By NIKKI TODD
COUNCILLOR Barry Longland has vowed to provide stability and continue his drive to improve business opportunities in the Tweed after he was returned as mayor for a third consecutive term last week.
Labor Cr Michael Armstrong will remain in the deputy’s chair after both men were voted in during an extraordinary council meeting last Thursday.
Under NSW legislation, councils across the state must hold an annual ballot for leadership positions each September, with the process usually done by an open show of hands.
Cr Longland was returned to the top job after swiftly seeing off sole challenger Cr Warren Polglase by a vote of 4-3.
Cr Longland, a retired accountant from Uki, received support from Cr Armstrong, Greens Cr Katie Milne and Independent Cr Gary Bagnall as well as his own vote.
Cr Polglase, who has served as mayor several times in the past, gained his support from factional colleagues Cr Phil Youngblutt and Cr Carolyn Byrne, as well as his own vote.
Cr Armstrong saw off a challenge from Cr Youngblutt and was returned as deputy mayor along similar voting patterns.
“I think this represents some stability for the shire,’’ Cr Longland said after the vote.
“If you look at the last term when there were four mayors in four years, it becomes difficult, not just for the person occupying the position of mayor but also to have a proper and constructive relationship with the bureaucracy.
“I don’t think it represents stability in the council if the mayor’s position is changed constantly.’’
Cr Longland said he was still loving the job despite the personal attacks he received after making the decision to sack former general manager David Keenan earlier this year and vowed to continue doing what he thought was best for the shire.
“I am totally honoured and privileged to be given the opportunity to serve a third year and I recommit myself to making decisions I believe are in the best interests of the shire,’’ he said.
Councillor Longland said there were many challenges ahead for government, such as impending reforms of the state planning laws, a review of the Local Government Act and broader reforms of the sector.
“I am very privileged to be in the mayor’s office to see these changes and challenges through,’’ he said.
Cr Longland said other highlights for the year ahead included the delivery of an economic development strategy to build on business incentives of the past year, continuing developments in environmental protection and milestone projects such as the Margaret Olley Art Centre.
Cr Armstrong, who saw out a challenge from Cr Youngblutt to retain the deputy’s role, said he would be focused on providing infrastructure for the future.
“Between now and 2030, we have the expectation of a population of almost 30,000 more people than we have today,’’ he said.
“We need to start making sure we are planning for that. We need as a community to start having that discussion (about) what will it mean to live in the Tweed when we have 120,000 people living here.’’
