At their meeting in Grenfell on 14th October, the members of Central Tablelands Water County Council re-elected unopposed Cr David Somervaille, representing Blayney Shire Council, as Chairman and Cr Kevin Walker, representing Cabonne Council, as Deputy Chairman, until the local government elections in September 2021.
Both Cr Somervaille and Cr Walker are serving their seventh term as Chairman and Deputy Chairman respectively.
Cr Somervaille, who is also the water portfolio chair of the Central NSW Joint Organisation, said “Thank you for showing your support in our leadership for the next 12 months. Cr Walker and I have been Chairman and Deputy Chairman for quite some time. This Council has a long history of the Chairman and Deputy Chairman for long periods, with previous partnerships serving for decades, and we’re grateful for your support.”
The Local Government Act 1993 was amended in 2016 to provide that mayors of councils elected by the councillors holds the office of mayor for two years, subject to the Act.
At the time that the legislation was changed, a similar amendment to the Act in respect of the term of chairs of county councils was not considered. Therefore, the election for chairperson of a county council is held on an annual basis as per the current legislation.
CTW is a water supply authority constituted under NSW Local Government legislation. First proclaimed in 1944 the county embraces the Shires of Blayney, Cabonne and Weddin providing drinking water to these communities. CTW currently has approximately 6,000 water connections and provides potable water to 15,000 consumers in 14 towns and villages.