Macedon Ranges has a new councillor.
Rob Guthrie has been elected as the new south ward councillor after a countback. The countback filled an extraordinary vacancy left by the death of Cr Christine Walker in August.
The Victorian Electoral Commission conducted a countback of votes from the October 2024 local government election on Monday, September 1. Cr Guthrie, who has previously served as a Macedon Ranges councillor, and John Letchford were both in the running for the vacant position. The result was declared this morning (Tuesday).
Following the distribution of votes, Cr Guthrie received 3129 votes.
Following the announcement of his election, Cr Guthrie acknowledged the sad circumstances which brought about his return to council.
“Yes I’m back, but it’s not the way I wanted to come back. I was very disappointed by the tragedy,“ he said, referring to Cr Walker’s death.
Cr Guthrie said he would now bring himself up to speed on council business and focus on development plans proposed across the shire. He hopes a similar situation doesn’t arise like the approval of the Riddells Creek Amess Road plan.
At last year’s election he stood on a platform of promoting local employment opportunities to reduce car usage and protect the natural environment. He also sought to provide responsible development that reflects the community’s wishes, the environment and physical constraints of the area.
Mayor Dom Bonanno congratulated Cr Guthrie on his appointment.
“On behalf of our councillor group, I warmly welcome Rob back to Council and look forward to working together with him – both in his capacity as a South Ward Councillor and as part of the broader councillor group – for the betterment of our Macedon Ranges communities,“ he said.
“Following Christine’s sudden and sad passing, I acknowledge it is challenging circumstances for Rob to come into – we’ll support him in the role, while still remembering Christine’s positive contributions and the legacy she has left.”
Cr Guthrie first joined the council in 2003 serving until 2012.
After completing a term as deputy mayor (2009-10) and mayor (2010-11) Cr Guthrie stepped down from council.
After an eight-year hiatus, the long-term Gisborne resident returned to council in 2021, where he served as deputy mayor, before standing unsuccessfully at last year’s election.
Cr Guthrie will be officially sworn in next week.
