Macedon Ranges council mayor Dom Bonanno has been caught speeding and drink driving in the mayoral vehicle.
In a statement published by council, Cr Bonanno said he was caught speeding on McGeorge Road, Gisborne South, on Friday 31 October, with a blood alcohol level over the legal limit.
Police confirmed they intercepted a 49-year-old Gisborne South driver who recorded an alleged blood alcohol reading of 0.087.
Cr Bonanno was driving the mayoral vehicle at the time, which he said was neither impounded or damaged during the incident.
He said he will be disqualified from driving for six months from the end of November.
“I appreciate that my family, fellow councillors, council staff and the community put their trust in me, which I have breached, of which I sincerely apologise,” Cr Bonanno said.
“I can’t turn the clock back, but I will work each day to re-build this trust in me over the months and years ahead.”
Council confirmed Cr Bonanno was travelling to a private event in the mayoral vehicle.
Full private use of the mayoral vehicle is permitted for the mayor in council’s Councillor and Delegated Committee Support and Expenses Policy.
Cr Bonanno said he has now taken personal leave, and will return on Tuesday 25 November at 11am, for the mayoral election council meeting.
He will not stand for reelection as mayor.
“I am very disappointed in myself, and I have given my all to be a good councillor and mayor, and always listen and strongly represent our residents and broader community,” Cr Bonanno said.
Cr Bonanno has asked for forgiveness and privacy for himself and his family.
Cr Kate Kendall confirmed in her own statement to social media that as deputy mayor, she will take over mayoral responsibilities until the mayoral election on 25 November.
Police confirmed in a statement that officers were conducting patrols of Gisborne South when they intercepted a vehicle allegedly speeding around 8.15pm on 31 October.
Police conducted a preliminary breath test on the driver which returned a positive result.
The driver accompanied police to a local station and underwent an evidentiary breath test.
Police said the man received infringement notices for drink driving and other traffic offences.
