Team-effort call
Horsham mayor Pam Clarke has used her re-election as a community figurehead to stress a need for local government councillors to stay focused on their responsibilities.
Cr Clarke will resume her position at the head of Horsham Rural City Council at a statutory meeting and ceremony tomorrow night after winning the majority of council support.
She won the position on Monday night in a contest with Cr David Grimble based on a confidential vote overseen by independent advisors. She said the need for stability, consolidation and solidarity at council level during the next 12 months was important to ensure the rural city could continue to move forward.
“We must, first and foremost, put aside personal differences to work collectively,” she said.
“We have an enormous responsibility to represent everyone in the municipality and, in acknowledging we are a regional centre, work for the best interests of the region as well.”
Communication between some Horsham councillors in the past 12 months has gone well beyond debate, become personal and attracted a series of accusations and stalemates.
Cr Clarke said it was important for the council and Horsham to move forward and strengthen its standing in the community.
“It is a year to consolidate, to get things settled,” she said.
“One of the most important jobs will be to employ a new chief executive.
“For that to happen efficiently it is important we have stability and consistency.
“As a council of individuals there is always going to be differences of opinions as we work towards common goals – that’s what healthy debate is all about.
“Critically, our community must have faith and confidence in its council and council processes. That is paramount.”
Cr Clarke said she considered it an honour to be mayor and looked forward to being part of Horsham growth and development during the next 12 months.
“There is a lot happening and much for the council to consider. We have the opening of the $4-million Kalkee Road children’s hub, where enrolments are already very strong, and working through issues surrounding the development of a new indoor sports stadium,” she said.
“What will be important will be ensuring Horsham can continue to consolidate its position as a leader in regional development in partnership with neighbouring councils and various agencies.
“We’re seeing considerable investment in the region, particularly from renewable-energy providers and value-adding business ventures and it’s important the council helps make this progress as seamless as possible.”