Council & Business
2 November, 2023
Pyrenees Shire welcomes new mayor, Robert Vance
The Pyrenees Shire Council has elected a new mayor with councillor Robert Vance set to step into the role — marking his fourth term in the position. Picking up the baton from Cr Ron Eason, who had been serving as mayor for the past two years, Cr...
The Pyrenees Shire Council has elected a new mayor with councillor Robert Vance set to step into the role — marking his fourth term in the position.
Picking up the baton from Cr Ron Eason, who had been serving as mayor for the past two years, Cr Vance was nominated for the 2023-24 term at a statutory meeting held this week on Tuesday in Lexton.
Prior to this appointment, Cr Vance served as mayor for three terms in 2008-09, 2013-14, 2018-19 and was also elected as Shire President for two terms in 1997-98 and 2001-02 — bringing a range of experience to the table.
“I’m looking forward to the rest of my term and I’d also like to congratulate Ron because he’s done a remarkably good job. He was very conscientious, if I’m able to go anywhere close to the standard that he has set I’ll be extremely happy,” Cr Vance said.
“I have had quite a long stint on council and have enjoyed it immensely.
“This is the sixth time I’ve taken on a role like this and I enjoy it. I really like meeting people and representing them — it’s about trying to achieve the things that people need to make their lives much better.”
Cr Vance said that his primary focus, over the next 12 months, would be to strengthen the Pyrenees community.
“Many of our communities are still recovering from the floods we had in October and November last year, and it’s important we do what we can to continue to support that recovery and build resilient communities for the future,” he said.
“The flood damage has been something that has frustrated us for so long.
“I’ll keep advocating to the State Government for funding — not only to tidy up the damage but to also [strengthen] and improve the region so that if we have another flood further down the track [we’ll be ready and in a better position].”
Other than working towards flood-proofing the area, Cr Vance said the shire would also be looking at supporting the major Southern Wimmera and Northeast Pyrenees Rural Water Supply Project.
“We’ll be working vigorously to try and get that over the line,” he said.
“It’ll absolutely be something we continue to focus on.”