First Council meeting - Election of Deputy Mayor and a sign of things to come...

Last night was the first council meeting of the newly elected council, and if the rhetoric and tone of the debate were an indication of the future of Lake Macquarie Council, it's going to be an interesting four years.

Barry Johnston was elected unopposed as deputy mayor. His experience on council, and his life experience as a whole, will be of enormous benefit to this vital role.

Cr. Parsons (Greens) moved a motion to share the deputy mayor role equally among councillors, however the majority of council felt that it was best an elected position, as it was one that required experience, and not a position that all councillors may be suitable for. However, it was decided that at the end of the 12 month term, the method of electing deputy mayor would be reviewed.

Lake Macquarie is renowned for having a cohesive, effective council, and comparisons are often drawn with Newcastle's previous council, highlighting how advantageous a co-operative council is. Most councillors will be working very hard to maintain that reputation into the future. The majority of councillors want to avoid any of the bad elements & negative practices often reported of Newcastle Council.

The most important question of councillors is one of attitude. It's vital that commentators, the public and council staff ask themselves - "does each councillor come into the chamber with a goal to work together or with a goal to pick a fight?" Councillors with extreme agendas on either side of politics will be of no use to the people of Lake Macquarie.

Councillors were appointed to committees, and friends and family of new councillors were in abundance in the gallery. All in all, it was a very low key meeting with not much excitement, but great practice for new councillors.

A full list of committees that Anthony Birt will be serving on will be available shorty. Anyone wanting to communicate with any of these committees or discuss any related issues, can contact Cr. Birt on 0428 910 290 or email abirt@lakemac.nsw.gov.au