Bartley new Deputy Mayor

Southern Downs Regional Councillor Ross Bartley was elected unopposed as Deputy Mayor at a special council meeting on Monday.
It was the first meeting of the new council, which also consists of Mayor Peter Blundell and Councillors Jo McNally, Cameron Gow, Vic Pennisi, Neil Meiklejohn, Jamie Mackenzie, Denise Ingram and Glyn Rees.
Cr Ingram nominated Cr Bartley for the position of Deputy Mayor, which he accepted. No one else was nominated, therefore Cr Bartley was elected for the second top job.
Cr Bartley has 12 years’ experience in local government and, as a rural resident for the past 50 years, he brings to the council a voice for the small towns and villages as well as primary producers.
“I would like to see this region continue to prosper and grow in a sustainable manner. This can be achieved through balancing industrial and economic growth with respect for our amenity and diverse culture,” he said.
Councillor portfolios were not allocated at Monday’s meeting. They are still being considered.
For the time being, the council meetings will follow the same format as previously.
Committee meetings will be held in Warwick on Tuesday and Wednesday in the week before the general meeting.
The general meeting will alternate between Warwick and Stanthorpe on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Changes can be made if required.
This schedule is to be reviewed in six months’ time.
The general meeting for May will be held on Tuesday, May 29, in Warwick.