Towong Council election 2020 results declared

Councillors David Wortmann, Andrew Whitehead and Aaron Scales have been returned to their roles, receiving 30.54 per cent, 17.44 per cent and 9.69 per cent of votes respectively.

Candidates Peter Dikschei (16.90 per cent of votes) and Denise Anderson (8.59 per cent) were third- and fifth-elected.

Mrs Anderson was the only candidate present for the declaration at Towong Council's Tallangatta office on Wednesday.

"I was very surprised," she said.

"I grew up with my family knowing their councillors and I want to do that ... people are going to see me and know me."

The Bellbridge resident, who works as a medical receptionist, was inspired to run for council after she and her husband travelled around Australia.

"This is a beautiful region, and it's untapped," she said.

"People come across the Bethanga bridge, have a little look, go 'this is beautiful' and go back.

"Bellbridge is really the gateway to the Upper Murray. That is my aim, to really get it out there.

"You have cash flow, employment and people wanting to come to the area - it's [tourism] good for the shire."

Mrs Anderson has also been involved in the newly-created Peninsula Community Recovery Committee.

"We weren't directly affected, but we did suffer quite a bit," she said.

"Our firies did long hours, getting equipment for them was difficult, and communication is an issue, which I know council is working on."

Continuing fire recovery is also a key priority for Mr Dikschei, who will step out of his role on council's recovery team.

"It's heading in the right direction, but I want to make sure it continues," he said.

"The mood is definitely improving; for a start, most of the farmers are having a pretty good season.

"They still have their issues and battles with finishing off fencing and getting new sheds built, and for those who lost houses, that's unfortunately not around the corner, but in terms of getting on with their daily business and life, a lot of them are going well.

"I don't think we'll know the full effects of the mental trauma ... the community is really crying out for opportunities to get together."

Mr Dikschei, a retired police officer, said good customer service and efficiency in council, economic development and tourism were other key priorities.

"I had never considered it [running for council] - in January this year, I would have almost laughed at you," he said.

"It's been part of my experience, working in the council this year and seeing all the things going on and things that maybe need to go on, that made me feel I could get involved."

IN OTHER NEWS:

The balance of men and women on Towong Council remains unchanged to the 2016 election, which was uncontested.

Of 5264 enrolments, 4220 ballot papers proceeded to the count, reflecting a 80.17 per cent turnout.