Councillor Gair returned as Mayor

26 September, 2018Posted in: Other
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Councillor Duncan Gair was tonight returned as Mayor of Wingecarribee Shire by his fellow councillors.

“I’m extremely grateful to have once again been elected to lead the Shire,” Councillor Gair said.

“The responsibility of the position is not lost on me and it’s a role I do not take lightly.”

Mayor Gair said he was looking forward to the challenges ahead.

“One of my key areas of focus will be to ensure Council continues to deliver on its core promise of improving essential public services and infrastructure,” he said.

“Central to this will be multi-million dollar upgrades to our sewage treatment plants, roads, bridges, footpaths, drains and recreation areas that were recently incorporated as part of our four-year budget.”

Mayor Gair said one of his first items of business would be to meet with staff to discuss ways in which Council can improve its delivery of customer services.

“At the same time I intend to continue to promote our Shire’s stunning natural environment, tourist destinations, lifestyle attractions and business opportunities wherever I can,” he said.

Councillor Gair also paid tribute to outgoing Mayor Councillor Ken Halstead.

“I’d like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the stewardship Councillor Halstead has shown over the past two years,” he said. “His knowledge and experience in matters of Local Government continue to prove invaluable and I look forward to working with him in the years ahead.”

“I would also congratulate Councillor Garry Turland on his first election as Deputy Mayor,” Councillor Gair added.

Councillor Gair is the longest serving current councillor being first elected in 1995. His re-election as Mayor is his fourth term in the position having last served in the job in 2014.

As per directives issued by the then NSW Minister for Local Government Paul Toole in 2016, all mayors now serve a minimum two-year term.