New mayor looks ahead

By Dion Teasdale
O’SHANNASSY Ward councillor Monika Keane was elected mayor of the Shire of Yarra Ranges at a council meeting last week.
Cr Keane, who lives in Yarra Junction and in her mid 30s, is the first mayor from O’Shannassy Ward and is possibly the shire’s youngest-ever mayor.
She said she was delighted to be chosen to take on the role and was looking forward to serving the entire Yarra Ranges community.
“Being elected mayor is an enormous privilege and I look forward to working on behalf of the people of the Shire of Yarra Ranges,” she said.
Unopposed at the recent council elections, Cr Keane has served as a Yarra Ranges councillor since 2000 and was deputy mayor during the last council term.
She welcomed the shire’s five new councillors – Tim Heenan, Billanook Ward; Graham Warren, Chandler Ward; Samantha Dunn, Lyster Ward; Terry Avery, Melba Ward and Jeanette McRae, Ryrie Ward.
Cr Keane said it was very exciting to have the opportunity to work with five new councillors who she felt would bring fresh ideas and a new perspective to the council.
“I’m looking forward to helping the new councillors with their new roles and working alongside them on the journey that lies ahead,” she said.
Ken Smith, Chirnside Ward; Noel Cliff, Streeton Ward and Len Cox Walling Ward, along with Cr Keane were all re-elected. Cr Noel Cliff was elected deputy mayor.
Cr Keane said continuing the fight for improvements to public transport, working toward the extension of natural gas to places such as Warburton and engaging with young people would be priorities during her term as mayor.
Another top priority will be working with communities to boost tourism across the shire.
“I’m looking forward to highlighting the shire’s assets and putting the spotlight on what I think is the most beautiful part of the world,” she said.
Cr Keane said she expected to face many challenges in her term as mayor, singling out planning issues as one of the greatest challenges facing any council.
“I’m very eager to make sure the development that we need is done in a way that preserves the very reason that we all live here,” she said.
“I know there will be challenges along the way, but I’ve got strong support from family, friends and colleagues and I’m looking forward to getting the job done.”
Cr Keane paid tribute to the contribution of the shire’s retiring councillors – Alan Fincher, Robyn Hale, David Hodgett and Di Moore and to former councillor Clive Larkman. “The Yarra Ranges community has been well served by all our former councillors and I would like to congratulate them for their contributions and commitment to making the Yarra Ranges a great place to live and work in,” she said.