Tom Crook, of Eagle Point, was pleasantly surprised by his election to the East Gippsland Shire Council.

Cr Crook, a land conservation manager, had initially fallen just short of the necessary required primary votes to secure a seat on Council, but was catapulted in on preferences.

Cr Crook says ensuring East Gippsland recovers and renews from the recent bushfires and COVID-19 pandemic will be the first priority and he also is optimistic that Council can address the challenges of climate change.