Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell today congratulated Darryn Lyons on his election as the new mayor of the City of Greater Geelong.

“It is a great honour for Mr. Lyons to be elected by his community to represent them over the next three years,” Mrs Powell said.

“The people of Geelong have spoken and I wish Mr. Lyons the very best in his new role.”

The by-election for the role of mayor was held by postal ballot, following the resignation in August of Geelong’s first popularly-elected mayor Keith Fagg. Mrs Powell said Geelong community leaders had embraced the opportunity to stand for mayor with 16 nominations received.

“More than 174,000 Geelong residents and businesses also registered to have their say on the wide choice in leadership style and policies,” Mrs Powell said.

“The people of Greater Geelong are passionate about their community and its leadership and the Victorian Coalition Government is looking forward to working with their directly elected Mayor.”

The City of Greater Geelong and the City of Melbourne are the only two municipalities that directly elect their mayor.

Mrs Powell thanked former Geelong mayor Keith Fagg for his contribution as the former mayor of the City of Greater Geelong and the 15 unsuccessful candidates who stood for election for putting themselves forward to serve their community.