Jamie Bell resigns from Council to focus on work commitments

Published on 25 January 2023

Jamie Bell has resigned from his role as Councillor with Colac Otway Shire Council to focus on work commitments outside the shire.

Elected in 2020, Mayor Chris Potter thanked Mr Bell for over two years of service to the Colac Otway community.

“On behalf of Councillors I’d like to thank Jamie for his work in the role with Council. We wish Jamie all the very best with his career and the future,” Cr Potter said.

“We’re really sorry to see Jamie go, he brought a good knowledge of environmental issues and agriculture that have added value to our decision making, however we also understand his work commitments have grown to the point he’s unable to dedicate the time required for the role.

“Being a Councillor is a significant commitment and we appreciate Jamie acknowledging he’s no longer in a position to give the time needed,” Cr Potter said.

The resignation of Mr Bell creates an extraordinary vacancy within Colac Otway Shire Council.

Chief Executive Officer Anne Howard said the extraordinary vacancy would be filled through a countback conducted by the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC).

“The VEC will provide information on where and when the countback to fill the extraordinary vacancy on Colac Otway Shire Council will be conducted.

“The VEC will also announce the successful candidate elected to Council,” Ms Howard said.