“I am frustrated that we didn't achieve what we thought we could achieve in the time frame we had. We want to get back to focussing on getting things going, what we are trying to do is empower the staff and the community to work closely with councillors, to identify projects, prioritise them and then get them underway,” said mayor Abbey.  

She was surprised when she found that she was not the only one standing for the position, as councillor Geoff Frost also put his hand up. However, she was satisfied with the support she got.

“I am pleased I had the support of the councillors. As a team, hopefully we can move on and get things moving faster this year.” 

Silence fell over the council chambers on Wednesday as the votes were collected, General Manager David Rowe conducted the count and Cr Abbey won the ballot.

Cr Frost was disappointed with the the outcome, but said it won't deter him from his plans to enact changes within the council. 

“I think long term there’s room for change to the way we do things in the Yass Valley, and I think I can contribute to that. "I will run again next year, but this year I think the results are expected. Ultimately I feel there is a need for change long term.”

Cr Frost told the Tribune that the operation within the council has been on a downward spiral over the last year, and has affected the way that councillors contribute. 

“If we downgrade our councillors role we downgrade the community’s role. The access to the way that council is run is a problem. I have been really disappointed by the way we have wound down the ability of councillors to bring new ideas to council.”

“It has been a systematic decline in the last six to eight months. I think councillors representing the community are the heart of why we are here.”

Cr Abbey is hopeful about the year ahead, confident the new committee structures will create a more viable action plan for the community. 

“This structure will create a closer tie with the community, to get projects running simultaneously.

“You have good days and bad days at council, then you see how truly wonderful the community is and it makes you realise how good a small community is in working together. When we stop nit picking, which occasionally gets in the way of some common sense, we can do great things.” 

Cr Michael McManus ran again for his position as Deputy Mayor and was contested by Cr Jasmin Jones and Cr Greg Butler. With a lowest denomination voting system, Cr Butler was eliminated in the first round. In the second round Cr McManus was reinstated in the position, edging past Cr Jones.   

After the vote the councillors got stuck into the hard work, with a marathon meeting lasting almost four hours. Councillors discussed and delegated council sub-committee representatives and points in the council minutes.