BLACK soil runs in Moree Plains Shire Council mayor Katrina Humphries veins.
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After 13 years, the much-loved leader has announced she will hang up her hat at the September local government election and trade in council chambers for her caravan and the wide open road.
"I just think the timing is right, people can stay in public office for too long and I think we need some fresh, younger faces," Cr Humphries said.
"I'm incredibly relaxed because this isn't a decision that was made without thought or contemplation.
"I think I'm ready to step-aside now and COVID gave me an extra 12 months which I am grateful for - it allowed the Special Activation Precinct (SAP) and Inland Rail to pass a point of no return.
"If I stood again I would have had to commit for another four years and I'm not ready for that, we have grandchildren in England and it might be a while until we're flying but I want to physically be with them - Skype is wonderful but it's not the same as holding little hands."
Cr Humphries has spent four years at the helm of the NSW Country Mayor's Association and is the daughter of former NSW Deputy Premier the late Wal Murray.
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She has been a strong advocate for regional communities; she's fronted contentious rate rises and watched nearby local councils fall into step like dominoes shortly after.
Her biggest achievements are the town's SAP and Inland Rail. Her advice to other women in politics has always been a tongue-in-cheek, "make your own bloody footsteps, don't follow in mine."
Eventually, she plans to sell her business, but said Moree will always be her home.
"I've always been a free spirit, it depends where the wind blows," she said.