Central ward councillor Danny Goss has been returned unopposed as mayor for Baw Baw Shire.

After a disrupted and challenging year during COVID restrictions, Cr Goss was unanimously voted in for a second term at last week’s statutory meeting.
Cr Michael Leaney was elected deputy mayor.

Both Cr Goss and Cr Leaney received overwhelming support from the central and east ward voters respectively in last month’s council elections, with both elected on their primary votes.

Cr Goss said it was great to have the trust and confidence of fellow councillors.

“You trust me to be fair, listen and to help and you trust me to lead the council over the next 12 months.

“Our job here is to represent our community, we can’t lose sight of our representative role because as soon as you do that it descends into chaos,” he said.

Cr Goss said council’s advocacy for funding was extremely important.

He said Baw Baw needed infrastructure and need money to support its growing population.

He said addressing transport issues, sports facilities needs and the Precinct Structure Plan reviews would be priorities; while continuing to address ongoing needs such as roads and footpaths.

Cr Goss acknowledged the support of his wife Theresa throughout the past 12 months and for taking on the position again.

He also thanked his children for their support and giving him a “younger perspective” for social media; and, his mother who in her 80s followed him on Twitter and social media.

“I also thank the voters who displayed a lot of confidence in me,” he said.

Cr Joe Gauci said appointing Cr Goss as mayor was one of the easiest decisions councillors would make for the year.

“Cr Goss is a very balanced individual who takes a pragmatic approach in dealing with things.

“Cr Goss is a very strong advocate for the area and I look forward to what he can achieve when he butts head with the government for the benefit of this area,” he said.

Cr Gauci said the last mayoral term was very different and Cr Goss didn’t get a true appreciation of the position.

He said the mayoral car usually recorded between 30,000 and 35,000 kilometres a year attending meetings and events all over the shire, but in Cr Goss’ term as mayor, he clocked up 3000 kilometres.

Nominating Cr Leaney for deputy mayor, Cr Darren Wallace said Cr Leaney’s popularity in the community was clearly seen in his election success.

He said being deputy would by a good test of Cr Leaney’s leadership skills and his ability to change his focus from the east ward to the whole shire.

Cr Leaney said he was honoured to be elected deputy mayor and thanked voters in the east ward for their support.

He said he was committed to working for the whole shire and the proof would be in the pudding.

“I will work closely with mayor Goss to ensure the shire prospers and moves forward after a difficult year,” he said.