Gavin Gamble to rejoin Golden Plains council after resignation of Lachlan Glen

A “back to basics” councillor has been replaced by a Greens member who believes Australia Day should no longer be held on January 26.

Gavin Gamble will return to Golden Plains council following a countback on Monday morning.

The Greens have secured council representation in the Geelong region following a countback that stemmed from the sudden resignation of the top vote getter.

Gavin Gamble, who was elevated to Golden Plains council on Monday after an initially unsuccessful re-election bid, said the climate would underpin his decision-making during the four-year term.

“I’m pretty happy to be back (on council), to be honest,” he said.

“It’s a big responsibility and I learnt a lot during the previous term, where I served as both mayor and deputy mayor for a period of time.”

Mr Gamble, a Teesdale resident, will be the Greens’ sole councillor in the region after the party stood 11 candidates in last year’s local government elections, but he denied this brought greater responsibility.

“I’m a (Greens) member because their values are consistent with mine,” he said.

“I will put the climate first when framing my decisions because I’m passionate about looking after the future and protecting the health of our local environment.”

Mr Gamble, who received 7.3 per cent of first preference votes in a field of 10, will join mayor Sarah Hayden, Emma Robbins, Des Phelan, Brett Cunningham, Helena Kirby and Owen Sharkey on council.

He replaces Lachlan Glen, who topped the vote count with 18.9 per cent of first preference votes but resigned after just one month due to personal reasons.

Mr Glen campaigned on a “back to basics” message and assured people who supported him that their vote “was not wasted”.

“The message from residents in support of my focus on core services has been heard loud and clear,” he said upon his resignation.

Lachlan Glen resigned from Golden Plains council in December. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Gamble’s top priority during the campaign was “local actions to adapt and mitigate climate breakdown”, adding that council’s remit went far beyond roads, rates and rubbish.

“People want and need more … local government does a lot to improve people’s lives,” he said.

On the topic of Australia Day, Mr Gamble said the date should be moved from January 26.

“It’s insulting and disrespectful to First Australians,” he said.

“No need to use this date … another date could unite Australians.”

Originally published as Gavin Gamble to rejoin Golden Plains council after resignation of Lachlan Glen