WATTLE Range Council’s new mayor says his first order of business will include exploring disparities in rates after a convincing win in the Local Government elections.
Former police officer Des Noll has been declared provisional winner of the mayoral election, polling 2343 votes – or 55pc of total votes – ahead of first-term councillor Dennis Muhovics on 1897 votes.
Mr Noll flagged an investigation into rate differences for rural ratepayers and retaining the Millicent saleyards, which will be up for discussion next year, as his top priorities.
“A lot was said about rates during the campaign and I am really keen to look at the rate process, look at the disparity and see what can be done,” Mr Noll said.
“It is my intention to maintain the saleyards in its current state, while at the same time looking at the financial issues that are occurring there.
“I am sure with some financial management, we can find a way forward.”
Tourism, health and infrastructure were also highlighted by the mayor-elect as significant matters for the new council.
Mr Noll pledged to continue lobbying the State Government to honour its election promise and reinstate a full-time officer at the Kalangadoo Police Station.
“The Kalangadoo Police Station is going to be a priority for me and my aim will talk to the assistant commissioner of police about this issue and getting a more definitive answer about the service,” Mr Noll said.
He congratulated all councillors-elect, ward candidates and mayoral challenger Mr Muhovics, as well as paying tribute to outgoing mayor Peter Gandolfi.
Mr Noll said he would seek to continue the “good work” of the previous council and ensure every decision would be “based on what is good for the Wattle Range Council area and its communities”.
“I am very humbled the community has placed faith in my ability and I am honoured to be serving at the highest level in the community,” Mr Noll said.
“My priority will have a unified council membership with all elected members and staff working together for the same goal.”
Mr Muhovics thanked the community for their support in the election, saying “the outcome is the outcome and I wish Des all the best”.
Sorby Adams Councillor Dale Price was confidently reelected, securing 243 first preference votes to reach the 201 vote quota, while newcomer Deb Agnew secured the second vacancy after polling 229 votes.
Veteran councillor Gwenda Lawlor, who sought to transfer from Corcoran Ward to the Kalangadoo and Glencoe-based ward, polled third with only 90 votes.
Ms Lawlor said she was not surprised by the result as a number of people had questioned her switch to Sorby Adams.
“I think I knew about a fortnight ago I was not going to win,” she said.
“I have been involved with Local Government for 21 year and seven months and that is a pretty fair stint.
“I think I have done a bit for the community and while I would have loved to have been back there, you win some and you lose some.”
Incumbent Riddoch councillor Dean Burrow was re-elected to the ward and will be joined by Penola farmer Rick Paltridge, who secured 311 first preference votes.
School principals Moira Neagle and Graham Slarks were elected to the Millicent-based Corcoran Ward, after Mr Slarks leapfrogged business owner Nicole Looby-McRostie on preferences.
Ms Neagle said she was relieved to have secured fourth place after a long election campaign.
“I have been involved in the community a fair bit and this seemed like a golden opportunity to cut to the core of the community,” she said.
“I appreciate the recognition being voted in has given me and look forward to seeing how we can maintain services and invigorate the community.”
Mr Slarks – who transferred from Grant District Council – said he was looking forward to serving on the neighbouring Wattle Range.
“The biggest thing will be to see how another council is run after spending a number of years on Grant council,” he said.
“There are some interesting things that are going to come up with differential rating in Wattle Range because some people think they are paying far more than they should.
“But there are a lot of similarities between the two councils, we both have issues with our saleyards and we have the same erosion issues at Pelican Point and Beachport.
“It is a good group of elected members and I look forward to finding out and discussing these issues in more detail.”
Kintore Ward councillors Peter Dunnicliff and Kevin McGrath were reelected unopposed.
Mr Gandolfi congratulated all council candidates and Mr Noll on his election.
“I wish him well in his new role,” he said.
