FORMER mayor of Nundle Shire Ian Lobsey has become the first mayor of the historic and newly formed Liverpool Plains Shire Council.
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Mr Lobsey won the position in a three-way ballot at a special council meeting in Quirindi on Monday night.
Three newcomers along with Mr Lobsey were among the top four positions after first preference votes were counted last month.
The election was the first for the newly constituted council, which now takes in the north-western side of the former Murrundi Shire, Werris Creek township and Currububulla village, which were formerly part of the Parry Shire, plus the Walhallow village, formerly in Gunnedah Shire.
Mr Lobsey said he was over the moon to have been elected as the mayor of the new council and hoped to continue the groundwork already lay down by the previous Quirindi Shire Council.
"I'm really happy to have been appointed mayor of this new council and continue its stability within the community," Mr Lobsey said.
"I am confident parochialism will not be an issue on the new council.
"While it's too early to say how much work will be involved I am confident that with the support of the other six experienced councillors we can provide all the appropriate services to the community.
"It is a real credit to those councillors who worked so hard on Quirindi Shire Council to set new goals and to the three who will be continuing with this new council.
"With the help of their experience, myself and the three other newcomers hope to continue to move forward."
Mr Lobsey said beautification of Quirindi's main street was in the final stages of completion with Werris Creek, Willow Tree and Currabubula's main streets also earmarked for a facelift.
"The beatification work, once completed will provide these communities with a new look, updated and more convenient main street," he said.
"Greater sewerage and water facilities are also on the agenda."
Mr Lobsey added he would like to see more tourism opportunities in the town and further push the tourist facilities already established in the area.
"The Australian Rail Museum at Werris Creek is a wonderful piece of history, however there is still so much that needs to be done," Mr Lobsey added.
"Tourism plays a large part in this area and we hope that by continuing to cater for this market we are able to benefit those who live in these communities and surrounding districts by attracting more tourists.
"One of our other goals will also be to establish an interpretation centre for Willow Tree."
The new council has a total of seven councillors, three former Quirindi councillors and four newcomers who will be kept busy catering to the needs of such a large area with the former Quirindi Shire Council having eight councillors.
Mr Lobsey's deputy will be the former mayor of Murrurundi Shire, Earl Kellaher with the final vote for each position 4-3.
Former Quirindi Shire councillor Ron Short also contested both positions.
