Former Lismore mayor Vanessa Ekins weighs in on new council

As his predecessor reflects on her time in the top job, Lismore’s new mayor has acknowledged there will be “many challenges” with a new dynamic in the chamber.

Lismore’s former mayor Vanessa Ekins and the new mayor, Steve Krieg.

Vanessa Ekins had hoped to retain the top spot on Lismore City Council.

But she has been gracious in her departure from leadership.

Newly elected mayor Steve Krieg chaired his first meeting of Lismore City Council last week.

Mr Krieg has replaced Ms Ekins as mayor after receiving 54.51 per cent of first preference votes in the December election.

Ms Ekins, who ran for The Greens, came in second at 14.97 per cent with other mayoral candidates trailing behind.

She was disappointed not to return to the leadership role but had been “really impressed” with the new council.

Seven of the 11 councillors elected are newcomers.

“I’ve been really impressed with their enthusiasm and their participation so far,” Ms Ekins said.

“Everyone’s been keen to get into the nitty-gritty.

“It seems like a very open relationship so far.”

Reflecting on her time as mayor, Ms Ekins said it was a “remarkable experience”.

She took on the role in early 2021 after the departure of Isaac Smith.

“It was a real privilege to be able to interact with the community and represent our community and council,” Ms Ekins said.

“I am disappointed not to continue on in that role but also (there is) a bit of a relief because there’s a huge amount of responsibility associated with it.”

There are two major projects Ms Ekins hopes the new council can see to completion this term.

They involve the affordable housing strategy and plans to improve waste management in the area.

During last week’s meeting, Mr Krieg acknowledged a new dynamic in the chamber.

“I think having seven new councillors in the chamber presents a challenge,” he said.

“It presents many challenges and one of those challenges is from the outside looking in, things look easy but we don’t know.”

When a fellow councillor was calling for a suite of changes to council policies minutes after they were sworn in, Mr Krieg voiced a need for a measured approach.

“I think to make decisions that are long-lasting … with the limited experience of half a meeting at this time, is bad practice,” he said.