Statement at the conclusion of the Post Election Meeting
I am honoured to be the Mayor of the Gladstone Region and the leader of the newly elected council team. Congratulations to the newly elected Deputy Mayor
Deputy Mayor and I know we will continue to work well together and I will have some holidays during this term to allow you some time in the chair.
I express my congratulations to all councillors on your election to office and I hope that we will work together as a team over the next 4 years. It must always be remembered that each councillor including the Mayor has only one vote and it requires the support of four of your peers to achieve anything at the council table.
The strength of our previous council was the ability to work together and to present a united front to the community.
I would like to see this continue.
Over my time in local government, I have never had occasion to use the word "I" in relation to work achieved by our Council team. The use of the word "I" was reluctantly forced upon me during the recent election. I would hope that in the future I am able to return to past practice and continue the use of "WE", meaning council as a team.
We are facing significant growth challenges; it will need the combined efforts of Local, State and Federal Governments working with Local Industries to solve these and again this will only be achieved as a team.
One of the first tasks will be the revision of our Community Plan which is the overarching document for our Region. We need to find new methods of representing our outlying communities that better meets their needs to "have a voice".
Gladstone Regional Council is made up of our Community, our Staff and Elected Members, the Councillors.
Our staff has always been up to the challenge and I would like to publically place on record my thanks for the support that our CEO, Directors and staff have given to the previous council and the support I know we will receive over the coming term of office.
It has been said by many and I have always espoused the theory that in order to look good - you surround yourself with good people - and they make you look good.
Our staff members are our greatest strength and I thank to each and every one of you.
To our Family and Friends represented here in the Gallery today - on behalf of all councillors I say thank you for your support during the election and support I know you will give over the next four years. We do not underestimate the sacrifices you make so that we can represent our
Community.
Everyone I give you the Gladstone Regional Council Team for the 2012-2016 term.
2012 Season is off and running - after three Premierships The Gladstone Power Women's team is gearing up for a 4th big win. Member for Gladstone, Sponsors, Committee joined the team on Friday night for the Season Launch. Go Gladstone! AND I must say our boys are looing great this year - looking forward to the games.
