Councillor Gil Kelly was elected as Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council Mayor at an extraordinary meeting held on Tuesday night. Photo: Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council.
At a time of major transition, Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council’s (CGRC) new mayor, Gil Kelly, wants to reassure his constituents that “it’s business as usual”.
“Council hasn’t stopped, and we’re waiting for a decision regarding the demerger,” Cr Kelly said.
“The whole demerger process is out of our hands … there’s nothing we as the council can do any more until the recommendation comes from the boundary commission to the minister.
“There are lots of other things happening in our communities, and my focus is to ensure that that remains front and centre for our community.”
Cr Kelly was elected on Tuesday (16 July) at the extraordinary meeting following the unexpected resignation of former mayor Charlie Sheahan.
His elevation from deputy to mayor saw Gundagai Councillor Penny Nicholson elected to the vacant deputy position.
“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the outgoing mayor Sheahan for his dedicated service and hard work over the past three years,” Cr Kelly said.
“His passionate leadership has made a positive impact, and I am grateful for all he has done.”
Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig met with Cootamundra-Gundagai councillors this year, including former mayor Charlie Sheahan (right). Photo: Ron Hoenig Facebook.
Cr Sheahan called it quits after NSW Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig decided not to defer the upcoming council election, a move that would cost ratepayers $220,000 amid the ongoing demerger proposal review.
“I didn’t agree with him at the time, but everyone is entitled to their view,” the new mayor said.
“I’m committed to the process the minister put in place for us. Preferably, the best option would have been to defer the elections – that was what the council and our community wanted – but it wasn’t to be, so we’ve got to play the hand we’re dealt.”
Cr Kelly said he had big shoes to fill but believed he had the skills to handle his new position and the challenge ahead.
“I’m not coming in with any intentions to reinvent the wheel – just a steady hand to get us to the next election. Once we find out whether we are to stay merged or demerge, we will reevaluate that at that time,” he said.
“I have a good working relationship with all the councillors – including Councillor Sheahan – I think we will work well together until the next election in September.”
Cr Kelly has served on the council since 2017 and said he was motivated after hearing people complain about decisions impacting the local government area.
“The only way to affect change is to have a seat at the table,” he said.
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