New Council officially sworn in
Lockyer Valley Regional Council’s new-look Council was formally sworn in yesterday afternoon, paving the way for official duties to begin.
The group consists of three returning Councillors, Mayor Tanya Milligan, Councillors Chris Wilson and Michael Hagan, plus four fresh faces, Councillors David Neuendorf, Julie Reck, Cheryl Steinhardt and Anthony Wilson.
It comes after the Electoral Commission of Queensland officially declared the results of the Lockyer Valley’s 16 March local government elections last week, with postal voting and optional preference voting in the mayoral election causing the delay.
Mayor Milligan, who returns to the top job for a third consecutive term, said she was honoured to be at the helm once again.
“It is such a privilege to lead our region and one I take very seriously, and I thank the community for their vote of confidence,” she said.
“I look forward to working with my fellow Councillors to advance the Lockyer Valley and to helping guide our newcomers on what can be a very steep learning curve.”
While it is the first foray into local government for Councillors Reck, Steinhardt and Anthony Wilson, Cr Neuendorf will no doubt draw from his experience as a councillor in the first term of the Lockyer Valley Regional Council.
Federal Member for Wright Scott Buchholz MP was also on hand to watch the proceedings and said the make-up of this Council was an ideal blend of fresh energy and much needed experience.
“There is no doubt our new Council will be busy getting up to speed on all things local government so we can deliver the outcomes and services our community deserves and I’m sure all Councillors will treat this role as their main priority,” Mayor Milligan said.
“I will also take this opportunity to thank the retiring councillors for their service to the community over the past term which included COVID and natural disasters.”
Councillors will vote in the Deputy Mayor at the first official Post-Election meeting this Friday.
Photo: L-R: Cr Cheryl Steinhardt, Cr Michael Hagan, Cr Anthony Wilson, Mayor Tanya Milligan, Federal Member for Wright Scott Buchholz MP, Cr Julie Reck, Cr Chris Wilson and Cr David Neuendorf.
