Thank you for your tenure - Mayor announces he will not seek re-election

Thank you for your tenure - Mayor announces he will not seek re-election

As the term for our current Council comes to an end, not seeking re-election is our current Mayor Cr Mark Johnson. The decision to step down from Council stems from a personal perspective.

 “I feel it's appropriate to let the community know of my decision not to run for another term on Council. This decision is very much a personal one.

My Council term has come off the back of a very busy and lengthy professional career. It is now simply time for me to step back and spend more time with my expanding family and pursue non-business and non-council interests for a change.

I will forever cherish and be extremely grateful for the opportunity firstly, the community gave me and then my fellow Councillors gave to me to become the Mayor of what I strongly believe to be ‘the mighty Moree Plains Shire’. 

I am proud and privileged to have fulfilled this role: a role that is always challenging but equally so rewarding.

I am passionate about our Shire and the people who call it home and have welcomed the opportunity this position has given me to be able to advocate for our Shire at all levels of government and for greater community outcomes.

Like those before us, this Council will wish to have achieved more, and that will always be the case. We have worked hard and done our very best. As Mayor, there have been many highlights including.

After many hurdles the process of redeveloping the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre (MAAC) with the very fortunate success of a $9.5M from Commonwealth grant funding The progression of the Civic Precinct project  The refurbishment of the Bank Art Museum Moree (BAAM) which is to reopen in the coming weeks The strengthening of our relationship with the Minns NSW Government which has provided Re-confirmation and commitment of $225M for the Special Activation Precinct (SAP) $13.4M ‘placed based initiatives’ to improve the youth crime in Moree Significant progress in the ‘Burnt and Derelict Housing Enforcement Program 2024 – 2025’ Heavy advocacy around the missing 22km for Inland Rail Record high investment in our Shire road network Projected budget surplus and planned debt reduction for the 2024/25 financial year The restructure of Council’s Senior Management team.

During my time, Moree Plains experienced the October 2022 flooding event. That will always be a memory of mixed emotions for me. Firstly, the sadness of the sheer devastation and loss for our communities but mainly, the resilience, care and the ‘just get in and do it’ attitude the Shire showed during that time. It gave me great hope to witness that we can come together as one when we need to.

I note and commend the contributions of our current Deputy Mayor and all the Councillors for their commitment and selfless approach to fulfilling this most important community role, thank you so much.

To the Council team and in particular General Manager Kelvin Tytherleigh, I thank you for the support you have shown this Council and the effort you put in every day for the Shire. It has been a privilege to work alongside you.

On a separate note, nominations for the next Council term will open on 5 August 2024. For me, there has been no greater sense of contribution than becoming a Councillor. I know many capable and passionate residents from all parts of the Shire would make great Councillors. I would encourage you to consider this very important role. Council is in a good position and amid yes, a challenging period but more so a very exciting period in our history”, stated Mayor Mark Johnson.

Mayor Johnson was elected for 2 years and 9 months term (a reduced term as a result of the 2021 election being rescheduled due to COVID-19)