Pam Kensit, Mandy McDonald lead Upper Lachlan Council as Stafford steps down

His departure, effective immediately, left a clear run for Pam Kensit to be elected as the Shire's first female mayor at the first meeting on Thursday.

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Pam Kensit aims to run as Upper Lachlan Shire's first female mayor

Five women secure positions on Upper Lachlan Shire Council

Incoming councillor, Mandy McDonald won the deputy mayor's position.

In a brief letter read at the meeting by general manager Colleen Worthy, Mr Stafford said he was not continuing as a councillor and his departure would allow the new council to resume with a clear path. He stated it had been an honour to serve as a councillor and thanked Mrs Worthy and senior staff for their support. Mr Stafford, who was not at the meeting, did not give a reason for his resignation.

Mr Stafford was elected to Upper Lachlan in 2016, served as deputy mayor for two years and then mayor from 2018 up until the December 4, 2021 election.

On Thursday, he told The Post he was "not confident" about the council's make-up going forward.

"I didn't see a future for myself in that...At this point in life I want to be contributing significantly and I didn't think I could in that situation."

Mr Stafford would not elaborate but conceded the number of new faces and the overall dynamic were factors. He said he only decided on Wednesday to resign.

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Cr Kensit beat off Cr Jo Marshall six votes to two for the top job in an ordinary ballot. She will hold the role until September, 2023.

Cr McDonald triumphed five votes to three over John Searle for the deputy's post. The term runs until September, 2022.

Also at the meeting, councillors agreed that any casual vacancy in the council in the first 18 months could be filled by a countback of votes from the general election. It means the 10^th placed person, believed to be Nathan McDonald (no relation to the deputy mayor) can fill the role, thereby avoiding a by-election for Mr Stafford's position, estimated to cost $60,000.

Cr Kensit told The Post she was very excited and humbled to be elected.

"It means a huge amount," she said of being the Shire's first female mayor.

"It's a whole new look for the council and a step forward with a new dynamic, including in the leadership team. Having two women there is very exciting."

Cr Kensit said she did not know before the meeting about Mr Stafford's resignation but pointed out he was "an exceptionally busy man who ran his own business (Taralga Wildlife Park)."

The new mayor said her main priority was to engage with the community and with what she believed was a very good council with some exceptional talent.

"I want to work as a team and utilise those strengths and weaknesses," she said.

Cr McDonald beat off longtime councillor John Searl for the deputy's post but said she never expected anything.

"I'm very excited to have the support of the community and council. Things will change because it's a whole new dynamic. It's an exciting time for the Shire," she said.

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Mr Stafford was unaware of the mayoral and deputy mayoral result when The Post spoke to him on Thursday and declined comment on the outcome. He was however aware that Cr Kensit was standing. She had also declared to The Post after topping the poll in December that she would nominate.

Mr Stafford said he had not intended to resign when he re-contested the general election late last year.

"But seeing the council's make-up and considering my position, I decided not to continue. I thought it was better to do it now so there was minimum disruption," he said.

The former mayor also felt "more comfortable" doing so knowing that a by-election would not be necessary.

"I thoroughly enjoyed my time on council. I was proud to be a councillor and a mayor and I took a great deal out of it. It's something I'll look back on fondly," he said.

Mr Stafford believed more had been achieved in the previous term than others. The council had chartered a 'fiscally responsible course' and emerged from "turbulent times" with Crs Rick Opie's and Ron Cummins' resignations.

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He listed major capital works, including sealing of the road to Bathurst, and continuing upgrades of Wombeyan Caves Road and the route to the Abercrombie River, as key council achievements.

Now, Mr Stafford intends to devote more time to his wildlife park on Taralga's outskirts. However he said he intended to maintain pressure on the council over the town's issues, particularly the need to secure a reliable water supply.

The week has seen significant changes in the region's councils. On Tuesday, Cr Peter Walker deposed mayor of the past five years, Bob Kirk, for Goulburn Mulwaree's top role. The council opted not to elect a deputy mayor.

Mr Stafford said he was disappointed that Cr Kirk was not re-elected, given his "extraordinary contribution" and high vote at the December 4 poll.

"He's one of the most impressive individuals in local government who I've known. It's the way he advocates for his community, how he presents himself and his humble, easy going manner."

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