The Greens’ Pheobe Crockett named new Surf Coast councillor

A Greens candidate has been elected to Surf Coast Shire following a second countback – defeating a former councillor for the vacant spot.

Phoebe Crockett (left) has replaced Rebecca Bourke (right) as a Torquay ward councillor at the Surf Coast Shire.

The Greens will again have representation on the Surf Coast Shire council after Phoebe Crockett defeated former councillor Martin Duke in a countback on Wednesday morning.

The pair were the last two standing to fill the Torquay ward vacancy brought about by the resignation of first-term councillor Rebecca Bourke six weeks ago.

Eric Menogue defeated Ms Crockett and Mr Duke in a countback last week, but the former special forces soldier failed to provide the Victorian Electoral Commission with a written declaration within 48 hours that confirmed he was still qualified to be a councillor.

It is unclear why the form was not submitted, with Mr Menogue unable to be contacted.

Phoebe Crockett has been elected to Surf Coast council. Picture: Facebook.

Ms Crockett confirmed on Wednesday afternoon she will join what is already viewed by many as a left-leaning council for the remaining three years of the council term.

“I am humbled and honoured to be elected to the Surf Coast Shire and will absolutely be accepting the position,” Ms Crockett said.

“Surf Coast has long been a leader on environmental issues and I would love to see that work grow and expand.

“I thank the councillors for all their achievements so far.

“Council has built a strong working relationship with traditional owners and I think it’s important we continue to listen carefully to their wisdom.”

Ms Crockett outlined her objectives for the remainder of the council term.

“If we can help ease cost-of-living pressures by ensuring the continued delivery of vital local services, like community facilities, waste and childcare, libraries, and build on the work Council has done on affordable housing so far, it will help support the everyday needs of our community,” she said.

“I share the community vision of a thriving, connected and sustainable Surf Coast, and look forward to working collaboratively with my fellow councillors, council staff and community members to further this vision.”

She will be the sole Greens representative on the nine-member council after Kate Gazzard was unsuccessful in her re-election bid at last year’s election.

Ms Crockett becomes the region’s second Greens councillor, following a similar path to Gavin Gamble who was elected to the Golden Plains Shire council in January following a countback that stemmed from the resignation of Lachlan Glen.

Both Ms Crockett and Mr Gamble replaced councillors who campaigned on a “back to basics” platform.

It remains unclear why candidate Eric Menogue did not accept election.

The reasons for Ms Bourke’s resignation remain vague, with the mother-of-two issuing a statement in late September that said “this decision was not easy”.

“I care deeply for our community, however, I need to prioritise my young family’s wellbeing at this point in time,” she said.

Ms Crockett received 18 per cent of the primary vote at last year’s election, compared to Mr Duke’s 10.2 per cent.

The countback saw the 1662 first preference votes for Ms Bourke allocated to either Ms Crockett or Mr Duke, depending on each voter’s preferences.

Originally published as The Greens’ Pheobe Crockett named new Surf Coast councillor