STAFF WRITERS
LATROBE City Council has officially welcomed Rob Moffatt as the newly elected representative for the Morwell River Ward.
This followed the recent by-election conducted by the Victorian Electoral Commission.
Cr Rob Moffatt was officially declared elected last Thursday (August 13) and formally commenced his role after taking his oath of office on Friday (August 14).
Cr Moffatt said he was honoured by the community’s support and grateful for the opportunity to represent Morwell River Ward.
“I’m honoured that the community has entrusted me to represent them on council,” he said.
“I appreciate the opportunity to speak with residents, and I feel very privileged to now be their voice at council.
“I look forward to working with the community, listening to their ideas and concerns, and helping deliver positive outcomes for our region.”
Cr Moffatt was among five candidates standing for the by-election and will represent Morwell River Ward until the next council general election in October 2028.
The extraordinary vacancy happened due to the resignation of now Labor Candidate for Morwell at this year’s state election, Tracie Lund.
A total of 6498 people were enrolled to vote in Morwell River Ward.
There was a 69.16 per cent voter turnout, with 4359 formal votes and 135 informal.
Cr Moffatt won with 1565 first preference votes (35.90 per cent) and 2527 after distribution (57.97).
He won from Dean Sutton (42.03 per cent after distribution), who was also second on the voting ticket.
The election likely saw a large number of donkey votes, as the candidates were ranked in order of how they appeared on the ballot paper. John Ellingham gained 752 first preference votes, Guss Lambden 635 and Graham Lougheed 433.
Latrobe City Council Mayor, Sharon Gibson, congratulated Cr Moffatt on his election.
“On behalf of council, I would like to welcome Rob Moffat on being elected to represent the Morwell River Ward and wish him all the very best in representing his community and being part of the councillor team with Latrobe City Council,” the Mayor said. “Councillors play an important role in representing their communities, making decisions in the best interests of the municipality and helping shape the future direction of Latrobe City.
“Cr Moffatt joins council at a pivotal time in our city’s evolution, and we look forward to working together to deliver positive outcomes for our community.
“I would also like to thank all candidates who participated in the election process and everyone in the Morwell River Ward who took the time to vote.”
Cr Moffatt joins the nine-member Latrobe City Council.
