Incumbents returned at Shire’s mayoral election

COUNCILLORS Owen Sharkey and Joanne Gilbert are once again Mayor and deputy-mayor Golden Plains Shire.

Their re-election came at council’s special meeting last week, with Cr Sharkey retaking the top job in a four to three vote over two term councillor Cr Nathan Hansford. Cr Gilbert was returned to the deputy position unopposed.

Cr David Evans also self-nominated for the role of mayor but couldn’t find a seconder to take part in the process, with no other councillors willing to back him. He was eliminated from the contest at that point.

After his re-election Cr Sharkey spoke about the benefits of having stable leadership in the Shire, saying it had “been a strong emphasis of Joanna and myself.”

Stability through continuity was also theme that resonated with Cr Gilbert.

“We’ve had a lot of change in the last few years, and coming in to possibly seven new councillors next term, I think consistency is important for this next 12 months,” she said.

As Cr Sharkey, who lives in Batesford and Cr Gilbert, based in Napoleons, also spoke about how the election results delivered geographical benefits.

“I’m really looking forward to the fact that we’ve got the Mayor down at one end of the Shire and deputy at the other end,” said Cr Gilbert said. “Hopefully that will be nice coverage for everybody.”

During Cr Sharkey’s end of term speech, an opportunity afforded mayors before the election process begins, he spoke about the achievements of council over the previous 12 months.

On the list were strengthening partnerships across the region with groups like G21 and the City of Ballarat as well as State and Federal governments, and locking in shared service projects. Also included was core service provision improvements, the new gravel roads policy, and opening new and upgraded recreation spaces across the Shire.

Looking forward to the next 12 months, Cr Sharkey said it would be “business as usual”, with an eye on the state-wide municipal elections in late October 2020.

“This year is about finishing off our term and continuing to make strong, good decisions but also that emphasis on making sure that the next seven councillors and have an easier run than we did,” he said.

“I think any mayor that sits here and says ‘this is what I’m going to do’ doesn’t understand the role. The role of Mayor is to be guided by councillors and I look forward to being guided for the next 12 months.”

Following the vote for Mayor, Cr Hansford talked about his reasons for running.

“It’s my second term on council and it’s just one of those things I’ve always wanted to do,” he said. “This year seemed the right year for me and unfortunately it didn’t turn out that way.

“It’s a tough position, and what Owen has done in the last 12 months has been good for the Shire.”

When is came time to vote, Crs Hansford, Kirby and Evans backed the challenger while the rest of council put their hands up for incumbent Cr Sharkey.