NEW BALLARAT mayor John Philips has promised stability for the remainder of his term, following the resignation of Joshua Morris to run for Western Victoria in the state election.
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“Many businesses and residents of Ballarat have raised concerns about continuity of the mayor. I would certainly like to bring some certainty to the role of mayor of this great city,” said Cr Philips in his speech after taking over the role.
He said he would continue fighting to get the new saleyards and trucking freight hub built and would continue the council’s focus on the Ballarat West employment zone.
Cr Philips was voted into the role on Friday afternoon by his fellow councillors, all of whom also congratulated him on the role during the sitting.
Cr Amy Johnson pulled out of the mayoral race on Wednesday, leaving it to Cr Philips.
Cr Philips said he would also seek a second period as mayor, in order to provide “stability” to the community.
“With the blessing of my colleagues and my family, I am intending also to nominate to be mayor for the upcoming 12 months as well. Being almost 50 per cent through this council’s four-year term, we’re now at the turning point of turning our early plans into reality,” he said.
Despite the promise of continuity, he said he would be meeting with council staff over the coming weeks to look at the agenda for the rest of his term.
“I will bring a new face to it, and there will be some changes (to the agenda) as we go along,” he said.
His first mayoral duty will be to attend a dragon boat race on Saturday.
alex.hamer@fairfaxmedia.com.au