VIDEO: Cairns Regional Council's new mayor Val Schier has promised a robust, energetic council that will work with business, tackle major issues such as climate change and development and fix the potholes.
In her maiden speech yesterday, Cr Schier said the councillors would "act in a way that cuts across our political affiliations and diverse personal agendas".
"Today we form a new local government for the Cairns region and will need to face up to the problems that come with no easy solutions and challenges that will require us to work in innovative and different ways," Cr Schier said.
Cheers and a standing ovation erupted in the overflowing chamber as acting chief executive officer Noel Briggs placed the mayoral chains of office on Cr Schier.
More than 200 people were present at the swearing-in ceremony.
A keen supporter even took colourful balloons decorated with "You are the best" to the declaration of
office meeting.
"I have been working for this for a long time and I think people recognise that," Cr Schier told The Cairns Post after the meeting.
Following the official declarations, Cr Schier chaired her first meeting in the chamber, swiftly moving through the 18-part agenda.
Among the items, councillors ticked off the state-modelled code of conduct that includes obligations to declare material interests and the guideline that councillors must not improperly use information gained in the position for financial gain.
Committee appointments were also decided, as was the format of future council meetings.
State ministers and members were among invited guests, along with former mayors of the city.
