Regional role for Derwent Valley mayor

Cr Ben Shaw

FORMER mayor Martyn Evans has congratulated his successor, Ben Shaw, on his election to the general management committee of the Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT) for a two-year term until July 2021.

Speaking at the monthly council meeting last Thursday night, Cr Evans asked that a letter of congratulations be sent to West Tamar mayor Christina Holmdahl on her election as president of the LGAT, noting that her council had kindly sent a contribution to new play equipment following last year's floods in the Derwent Valley. Cr Shaw said he was happy to write on behalf of the council.

Cr Evans went on to congratulate Cr Shaw on his election as one of two southern regional representatives on the LGAT's general management committee. "Thank you, Mr Mayor," Cr Shaw responded. "I guess our council nominated myself for the position, so it was nice to hear that I was elected by also, ah, - all the other southern councils vote on this as well - so it was nice to have the backing from all the other southern councils.

"I'll take it very seriously and I'm sure I'll gain lots of knowledge from from being on that board, so I appreciate the council's support."

Cr Martyn Evans speaking at the meeting.

In a statement issued the next morning, Derwent Valley Council communications officer Daniel Cheetham said Cr Shaw’s election would allow for a stronger voice and presence to advocate for Southern Tasmania.

In the same statement, Cr Shaw said it was reassuring that the southern Tasmanian councils had put their confidence in him. "I intend to fight for the Derwent Valley and other small communities in the south and make sure we’re helping to guide policy and strategy for the state," he said. "This includes seeking State and Federal focus on the issues impacting our communities and being a voice for the residents and local government areas across the region.”

Cr Shaw was elected as the representative of southern councils with a population of less than 20,000, and Alderman Brendan Blomely of the Clarence City Council was elected as the representative of southern councils with more than 20,000 residents. The new members of the GMC take up their positions after the LGAT annual general meeting on July 3.