Reviving the events and tourism industries are expected to be at the top of the priority list as Matthew Hannan enters his third consecutive term at the helm of Berrigan Shire.
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Cr Hannan was re-elected as mayor by his fellow councillors last week, in an internal election.
Normally a two year term, this mayoral term will end when councillors go to the polls for local government elections in September next year.
Elections were to be held this month, but were postponed due to COVID-19.
Cr Hannan said he had hoped to remain in the role to help guide the region through the pandemic and its after effects.
“It obviously felt good to be re-elected. To have the councillors’ confidence and know they have faith in my leadership is appreciated,” Cr Hannan said.
“We've been able to work well as a team and achieve some pretty good outcomes for the shire.
“There has been some challenges, but I look forward to continuing our work within the Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation of councils and to keep lobbying for the advancement of our shire in state and federal company.”
Cr Hannan said his councillors have faced unprecedented challenges in the last two years and is looking forward to seeing the shire's biggest industry "reboot" in the future.
“COVID-19 has been a challenge with a lot of residents effected, although I think our local businesses have done a great job.
“Agriculture is our biggest industry and employer in our region so to see welcomed early year rain and a good season, is a big positive for the shire.”
“We have had a productive term, despite challenges of on-going drought and now the pandemic.
“Our ag sector hopefully will have a big reboot after suffering for the last four years.”
Cr Hannan siad while council has found a way to continue working and delivering projects through the pandemic, he said the biggest los has been the community that bring everyone together and help drive the local economy.
“Our biggest challenge now will be to bring events back to communities,” Mr Hannan said.
“We need to get tourism back into the area in a new COVID-Safe way. We need to understand what needs to be done and adapt as quickly as possible.
“We have had a few accomplishments recently with the council working closely with the community.
“We have had access to funding that we have never seen in this shire before.
“"The School of Arts in Finley, the advancement of the foreshore project in Tocumwal, the adventure park in Barooga and the constant beatification of our towns’ street scape and signage have all raised the profile of our amazing towns.
“We also have been able to support the Tocumwal museum project and I think the new residential blocks in Finley that will be going up near Railway Park soon will encourage a lot of people to join and invest in our community.
“One of the things I've missed the most is just being out among the community. There have been a lot of Zoom meetings carried out during the pandemic but I'm eager to be able to get back out and in the community as soon as I can.”
Cr Hannan thanked all Berrigan Shire residents for allowing him to serve and represent the community.
“I've always said the Berrigan Shire punches well above its weight.
“It is a great place to live and work and invest in, so I will continue to advocate for that.
“For now we just have to take it one year at a time.”
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