Council
8 November, 2024
Horsham council election declared, six new councillors and one incumbent
Six new councillors and one incumbent declared for HRCC
The Victorian Electoral Commission has declared the 2024 election results for Horsham Rural City Council, which comprised of six new councillors and one incumbent.
They will serve from 2024 to 2028.
Councillors elect declared - Green Park: Dean O'Loughlin, Horsham North: Todd Wilson, Kalimna: Rebecca Sluggett, May Park: Cam McDonald, Oatlands: Angela Munn, Pine Lake: Ian Ross, Wyn Wyn: Brian Klowss.
The single incumbent to be returned, Pine Lake Ward councillor-elect Ian Ross, has shown his hand early coming just short of saying he will nominate for mayor at the November 21 meeting.
"If I am elected mayor, I will only consider it for one term, and three other councillors can then have a 12-month term each over the four years of this council," he said.
"I would also say that, in my opinion, we have a council of seven people, and that should be made up of the mayor and six unofficial deputies so each has the chance to represent the council throughout their term."
HRCC chief executive Craig Niemann thanked all candidates for their efforts and congratulated those elected.
He said his staff would work alongside the new councillors.
"We are certain each Councillor will bring not only a unique perspective regarding the needs and aspirations of our community but also the dedication required to help turn these into reality for our community's overall wellbeing and development," Mr Niemann said.
"We're excited to learn more about our newly elected Councillors, and we look forward to working together on a range of exciting projects and initiatives in the coming years."
A council spokesperson the councillors would be formally sworn in at a Statutory Meeting on Thursday, November 21, at which they will also elect a mayor.
"Following the formalities, the new Councillors will begin their induction and training program as they settle into their roles," they said.
The spokesperson said former councillors Les Power, Claudia Haenel, and David Bowe will be thanked for their service in due course.
Horsham Rural City Council faced a new and untested voting model in the 2024 election.
The Victorian government announced the new system earlier this year, and for the first time, the council voted for a single councillor ward system.