Eric Noakes was elected mayor of Walcha when the new council was sworn in on Wednesday, with Clint Lyon to serve as his deputy.
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Cr Noakes said he waspleased to be elected and looked forward to working with the vibrant new council, although having a public profile would take some time to get used to.
“Seeing my name in the paper when I ran for council was a bit confronting but I am sure I will get used it,” Cr Noakes said, who was born and educated in Walcha.
“I believe that a councils’ main objective is to provide lifestyle services to the area, these include serviceable roads, streets, recreation and community facilities.
“These are the things that retain a population and attract new residents, as our area has much to offer.”
Being fiscally responsible is important for a council, Cr Noakes said, but it must also retain a social conscience.
“The pressure for councils’ to remain both financially viable and be able to meet residents needs will continue to become more and more challenging,” he said.