Cr Johnsen was re-elected unopposed at an extraordinary council meeting on Monday afternoon.

He will be assisted in his role by Councillor Wayne Bedggood who was re-elected unopposed for his second year as deputy mayor.

The return of both councillors to their respective positions will ensure continuity within the council while providing them with the opportunity to continue their work in providing outcomes to the rate payers of the shire. 

This is the fourth consecutive year Cr Johnsen has fulfilled the role as mayor, following an additional year he served in the role in 2009. 

Cr Johnsen said he is very honoured to be re-elected unopposed, along with Wayne Bedggood as deputy mayor and thanked the councillors for their continued support and the opportunity to continue for another 12 months. 

“We have an excellent  working council that brings to the table a range of skills and experience, and we are not afraid to debate issues and policies with vigour. 

“I have always been someone that challenges the status quo and we have a council that also does this as a whole, resulting in well thought out, determined and outcome driven policies and practices for the benefit of all in the Upper Hunter,” he said. 

We proudly promote ‘why we live where we live’ and    people are seeing the progress being made in many aspects of council controlled and council influenced areas. 

“For the first time in my experience, council is getting regular positive feedback from many community members and we are more determined than ever, to meet and possibly exceed expectations.”

Cr Bedggood said he was very pleased to be re-elected as deputy mayor and thanked all the councillors for giving him the opportunity to take on the role again, as well as for their support throughout the past 12 months. 

“It really is a shared position and all the councillors have helped to ease the role considerably,” he said. 

“I have enjoyed it and I feel we are an effective team.”