Greens Councillor Jo Connellan said today that the outcome of the Moreland election for the Greens was an endorsement of genuine local government candidates.

"Having two of our councillors first elected shows that voters wanted real candidates with real policies. I am personally delighted to have been re-elected in South Ward and thank all the voters who supported us at the ballot box. It was also gratifying to see Toby Archer elected in North-East Ward as the first elected candidate despite drawing 18th place on the ballot. Our result in the North-West Ward was a great first time effort and sets the groundwork for future success. The overall result shows that we have consolidated our position on Moreland council," said Cr Connellan.

"We ran a good campaign and we clearly stated our positions on the full range of council responsibilities, focusing on transport and environmental issues. I believe we were the only party to release a comprehensive policy platform and to concentrate on traditional campaigning methods like talking to voters out in the community and knocking on doors," she said.

"I congratulate all the other successful candidates and look forward to working with them over the next four years. We will face some big challenges over this time and overcoming them will demand the co-operative work of all councillors, as well as avoidance of populism and a willingness to embrace good ideas."

The Greens particularly welcome the re-election of independent John Kavanagh, who has worked hard for the result he achieved. Also welcome is the return to council of Kathleen Matthews-Ward and Alice Pryor, two of the ALP councillors who have served this city well during the last four years.

"On the conduct of the campaign, I regret the fact that various ALP candidates saw fit to run a number of dummy candidates across the city. I am not convinced they achieved much by doing so, except to generate voter confusion and anger amongst their own supporters."

"I was also disturbed to hear that one candidate had many of his signs ripped down and his car damaged during the course of the campaign. The Greens condemn this sort of behaviour. It has no place in our democratic system. There are people out there who know who was behind this attempted intimidation. Clearly anyone who has information about these incidents should take it straight to the police," Councillor Connellan said.

RESULTS AT A GLANCE
(Greens First Preference Vote)

South 5389 votes (31.7%)
Jo Connellan 1st Councillor elected

North-East 4278 votes (16.6%)
Toby Archer 1st Councillor elected

North-West 2431 votes (9.0%)
Rob Humphreys narrowly misses out in 5th place.

For further information ring

Seth Unmack (Moreland) 0433 921 707.