Councillor resigns

Baw Baw Shire councillor Ben Lucas has resigned in the wake of being charged with serious traffic offences.

Mr Lucas announced a week ago that he intended to take a leave of absence from his role as a west ward councillor.

While the charges do not relate to incidents concerning Mr Lucas’ councillor duties, he announced this afternoon that he would resign.

He said the time had come and his race had been run.

“I am gutted to inform you that I will be resigning from my position as a Baw Baw shire councillor.

“It has been an exceptional six-months. Six-months that I am proud of, and the impact I have made to the organisation and the west ward,” he said.

Mr Lucas said he put his hand up because he wanted to advocate on key issues and projects that he said had fallen by the wayside. “Our ward agreed,” he said.

“Unfortunately, my personal issues have interfered with my professional, and my position has become untenable.

“My team before myself mentality understands that it is better for the organisation if I step down. And upon realising this, I understand this to be the better choice for myself and my family.

Mr Lucas said he owned his mistakes, but they would not define him.

“I will take the time away to get better, be better and come back better,” he said.

“I apologise for the excess workload I may have created, and any reputational damage council as an organisation or councillors may have received due to my actions,” he said.

He said he was a true believer in the people at the top, the executive team, all the staff and officers.

“Baw Baw does a great job and punches well above its weight delivering services and capital works projects above and beyond what would be expected with the resources available.

“I would like to thank all the community which I have had the privilege to represent while I have been elected. It has been one of the greatest achievements of my life, and I thank you all for putting the trust in me to represent you as an elected representative,” he said.

In an official statement mayor Danny Goss said Mr Lucas’ resignation had been accepted and was effective immediately.

“Firstly, I would very much like to commend Mr Lucas for his work on council. He has been an effective advocate for West Ward, bringing passion, energy and fresh perspectives to the table. He is an active member of his community, liked and respected by many.

“The allegations against Mr Lucas are of a serious nature and do not meet the standards expected of elected representatives. Mr Lucas recognises this and understands that he must now take some time to seek some appropriate support.

“My fellow councillors and I would like to emphasise that we do not condone behaviour that puts others at risk. This includes actions such as drink or dangerous driving.

Cr Goss said chief executive officer Mark Dupe and his team would work with the Victorian Electoral Commission to progress a replacement representative in the West Ward.

“It has been a great pleasure working with and getting to know Mr Lucas over the last few months, and I wish him well. I ask that people respect his privacy at this difficult time,” Cr Goss said.

Mr Lucas, 34, has been charged with reckless conduct endangering life, speeding in a dangerous manner, manner dangerous and other traffic offences.

The charges relate to alleged driving offences between the South Gippsland Hwy, Koo wee rup and Pakenham at 12.45am on Saturday, June 5.

Police allege Mr Lucas was speeding at 150km/hour and driving on the wrong side of the road.

He allegedly recorded a blood alcohol content of 0.193.

After being intercepted by police, his licence was immediately suspended for 12 months and his car was impounded for 30 days.

Mr Lucas has been bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on September 8.

Mr Lucas was elected at the 2020 local government elections.  He was elected with an absolute majority of primary votes in a four-candidate race.

Under the Victorian Electoral Commission rules, former councillor Keith Cook, who was defeated at the same election, will be offered the opportunity to fill the vacancy.

If he declines, a by-election will be held.