Whitehorse councillor Tanya Tescher has resigned from her position

A WHITEHORSE councillor has resigned, citing personal health reasons, sparking a countback of votes to replace her.

The City of Whitehorse will now hold a countback of votes following Tanya Tescher’s resignation.

WHITEHORSE councillor Tanya Tescher has resigned

Ms Tescher, a chartered accountant, told the council about her decision last night, citing “personal health reasons” for her resignation.

She was elected to represent Elgar ward in the 2016 council elections.

Ms Tescher is originally from Brighton and moved to Box Hill after the elections.

Tanya Tescher.

“I regret that due to personal health reasons I have resigned,” Ms Tescher said.

“I am deeply honoured to have been elected as councillor for Elgar ward and thank the community for their support.

“In the short period that I have been an elected representative I am proud of what I have achieved.

“During my time as councillor I have provided strong representation for my constituents and have consistently opposed inappropriate planning applications.

“I have given a voice to my constituents on matters in relation to the development of central Box Hill by widely publicising a recent planning amendment, thereby enabling them to express their views in submissions.

“I have also ensured that compliance with local laws be strengthened to ensure that laws involved with items such as rubbish dumping … are upheld, and that the streets of Whitehorse remain clean,” she said.

Whitehorse chief executive Noelene Duff said the council will work closely with the Victorian Electoral Commission to ensure appropriate democratic process is followed to appoint a councillor to replace the vacancy.

“This will occur through a countback process as required under the Local Government Act 1989 and conducted by the Victorian Electoral Commission,” Ms Duff said.

Ms Tescher was elected with 26 per cent of first preference votes at the election.

After preferences had been distributed, Ms Tescher received 5945 votes to fellow Elgar ward councillor Tina Liu’s 5893 votes.

Inventra Recruitment agency partner Blair Barker finished third with 5403 votes.