New Nillumbik mayor Peter Clarke to sell council car and cut allowances

A NEWLY elected mayor in Melbourne’s north will sell the official car and rein in his annual allowance to set an example of responsible spending.

New Nillumbik mayor Peter Clarke plans to sell the mayoral car to save money. Picture: Mark Wilson

NILLUMBIK’S new mayor has ordered the sale of the mayoral car and his annual allowance to be reduced, setting a new tone for local government.

Cr Peter Clarke expects the car sale to reap $20,000 in savings during his first term, while he estimates his allowance will reduce from about $75,000 to $70,000.

The Liberal Party member told a packed gallery at last night’s council meeting, where he was elected mayor, the “small gesture” would set the new council’s tone.

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“I would like to announce tonight that I am voluntarily reducing the mayoral allowance and not accepting any government approved increase in my term as mayor,” Cr Clarke said.

“I’m also requesting the mayoral car be sold as I will be using my own for council duties.

“It’s a small gesture on my part, but sets the tone of this council which is about looking out for savings for the benefit of the outcome of the broader community.”

Cr Clarke told the Diamond Valley Leader after the meeting he believed the car could fetch between $20,000 and $25,000.

The former City of Melbourne councillor said he planned to make Nillumbik the world’s most liveable shire.

“It’s a lofty aspiration, but a goal worth focusing on,” he said.

“I’m confident that this council will work in a collaborative nature, and will work with state and federal politicians and if that support is reciprocated, we can create the world’s most liveable shire.”

Cr Karen Egan was declared deputy mayor and said “difficult and challenging dealings” with the council prompted her to stand.

“It was clear people were dissatisfied with the way things were going. I knew I would be able to make a positive change for the better,” Cr Egan said.

While Cr Clarke was named interim planning and policy and services committee chair, a shake-up to the council committees formula is expected.

Cr Clarke said each councillor could be given a “portfolio interest” to manage along with their allocated wards.

“We will have a chair of planning, but we will probably have something around finance and governance and other community service areas,” he said.

“We want to sit down and whiteboard how it’s going to work best and we expect to resolve that in the next 10 days.”