A NEW Loddon Shire Council was declared by the Victorian Electoral Commission this afternoon.
The council will consist of three new councillors and two councillors who were returned.
In Boort Ward, incumbent Neil Beattie defeated newcomer Ken Pattison, while in Wedderburn Ward old hand Gavan Holt beat farmer and former Korong Shire councillor Reg Holt.
In Terrick Ward, previously represented by mayor Cheryl McKinnon, former federal Shooters, Fishers and Farmers candidate Dan Straub was elected unopposed.
In Tarnagulla Ward, community member Linda Jungwirth replaced retiring councillor Geoff Curnow.
In Inglewood Ward, long-serving and active councillor Colleen Condliffe lost her seat to council newcomer Wendy Murphy, a state government employee.
Loddon Shire Council chief executive Phil Pinyon on Wednesday congratulated the new representatives.
“I congratulate our new councillors and returning councillors, and together with Loddon Shire staff, look forward to working with them,” Mr Pinyon said.
“I’d like to thank those candidates who were unsuccessful, for showing such commitment to their communities in putting themselves forward for election.
“I’d also like to express appreciation to candidate and former councillor Colleen Condliffe for her many years of service to council.”
A special council meeting at which a new mayor will be elected is due to be held on Thursday, November 19, at 5pm.
The next ordinary meeting of the council is scheduled for Tuesday, November 24.