John Wilson said he was looking forward to the challenge and hoped his experience in financial and business matters would stand him and the shire in good stead.

“I tend to be inclusive by nature and like to understand the whole picture of any situation – clearly one has to be careful about setting any precedents,” Cr Wilson said.

“It was lovely to see Rhonda returned so resoundingly. She is so proactive and carries the torch for the Nambucca Valley wherever she is – it is laudable and something I hope I can share.”

He said he saw the hand back of the old highway as a major challenge that would strain council financial resources.

David Jones said he was looking forward to being part of a positive and constructive council.

“Rhonda is a popular mayor, so our job will be to follow her lead and see what we can add,” Cr Jones said.

“I was thrilled and totally surprised at being elected. I really enjoyed the campaign – it was all very positive and I met a lot of lovely people. I look forward to engaging with my colleagues and the community.”

Janine Reed said while she realised the learning curve would be a steep one, she was keen and buoyed by the positivity she sensed in the shire at the moment.

“There is the new highway, the subdivisions out near St Patrick’s School, a new business has opened in Macksville plus there are the hospital plans, Nambucca’s Health One and we won the on/off ramps campaign,” Cr Reed said.

“The roadside rubbish pick-up was the issue most raised during the campaign – I understand the council is looking at options there.”

Susan Jenvey said she was ready to work hard for the community.

“I was pretty pleased with the efforts of our Country Labor team – I think we managed to change the balance of power in the council chambers,” Cr Jenvey said.

“I am here to work for everyone but I bring with me the experience of the massive community injustice of the Valla Quarry – I want to make sure nothing like that happens again. I want to offer a voice to the community, especially Nambucca Heads, which I think has been neglected.

“I also want to stand up to the Baird Government’s Joint Organisation plans and to test some of their business assumptions – we must make sure we back the right businesses.”