The Riverina is under new management after sweeping changes at the top of local councils.
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More than a dozen councils throughout the region are under the control of government-appointed administrators, but those councils who escaped the state government’s forced merger process are not resting on their laurels.
Narrandera’s new mayor Neville Kschenka said the shire was “lucky to survive” and has prioritised efficiency gains in preparation for more mergers.
“It would be naive to think the mergers are completely done and dusted,” Mr Kschenka said.
“We were deemed fit for the future provided we become 60 per cent self-sufficient.”
Independence is Cr Kschenka’s top priority, ahead of attracting industry and developing “underdeveloped” tourism.
Lockhart mayor Rodger Schirmer agrees his council has to “do everything to ensure longevity”.
“We'll explore every avenue to maintain independence, from expanding our boundaries to incentivising commerce to bring workers and boost our population,” Cr Schirmer said.
Both mayors conceded the Riverina’s drenching has put plans on hold, as cracked and crumbling roads demand urgent attention.
Mayors
- Lockhart: Rodger Schirmer
- Griffith: John Dal Broi
- Narrandera: Neville Kschenka
- Carathool: Peter Laird
- Coolamon: John Seymour
- Temora: Rick Firman
- Greater Hume: Heather Wilton