KING Island’s new council has been sworn in. The nine Councillors individually affirmed their Declaration of Office. New to the council group is Cr Anna Hely and Cr Marcus Blackie who was elected mayor.
In his investiture speech, Cr Blackie said: “Congratulations to all of you. “All of us, for being elected and sworn in today as councillors for our amazing King Island, Tasmania.
“None of us could stand without the support of our families, who are deservingly here today to share it with us.
“Thanks in advance for your patience and understanding knowing the commitment we have now made for the next four years. ‘It’s an honour for me to be your colleague and your mayor. “I take the duties and responsibilities very seriously. “We should never forget that we only exist to serve our people and we only govern with the consent of our people.”
Cr Blackie concluded his address with a quote chosen for the occasion and council challenges in general from a Russian chess textbook. “In chess, the best strategies have more sideways moves than attacking moves – sage advice indeed.”
Cr Blackie said that he intends to spend the first month getting to know the other councillors. The first meeting of the new council will be held on November 15.
Council consists of elected members who are elected by the residents and ratepayers in the King Island Municipality. King Island Council has nine councillors, including a mayor and deputy mayor. The term of office of councillors is four years.
The mayor and deputy mayor were directly elected by residents and ratepayers and were separately elected as councillors and perform the role and functions of a councillor.