SOPHIE Price has been re-elected as Indigo Shire mayor unopposed at a statutory meeting of the new-look council on Tuesday night.
Nominated by councillor Diane Shepheard, Cr Price was unanimously voted in to continue as mayor after previously having spent the past two years in the top job.
New councillor Jane Dowsley also received an unopposed vote for deputy mayor after being nominated by councillor Greg Bourke.
Cr Price said she looked forward to working collaboratively with the new team and is committed to showing strong leadership and bringing issues raised by the community into the chamber.
“I believe the community has got it right and there is a clear mandate for change,” she said.
“I think we’re all reflecting on the election that’s taken place, and I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the councillors that have been elected.
“We’ve got a diverse range of views, and we’re well spread out across the shire.
“We now have the task of balancing all the needs of the community in an inclusive and respectful way.
“I wasn’t to be an inclusive mayor, available to the community and I would really welcome your support.”
While accepting her nomination for deputy mayor for a one-year term, Cr Dowsley said with four new councillors elected, it was clear the community was calling for change.
“By electing a new councillor as deputy mayor, we are demonstrating we have heard and respect this message,” she said.
“As deputy mayor I will be proactive and collaborative, I believe in allowing our communities to thrive.
“With Sophie as mayor, this partnership of experience and fresh perspectives will allow us to question the status quo, drive innovation and create new opportunities for a stronger and more connected Indigo Shire.”
Cr Price will lead for the next two years after Cr Shepheard put forward the motion for a two-year term, opposed to one-year.
“I think with four new councillors it’s an opportunity for us to work together under one leadership and one guidance,” Cr Shepheard said.
“I’m confident a two-year term will mean that we will have leadership for the next two years while we’re deciding and working out where the next leadership base will be.”
Cr Horne opposed the motion o a two-year term, believing a one-year term would be more suitable..
“I believe our community has given us a very string motion to look for change,” Cr Horne said.
Councillor John Harvey joined Cr Horne’s opposed vote, while councillors Shepheard, Dowsley, Landells, Bourke and Price voted in favour of the two-year mayoral stint.
There will be an ordinary council meeting held on December 10 which is slated to be the last for 2024.