The Victorian Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell has invited residents and ratepayers of Greater Geelong to have their say on the model for the direct election of the Mayor.

 

A discussion paper has been released setting out options for mayoral elections for the community to consider.

 

Mrs Powell said residents and ratepayers are being asked whether they wish to directly elect just the mayor or to directly elect a leadership team comprising both the mayor and a deputy mayor, as with the City of Melbourne.

 

People are also being invited to consider whether candidates for mayor or a deputy mayor should be allowed to also nominate as regular councillors.

 

The Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government David Morris will be taking the lead role in the consultation phase.

 

At present the Mayor of Greater Geelong is elected by the councillors, as required by the Local Government Act 1989. The current mayor was re-elected in December 2010 for a two-year term that will expire when the council has its general elections in late 2012.

 

A copy of the discussion paper and a submission template can be downloaded from www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au.

 

Submissions are due by16 May 2011.