The official first meeting of the newly elected Logan City Council took place on Monday, April 8, with key roles the focus of the meeting.
Mayor Jon Raven welcomed his colleagues – including new councillors Nathan St Ledger (Division 4) and Paul Jackson (Division 5) – into the Council Chambers for the first time in the 2024-28 term.
The 10 other Councillors, all from the previous Council, were either returned unopposed or won their divisional votes at the recent local government election.
All 13 elected members took their Declaration of Office last Friday.
“We have a great mix of returning and new councillors sitting in the chambers this term,” Councillor Raven said.
“Our experience and fresh ideas will help build a brighter future for Logan.”
Prior to the meeting, three councillors nominated for the Deputy Mayor position, which was changed from one year to two.
Cr Tony Hall, Cr Scott Bannan, and Cr Natalie Willcocks all elected to run for the role, however just prior to the vote, Cr Willcocks pulled out of the running.
In the secret ballot, Cr Scott Bannan was appointed Deputy Mayor.
Cr Bannan said he offered a broad skillset to serve as Deputy Mayor for a two-year appointment.
“I’ve had my own business for 25 years, as well as experience in organising and promoting events, in emergencies and disaster management – including as a firefighter, and in road and civil construction,” Cr Bannan said.
In addition to the vote on Deputy Mayor, the Chair and Deputy Chair positions were decided for Council’s committees:
City Governance:
- Chair: Cr Karen Murphy
- Deputy chairs: Cr Paul Jackson, Cr Lisa Bradley
City Infrastructure:
- Chair: Cr Scott Bannan
- Deputy chair: Cr Nathan St Ledger
City Planning, Economic Development and Environment:
- Chair: Cr Miriam Stemp
- Deputy chair: Cr Mindy Russell
City Lifestyle:
- Chair: Cr Tony Hall
- Deputy chair: Cr Mindy Russell
A Special Budget Committee, chaired by Cr Karen Murphy, was also established.
It will make recommendations about Council’s fees and charges schedule, rates and discounts, recurrent budget, and long-term financial forecast ahead of the 2024/25 Budget, which is scheduled to be adopted at a Special Ordinary Meeting on Monday, June 24.
Council also adopted a schedule of meetings for the remainder of 2024.
The first Committee meetings will be held on Tuesday, May 14 (City Infrastructure and City Governance) and Wednesday, May 15 (City Planning, Economic Development and Environment and City Lifestyle), followed by the Ordinary Meeting on Wednesday, May 22.
Additionally, several councillors were appointed to represent Council on 11 other external boards or organisations, including the Local Government Association of Queensland, Council of Mayors (SEQ), and the Logan Local Disaster Management Group.
