Longland puts hat in the ring
THE newly elected Tweed Shire Council will make one of its first decisions on Thursday when the next mayor will be decided.
After the elected members of the council were announced on Friday, Warren Polglase, Katie Milne, Phil Youngblutt, Michael Armstrong, Carolyn Byrne, Barry Longland and Gary Bagnall will meet to vote in a mayor at an extraordinary meeting at 6pm.
Mayor Barry Longland is putting up his hand and said the community will be watching the vote carefully.
"I have been arguing that with significant issues there is a need for some continuity," Cr Longland said.
"There are many things that are still outstanding."
Cr Longland said he has been heavily involved with the Tweed's submissions to reviews of the NSW planning process (Green Paper), NSW Government's Destination 2036 action plan and the Local Government Act.
"I think it (mayorship) was a great privilege," Cr Longland said.
"It was an experience that helped me to understand how it works."
He expected other councillors to put up their hand on Thursday for the role.
On Friday, Gary Bagnall said he was keeping his options open but he wanted a mayor who would respect other councillors and the community.
Cr Bagnall said he would put his hand up if the right candidate did not come forward.
