Redland City Council’s Mayor-elect and Councillor-elects have officially been sworn in to their roles in local government at a private Declaration of Office ceremony on Monday April 8.
Elected members, friends, family and council staff met at the Redlands Performing Arts Centre for the formal proceedings and a short morning tea afterwards, celebrating the new Council for 2024-28.
Redland City Council Chief Executive Officer Andrew Chesterman introduced the new council and congratulated the gathered members on their appointment.
“I have confidence in Mayor Jos Mitchell and her councillors,” he said.
“I believe that the Redland City Council is in good hands and looks forward to the Redlands future.
“Our way forward is to connect with all the members of our community and achieve the best for the Redlands area.”
All members declared they would “faithfully and impartially fulfill the duties of the office in accordance with the local government principles and code of conduct under the Local Government Act 2009 to the best of their judgement and ability”.
Mayor Jos Mitchell has begun the first term in local government but said she is looking forward to working closely with her fellow councillors.
“The Redlands is a unique and diverse environment with an equally unique and diverse community,” she said.
“I’m looking forward to the next four years of working to collaboratively lead Redlands and create and implement a clear vision for our community.
“Each of us was elected to diligently and professionally represent our community in the best way possible.
“Our community has called for a greater collaboration, greater transparency, and a high standard of professionalism.
Mayor Mitchell said that since her 14 months of campaigning all had been progressing well.
“Initially it will be foundation building, so I’m looking at relationship building, getting to know everyone and getting a good understanding of councils major projects,” she said.
“We’ve got some key issues to work through, the budget is probably the largest of those issues.
“So, coming up to speed as quickly as possible (is a priority for the first 100 days), attaining briefings from council and we’ll be working with councillors to address all of the issues that are currently in play.”
Mayor Mitchell said her focus was to develop a clear vision for the community and put it into practice for the short and long-term.
Ms Mitchell said there are high hopes for the future of Redland City, and she thinks all the elected members are very excited for what comes next.
