Bega Council: Extinction Rebellion protest interrupts re-election of Mayor Russel Fitzpatrick

Candidates for the shire’s top job were giving presentations when an intruder interrupted the meeting, loudly calling for an investigation into the Black Summer fires.

Independent councillor Russell Fitzpatrick has been re-elected mayor of the Bega Valley Shire Council in a vote marred by protest and division.

Cr Fitzpatrick will serve in the top role until September 2023, with Deputy Mayor Liz Seckold also staying in her role.

In his opening speech, Cr Fitzpatrick said he would be a mayor for all councillors, not just those that voted for him.

“Everyone’s voice is important, and everyone should be given (a) voice without fear.

“As mayor, that’s what I’m trying to do.”

Cr Fitzpatrick took over as nayor in September 2020 and was the third person in a year to fill the position after Kathy McBain and Sharon Tapscott both resigned from the role.

Candidates for the shire’s top job were giving presentations when an intruder interrupted the meeting, loudly calling for an investigation into the cause of the Black Summer fires.

He was supported in his bid by counsellors Joy Robin, Mitch Nadin, Karen Wright, David Porter and Ms Seckold, with councillors Cathy Griff, Helen O’Neil and Tony Allen opposing the appointment.

Cr O’Neil and Cr Allen were also nominated for mayor.

The vote took place during the first meeting of the newly elected council on January 11, and came at a difficult time for the shire.

The governing body was rocked by accusations of bullying among council members in October, with Tuesday’s session not escaping controversy.

Presentations by the mayoral candidates were derailed momentarily after a man, claiming to be from activist group Extinction Rebellion, interrupted the meeting.

“The Extinction Rebellion Bega Valley demands this shire council establish a citizen‘s assembly to properly examine the causes of the Black Summer bushfires with the aim of reducing future bushfire risks,” the man said.

The live stream was cut off shortly after the man’s arrival, and came on air about 20 minutes later.

A motion to proceed without a deputy mayor later divided the council.

The move was supported by Cr Porter, Cr Wright and Cr Nadin, but failed to gain a majority.

Merimbula Airport is a big issue for Bega Council. Picture: Bega Valley Shire Council.

Cr Griff, who was a candidate for the role, opposed the move.

“I think it’s wrong not to have a deputy mayor,” Cr Griff said.

“Given there are two councillors that are keen to play that role, you have to have a very good reason to say ‘I don’t think there’s a point in that’.

“We feel we have something to offer.”

The Greens member said the position of deputy mayor allowed Cr Fitzpatrick to better engage with the community by sharing responsibilities with his deputy.

“It‘s one of those roles that gives a lot of potential to actually double our voice in what we know is a very dispersed shire, where we all agree people are needing information,” she said.

“It also allows a difference in opinion, where one is able to discuss issues with the mayor before they are actually on the table.”

Cr Griff was ultimately unsuccessful in her bid for deputy, being beat out by the newly-independent Cr Seckold.

Cr Seckold told the council in her presentation she had recently resigned from the Labor Party after more than 50 years.

“It was because of what was happening around me, and I don’t think local politics has to have a Labor or Greens team,” she said.

Cr Seckold said the main issues facing the Bega community were the housing crisis and global warming.

She was supported in her bid for deputy mayor by Cr Fitzpatrick, Joy Robon, Mitch Nadin, Karen Wright, David Porter, and Tony Allen

Cr Griff voted for herself, as well as receiving support from Cr O’Neil who had stepped aside after previously having put herself forward for the role.