Sharkey elected mayor, Robbins deputy

COUNCILLOR Owen Sharkey has been elected as mayor of Golden Plains Shire and Cr Emma Robbins as deputy, with both to serve a one‑year term.

The decision was made at Tuesday night’s council meeting which was held at the Golden Plains Civic Centre in Bannockburn.

Cr Sharkey was voted as mayor with the support of Crs Robbins, Des Phelan, Sarah Hayden and Dom Cook.

Cr Sharkey said his top priorities will include financial responsibility, public transport, advocacy in the upcoming election year, and supporting businesses in the Shire.

“I commit to a council willing to make tough decisions, decisions that may not always be popular, but which are necessary to ensure that any rate cut variation is postponed for as long as possible,” he said.

“We owe it to our residents to plan prudently, act decisively, and maintain the financial health of our Shire. Community consultation will continue to play a critical role in how we shape our direction.”

Cr Helena Kirby was also nominated for the position and was supported by Cr Gavin Gamble.

Cr Robbins said her focus as deputy mayor will be providing support to fellow councillors and showing how having the position can benefit residents.

“I take this role extremely seriously,” she said.

“Over the next year I’d like the opportunity to bring that same commitment to the role of deputy mayor. I see the deputy mayor’s role as a role to service, to the mayor, to my fellow councillors, and to the communities we represent.”

Crs Robbins, Cook, Hayden, Phelan and Sharkey voted for Cr Robbins to be deputy mayor.

Cr Hayden moved the motion to have a deputy mayor and said it was important to have someone to share the workload and step up in an emergency.

“I am supporting the creation of a deputy mayor because I believe it will strengthen governance continuity and community representation without adding complexity to our structure,” she said.

“This is a practical resilience measure… it’s sensible risk management.”

Cr Gamble was the only councillor to vote against having a deputy mayor and said it was financially irresponsible.

“In the past I’ve supported the position, but I’ve got to weigh up what’s best for ratepayers,” he said.

“Given the struggle we are now in, like many rural shires to be financially sustainable, it’s just not the right thing to do.”

Cr Kirby also stood for deputy mayor and said if elected, she would undertake the role without an increase in pay. She was supported by Cr Gamble.