Cr Andrew Smith appointed as Deputy Mayor

At Wednesday’s post-election council meeting, WDRC mayor Paul McVeigh and the eight councillors unanimously appointed Cr Andrew Smith as deputy mayor.

DEPUTY MAYOR: Mayor Paul McVeigh congratulated Cr Andrew Smith on being appointed as deputy mayor following a unanimous vote. Picture: Western Downs Regional Council

DALBY officially has a new deputy mayor.

At Wednesday’s post-election council meeting, Western Downs Regional Council mayor Paul McVeigh and the eight councillors unanimously appointed Cr Andrew Smith as the deputy mayor.

They also elected their councillor portfolios to represent the Western Downs region for the next four years.

Mayor Paul McVeigh said the new council team is ready to inspire and grow our communities, and share in the commitment of making Western Downs Regional Council one of the best in Queensland.

“I would like to congratulate Councillor Andrew Smith, his appointment as deputy mayor is a strong endorsement of his experience and commitment to leading our region by his fellow councillors and I look forward to working alongside him,” Cr McVeigh said.

“With a strong passion for supporting our small communities, and residing in Condamine Cr Andrew Smith will be a strong advocate for our communities in the west.”

“All our councillors have a wealth of knowledge and talents that will not only build on the work and performance of the previous four years, but will also continue to deliver positive outcomes for our communities.

“We are excited to start work straight away in building a stronger Western Downs and achieving great outcomes and top quality services for our communities.”

Cr McVeigh also acknowledged the contribution and dedication of outgoing councillors Tony Brame, Charlene Hall, Ray Jamieson, and George Moore, and all the candidates who nominated in the Local Government election.

The portfolio allocations for the new Local Government term are:

Councillor Paul McVeigh: Mayor, and Spokesperson for Executive Services

Councillor Andrew Smith: Deputy Mayor, and Spokesperson for Planning and Environment

Councillor Donna Ashurst: Spokesperson for Economic Development

Councillor Ray Brown: Spokesperson for Facilities

Councillor Kaye Maguire: Spokesperson for Community and Cultural Development

Councillor Greg Olm: Spokesperson for Works and Technical Services

Councillor Ian Rasmussen: Spokesperson for Finance and Corporate Services

Councillor Peter Saxelby: Spokesperson for Utilities

Councillor Carolyn Tillman: Spokesperson for Parks, Open Spaces and Cemeteries

The first ordinary meeting of council will be held on Wednesday, April 20.