Re-elected Mayor Positive About The Future
Cr Steve Toms was unanimously re-elected for a fourth term as Mayor at the first meeting of the newly elected Glen Innes Severn Council held on 25 September 2008. Cr Colin Price was also re-elected as Deputy Mayor.
At the Mayoral Luncheon, held after the business meeting, Mayor Toms spoke about the changes that the area had experienced in the past four (4) years. "We can reflect on a lot of positive changes," Mayor Toms said. "We are now seeing a number of developments coming to town."
Mayor Toms also spoke about the high quality of Council's senior staff. "I would like to welcome the newest member of the management team, Director of Engineering Services, Vanessa Menzie," he said. "She will be making some changes in Engineering, following on from the review of that department, which took place earlier in the year. Lotta Jackson capably leads the complex Department of Corporate and Community Services, which includes a highly successful $4 million Community Services business. Graham Price, the Director of Development and Environmental Services, manages a challenging area that encompasses a variety of functions, including tourism and events, parks and gardens and the Development Approval processes. He does so in a very professional way."
Mayor Toms also paid tribute to Council's General Manager, Hein Basson. "We are lucky to have someone with the integrity and intelligence of Hein," he said. "I would also like to acknowledge all of Hein's staff. Councillors get the good and bad feedback, but it is the staff who do the daily work to keep Council running."
The newly elected Council will be undertaking a Strategic Planning session, to formulate strategies for the next four (4) years. Mayor Toms said a number of challenges faced the area, including attracting and retaining staff, gaining funding for infrastructure, and maintaining community and Council autonomy.
Deputy Mayor Price also addressed the function, and said he was honoured to be re-elected. He said that in 2004, the newly amalgamated Glen Innes Severn Council had set up a new structure and culture, which the current Council could now build on and refine. Cr Price also praised the work of staff, and made special mention of the Community Services section, which provides high quality services across a large area of northern New South Wales.
Contact details
Catherine McBride
cmcbride@gisc.nsw.gov.au
