LONG-time Loddon Shire councillor Colleen Condliffe has lost her seat in the council election.
The Inglewood Ward councillor was defeated by state government employee Wendy Murphy.
Ms Condliffe received 441 first preference votes (34.59 per cent of the vote count), while Ms Murphy polled 495 first preference votes (38.82 per cent).
After distribution of preferences, it was clear voters wanted change, with 616 votes to the successor’s 659.
The new five-member council, which consists of three new councillors, was declared by the Victorian Electoral Commission last week.
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, Linda Jungwirth replaced retiring councillor Geoff Curnow.
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.
