IT did not take long for the new era to start on Bathurst Regional Council. The change in mood would not have been obvious to most in the public gallery at council’s meeting on Wednesday night, but it was clear to see for regular meeting attendees.
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New mayor Gary Rush may have won the job by a single vote, but his elevation to the top job energised a number of his colleagues within the chamber.
Particularly vocal on Wednesday night were two of Cr Rush’s supporters, Michael Coote and Greg Westman, who were regularly on their feet speaking against unnecessary council spending and urging greater levels of financial disclosure from local groups who were seeking council’s support.
Cr Westman, in particular, has been unusually quiet in the 12 months since he was dumped from the mayoralty in a last-minute deal last September. After being re-elected for a second four-year term on council, Cr Westman might have been expected to become one of the leaders within the chamber but, instead, he has limited his input over the past year.
That may have all changed now – and that can only be a good thing. Cr Westman spoke on a number of items on Wednesday night and his contributions are always well-considered and well-delivered. And Cr Coote, as a main street business owner, also offers a valuable perspective within the chamber.
Ironically, Cr Morse’s return to the floor of council also adds to the diversity of voices within the chamber. Cr Morse is the only woman on council and also has closer links to the local arts community than any of her colleagues.
But because the mayor does not take part in debate during council’s monthly meetings, she has not been able to share those unique perspectives with the chamber over the past 12 months.
Cr Morse may not yet appreciate it, but losing the mayoral chains may actually see her make a more valuable contribution to council. And that should be the goal for all our councillors.
