Council's meeting today saw Councillors vote to opt for a two year term for the position of Deputy Mayor. Following that determination the vote for the role of Deputy Mayor for the next two years was decided between outgoing deputy mayor, Anthony Mayne and Rob Pollock OAM (below). Councillor Pollock won with a 7 to 2 vote (Ed. corrected from 6 to 3).
Above: Rob Pollock OAM - Photo: ESC
Councillor Anthony Mayne has held the position of deputy mayor for two terms and during that time clearly demonstrated his capacity to perform the role well in both chairing Council meetings and also standing in for the Mayor when required at various functions. Though the position of Deputy Mayor is non compulsory position that was adopted by Council many years ago it continues to be effective in supporting and suggesting leadership and councillor cohesion. Councillor Anthony Mayne is to be commended for his time whist holding the position. The role of Deputy Mayor is not a new one to Councillor Rob Pollock who has, over his 31 years in Local Government, held the position on many an occasion. Clr Pollock is also the capable Chair of the Regional Development Australia Far South Coast, a role he enjoys that has bought considerable benefits to the region by way of State and Federal funding. The role of Eurobodalla's deputy mayor requires the holder to have the capacity to be able to chair complex meetings, have an ability to think on your feet and to best represent the organisation at all levels of government and across all facets of the community. There is little doubt that Councillor Pollock has those skills and will apply them when required. The vote today will hopefully now see the politics of council now settle down for the next two years with both the appointment of the new deputy mayor and the appointments of councillors to the various committees which were also determined today. These appointments will, as voted, also cover a two year period. The fact that it was Councillor Pollock who put his hat in the ring for the deputy mayor position may have come as a surprise as many were expecting the mentored James Thomson to be pushed forward for the position. There is little doubt that James will be aspiring to being Mayor as was his father and grandfather. Councillor Pollock accepts the role of Deputy Mayor with his usual cheerful alacrity. Cr Pollock said the role would help in advocating for local and regional development projects, such as the Batemans Bay Regional Aquatic, Arts and Leisure Centre at Mackay Park. “I’m looking forward to strengthening relationships with state and federal agencies and working together with my colleagues to achieve great outcomes, for both Council and regional development perspectives,” he said. While it might appear a demotion of sorts for Councillor Mayne he is buoyed by the recent announcement that he is now an executive member of the South East Area Transport Strategy (SEATS), which lobbies to improve transport and access to the South East region of Australia. There is much that can be achieved in this area so his extra curricular efforts in this area can now be ramped up.
