Newly-elected Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart has offered her heartfelt thanks and pledged to unite the community as she readies to get down to work after Easter.
Final voting saw Ms Stewart ahead of incumbent Tony Wellington in what was the closest of elections. Ms Stewart will be the first female elected official to hold the role of Mayor in the Noosa Shire.
“The outcome has left me privileged and thankful,” Ms Stewart said.
“My team, spearheaded by Bruce Davidson and Kate Watson, were amazing.
“Yes it is a victory, but one shared with many and one that now demands so much for so many.”
Ms Stewart said she was particularly grateful to all in the community who supported her in the mayoral process.
“For those who did not, I need to emphasise that as Mayor and Councillors, our focus is to engage all and serve all in our endeavour to be a flourishing whole and integrated community. This is our absolute priority – to be present, transparent and accountable to all.”
Ms Stewart paid tribute to outgoing Mayor Tony Wellington, along with re-elected, former and newly elected councillors.
“The Shire has been served by people who need to be appreciated and valued,” Ms Stewart said.
“A little less than half of the Shire sought continuity: this has to be recognised and respected.”
Ms Stewart went on to add a major priority for the newly-elected Noosa Council would be cohesion and engagement, with a focus on working for and listening to residents to shape a unified and recovering community.
“The weeks and months ahead will have their challenges. We will need to support and lead in the storm of COVID-19 and its impact on quality living, tourism, business, and a valued and richly blessed environment.”
Ms Stewart and councillors will formally take up their duties after Easter.
“Priorities include briefings with staff. Engaging state and national officials and economic recovery will be matters for immediate concentration,” Ms Stewart said.
However, for now, she noted her family, friends and supporters were appreciating the moment while anticipating the challenges ahead.
“People and business are hurting. It is an uncertain and troubling time, we confront many unknowns, and yet we know that with individual and collective efforts our community will recover and be even more flourishing,” she said.
