Mayor re-elected, new deputy - Hay Shire Council holds its first meeting

Mayor Carol Oataway (right) was re-elected at  Hay Shire Council’s first meeting post-election. She will be supported by first-time deputy Cr Martyn Quinn. Image: The Riverine Grazier/Tertia Butcher.

By Tertia Butcher

Cr Carol Oataway has been re-elected mayor of Hay Shire Council.

The mayor retained her seat after surviving a challenge from newly elected councillor, John Perry in an open vote, 5 – 3.

Hay has a new deputy mayor after a tightly contested election between Crs Martyn Quinn, Lionel Garner and Geoff Chapman.

The three-way vote concluded with five votes in favour of Cr Quinn, pictured with Mayor Oataway.

Council also resolved that in the event of a councillor resignation within the first 18 months, the vacancy be filled by a countback of votes cast at the September 14 election, rather than an expensive by-election.

At the same meeting, General Manager David Webb’s advice regarding conferences was ignored by Cr Lionel Garner.

Hay Shire Council will again be represented at the Australian Local Government Association National Roads, Transport & Infrastructure Congress despite repeated advice from General Manager, David Webb that attendance provides little value.

Cr Lionel Garner again insisted on attending the congress which will be held in Western Australia in December.

Mr Webb responded by saying he had attended the congress in the past in his former capacity as engineer, but did not find it of much value.

“It’s a fair hike (to Margaret River) and will be expensive. I suggest you don’t go,” Deputy Mayor Martyn Quinn told Cr Garner.

“If everyone is against it, I will attend at my own cost,” Cr Garner insisted.

At the suggestion of Mr Webb, Council will pay the registration cost ($925) with Cr Garner paying for his own accommodation, flights and other transport to Margart River.

Cr Garner attended the congress in Hobart in 2022 and at Canberra in 2023 but failed to table anything constructive on either occasion on his return.

During the October meeting two Section 355 committees of Hay Shire Council were dissolved.

They are Hay Gaol Management Committee and Home and Community Care Committee.

General Manager, David Webb said not enough members of the Gaol Management Committee attend the meetings for it to function effectively, and the Home and Community Care Committee was no longer relevant.

Council is currently in discussion with Bishop’s Lodge Management Committee which also struggles with volunteer numbers.

Dunera Committee was dissolved some time ago.