Cr Gash called Amanda Findley at 7.15pm Thursday to offer her congratulations.

After preferences were distributed Cr Findley received 26,490 votes while Cr Gash received 25,096 votes. 

“I’d like to thank Jo Gash for her service as mayor in the last four years,” Cr Findley said.

“I’m looking to meeting all the new councillors next week once the ward counts have been complete. I’m also looking forward to working closely with all the councillors who have been re-elected. I’m really pleased that the makeup of the new council is reflective of the community feeling.”

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.