Heenan survives

By Tania Martin
THE previous mayor of the Shire of Yarra Ranges, Tim Heenan, has weathered the storm and been returned to Billanook Ward following shire elections at the weekend.
Councillor Heenan’s seat was the most hotly contested in the run-up to the polls. He was one of nine candidates standing for the ward.
Cr Heenan’s standing in the Mount Evelyn community proved to be too strong. In a convincing victory, he recorded 3652 votes in first preferences and 4813 second-round votes. His nearest rival was Geoff Bailey with 1885 first preferences and 2252 second preferences.
Cr Heenan said the people of Billanook had spoken. “The proof is in the pudding when you look at the amount of votes I got,” he said. “It shows the community has confidence in the work I have done.”
Cr Heenan paid tribute to all voters and promised to continue to work hard for the community over the next four years.
In Chandler Ward, Graham Warren had a resounding win on first-round preferences alone with the majority of votes. Cr Warren recorded 5311 votes and said he was looking forward to his next term.
Greens affiliate Samantha Dunn also had a majority win with 4342 first-round votes.
Cr Dunn said it was very humbling to be returned to Lyster Ward. She also hit back at residents who had claimed the council was too “green’’.
“To those who said we have been too environmental, the fact that I am back in on a majority win and all my colleagues are back says volumes,” Cr Dunn said. “And believe me – I will be flying the environmental flag.”
Despite claims of foul play following a ballot paper printing mishap, Noel Cliff’s popularity has remained intact. Cr Cliff faced community backlash recently when his how-to-vote card printed a candidate’s names incorrectly.
But he has still come through with a majority win, with 3877 in first- and 4531 in second-round preferences.
Cr Cliff paid tribute to those who voted him back for his third term. “I must have been doing something pretty right … that’s good to hear,” he said.
Walling Ward councilor Len Cox had an easy run-up to the polls after being unopposed, and is now looking forward to his ninth term.
Cr Cox said this previous term had been his best three years on council. He said the current council, which has been returned unchanged except for two councillors who had retired, worked well together.
The only changes for this term are in O’Shannassy and Chirnside wards, with the retirements of Monika Keane and Ken Smith. In their place, Chris Templer and Richard Higgins will join the team.
Meanwhile, in the Shire of Cardinia, Graeme Legge and Ed Chatwin have been returned to Ranges Ward in a close race. Cr Legge led the charge with 3409 votes and Cr Chatwin was not far behind on 3106.