners as mayor and deputy mayor. It is a very different group than last time.”
On his new deputy, Marsh said “Honestly, I’m really excited.” “He is a business-minded person, with deep family roots on the peninsula going back generations, and I know he will serve in the interest of the peninsula’s residents.
“I couldn’t think of a better person to help get the ship back on course.”
Pingiaro had a whirlwind meeting, being elected deputy mayor only 25 minutes after being in inducted as a first-time councillor. “What an incredible journey it has been,” Pingiaro told The News. “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve under mayor Cr Marsh. “I am excited for the opportunities and challenges ahead and look forward to working cohesively with both the shire and community members to create a brighter future for all.”
The new mayor and deputy will now lead councillors overseeing the process of appointing a new CEO with John Baker set to leave on 6 December (Shire CEO Baker resigns, The News 29/10/24). Other pressing issues are a reduction in federal government funding, rate capping at below CPI, and a cost-shifting crisis expected to cost the shire $234m over the next five years (Financial crisis looms for shire, The News 22/10/24). They will also have to contend with the controversial paid-parking program (which both Marsh and Pingiaro opposed), the fate of which was delayed into the new councillor’s term by the last term councillors (Paid beach parking ‘mayhem’ not over yet, The News 10/9/24).
First published in the Mornington News – 26 November 2024
