It took only minutes for each of the three New England councils holding mayoral elections today to return both their mayor and deputy mayor unchallenged, but a contest is brewing in Glen Innes.
Mayor Bronwyn Petrie and Deputy Mayor Greg Sauer at Tenterfield Shire Council, Mayor Kate Dight and Deputy Mayor Jo Williams at Inverell Shire Council, and Mayor Sam Coupland and Deputy Mayor Todd Redwood at Armidale Regional Council are all continuing in their roles for another two years.
Mayor Petrie only briefly thanked her colleagues before getting on with business.
In Inverell, Mayor Dight said her re-election was a vote for the whole council.
“I really would like to just take this opportunity and thank you all for putting the confidence in me, but it’s ultimately putting the confidence for me to lead us as a team,” she said.
“That’s actually what this is really about.”
“We’ve got a great council, and I just want to take this moment to say that we all work really well together.”
“We respect each other. We’ve always got stuff to say, and that’s really important.”
Deputy Mayor Williams continued the theme of enjoying working with colleagues.
“Look, I’d just like to say it’s been an absolute honour for me to serve as deputy mayor for the past two years in this community that I grew up in and that I still love,” Deputy Mayor Williams said.
“I thank Mayor Dight for her energetic leadership and the ability to make us all feel so valued and respected.”
“I’d also like to thank my fellow councillors for their support, and it’s an absolute pleasure to be part of such a cohesive team who are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes for our community.”
In Armidale, Mayor Coupland used his acceptance to set out what he sees as a demanding two years ahead.
“I’d first of all just like to thank my fellow councillors for their confidence, and I congratulate Councillor Redwood for his re-election as deputy mayor,” Mayor Coupland said.
“So our region is really on the precipice of significant change, and so much of that is going to come to bear in the next two years, specifically water security, and particularly the funding commitments from the government to make that a reality.”
“So we’ve started a lot of that work. We need to continue that. The government needs to put its hand in its pocket.”
He also pointed to amenity improvements to make the region more liveable and attractive to tourists, the implementation of the New England Future Fund, and the challenges of being at the centre of Australia’s largest renewable energy zone.
“So strap yourselves in; it’s going to be a hell ride.”
Glen Innes Severn Council will hold its mid-term mayoral election tomorrow, with Cr David Scott announcing his intention to challenge Mayor Margot Davis.
Cr Scott made the announcement in an article, that appears to show him interviewing himself, in this week’s Glen Innes News, a community newsletter he currently runs.
“After careful consideration, I have decided to nominate for the position of Mayor,” Cr Scott wrote, in a quote attributed to himself.
Cr Scott acknowledged the service of Mayor Davis, and said he would continue to serve on Council if unsuccessful.
Cr Scott is something of a Stephen Bradbury of councillors. He came last in the 2024 Glen Innes Severn Council election with 239 votes, and took his seat on council on a countback after the resignations of former Mayor Rob Banham and former Deputy Mayor Troy Arandale.
Glen Innes Severn Council meets at 9am on Thursday, leaving the only remaining council to settle their mayoralty being Walcha who meet next week.
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