MOIRA Shire councillor Libro Mustica has been returned unopposed for an historic third consecutive term as mayor.

Cr Mustica was the only nominee for the position to receive a seconder at last week’s special meeting of council.

Cr Mustica was nominated by Cr Gary Cleveland who said that thinks Cr Mustica has done a  great job in the role for the past two years, and would be happy to have him for another 11 months until council elections in October 2020. The nomination was seconded by Cr John Beitzel.

Cr Peter Mansfield nominated Cr Wendy Buck for the mayoral position, but that nomination failed to attract a seconder, as did Cr Marie Martin’s nomination of Cr Kevin Bourke.

Cr Buck also nominated Cr Mansfield, who declined the nomination. 

As the only valid nominee, Cr Mustica was returned unopposed to the position of mayor, making him the first person to hold the position for three years consecutively since Moira Shire was formed in 1994.

Accepting the position, Cr Mustica said he was extremely honoured and described it as a pleasure and a privilege to serve Moira Shire’s 30,000 residents.

“I have been inspired by the passion and commitment of the many citizens who contribute their time to support the work of council,” he said. 

Cr Peter Lawless was returned to the position of deputy mayor, having been nominated by Cr Cleveland, with Cr Ed Cox seconding the nomination.

Cr Buck was also in the running for the deputy post, having been nominated by Cr Martin, with Cr Mansfield seconding. 

Cr Martin was nominated by Cr Bourke for the deputy position, but declined.

Councillors Cox, Mansfield and Cleveland spoke to congratulate Cr Mustica on his re-election, saying he had proven himself a strong advocate for Moira Shire, and praising his ability to  form strong contacts with state and federal political representatives to attract money into the shire.

Cr Buck also spoke to congratulate Cr Mustica, saying he had done a lot for the shire, but also voicing some disappointment with the result.

“I am disappointed that we weren’t able to get a Yarrawonga councillor up, because with the roads and other work needed up there it would have been an important thing for Yarrawonga, and I did my best to put my best foot forward for them and I think they’ll appreciate that,” she said.

Local council elections will be held across Victoria in October 2020, nominations close 32 days before the date of the election and all councils will enter a caretaker period on that day.