Councillor Tracie Lund of the Morwell River Ward has resigned from Latrobe City Council effective from today.

Latrobe City Council Mayor, Councillor Sharon Gibson, appreciates Ms Lund for her contribution of five years as Councillor.

“I thank Ms Lund for her time as Councillor and time as Deputy Mayor in 2024. I wish her all the very best with her future endeavours.”

A by-election for the Morwell River Ward will be held to fill the vacancy, conducted by the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC). Residents enrolled to vote in the Morwell River Ward will be required to participate when the by-election is held.

The VEC will open a process where eligible persons can nominate as a candidate for the Morwell River Ward. Further information about both voting and nominating will be available and communicated once Council is advised by the VEC.

While the role of the Morwell River Ward Councillor remains vacant, residents of the Ward can contact the Mayor, Deputy Mayor or the broader Councillor group for any enquiries. Contact details are available on the Council’s website.

The vacancy does not impact the operations of Council, Council Meetings or decision making.

“While we farewell a fellow councillor, it’s business as usual at Latrobe City. There’s no disruption to our operations or decision making. The councillors will keep working together until a by-election is run to fill the vacancy,” the Mayor added.

Latrobe City Council CEO Steven Piasente acknowledged Ms Lund’s time on Council, thanking her for her commitment to the community.

“In accordance with the Local Government Act 2020, I will inform the Minister for Local Government and the Victorian Electoral Commission of the vacancy to get the process of filling the vacancy started,” Mr. Piasente said.

Council will work closely with the VEC on the next steps and keep the community informed as updates become available.