Shoalhaven has a new mayor.
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As expected, Greens councillor Amanda Findley wrested the top job from Joanna Gash on preferences, a result that became known on Thursday evening after a tense five-day wait.
After what seemed like an interminable count, the make-up of the new Shoalhaven council became official on Friday afternoon.
Representing Ward 1 are Andrew Guile (Shoalhaven Independents Group), John Wells (Team Gash), Nina Cheyne (The Greens) and Annette Alldrick (Country Labor).
Ward 2 will be represented by Greg Watson (SIG), Joanna Gash (Team Gash), John Levett (The Greens) and Mitchell Pakes (SIG).
In Ward 3, Mark Kitchener (SIG), Patricia White (Team Gash), Bob Proudfoot (SIG) and Kaye Gartner (The Greens) were elected.
“I’d like to thank Jo Gash for her service as mayor in the last four years,” Cr Findley said.
She said she looked forward to working with the new council.
Cr Findley said she had no doubt there would be tough times ahead because the Shoalhaven had many complex issues that needed to be addressed.
“I’m absolutely committed to working with each and every councillor and the staff to get the very best outcomes for the Shoalhaven and will be taking a front foot advocacy role with the state and federal members.”
Shoalhaven joins Bellingen and Byron shires in electing mayors from the Greens.
I will be taking a front foot advocacy role with the state and federal members.
- Shoalhaven Mayor Amanda Findley
General manager Russ Pigg welcomed the council.
“The new council will no doubt have some changes in priority and policy and our staff team will be ready to respond and implement the council’s new direction and decisions” Mr Pigg said.
Councillors will undertake intense induction briefings over the next two weeks to acquaint themselves with current issues.
The first ordinary meeting for the new council will be held on Tuesday, October 4.