At the first meeting of the newly-elected council on Wednesday night, Cr Kennedy was re-elected as mayor, with John Webb as deputy mayor.

The position of deputy mayor was decided through preferential ballot, with Cr Webb winning out over Cr Esme Martens, Cr Peter Shelley and Cr Max Walker.

“We’re in for four years of pretty robust development in our region, like probably no other region in the state with the exception of Muswellbrook,” Cr Kennedy said as he stepped forward to lead the council again for the next 12 months.

Cr Kennedy said it was vital that council continue to pressure state government to obtain the best outcomes for the region during this pivotal period.

He said he looked forward to working with the new council, which drew its members from across the region, from Gulgong to Kandos, and represented many varied sections of the community.

“I think we’re all on the same page here,” he said. “We’re all rowing in the same direction.”