Current Deputy Mayor Robyn Holmes says she is confident she will be declared the incoming mayor of Cook Shire Council after taking a strong lead in the three-candidate field. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
While an official outcome is yet to be declared, Robyn Holmes is claiming victory in the fight for the top job at Cook Shire Council.
As voting continued on Sunday afternoon, Ms Holmes, the council’s current deputy mayor, told Cape York Weekly she was confident she was set to replace long-serving Mayor Peter Scott, who announced earlier this year he would draw the curtain on two decades of service to Cook Shire residents.
At 2pm on Monday, and with 57.25 per cent of the vote counted, Ms Holmes had secured 52.65 per cent of the preliminary count and opened up a commanding lead over mayoral rivals Kenny Reid (30.23 per cent) and Ian Murray (17.12 per cent).
“I extend my appreciation to the Cook Shire voters for having confidence in my ability to lead the shire into the future,” she said.
“The result has highlighted community expectation in wanting an experienced leader.”
Neither Mr Reid nor Mr Murray had formally conceded defeat at the time of publishing.
Ms Holmes said while it remained to be seen who would fill the six councillor spots in the chamber, she would continue to focus on existing “big-ticket” projects.
“The real test for myself starts now, and I look forward to a higher level of community engagement to ensure we incorporate each community’s vision in future planning,” she said.
“When the declaration is made, initially there will be training and introductions for the new council to understand their roles and responsibilities.
“Current big-ticket items will continue [including] a new hospital in Cooktown and a health clinic at Lakeland to provide increased health services, as well as a regional aged care facility, the Lakeland dam project and reconstruction of roads in the Rossville and Ayton areas.”
Only current councillor Marilyn Morris and Sarah Martin look assured of a seat at the council table, with a blanket able to be thrown over seven or eight of the remaining 19 candidates.
Likely Cook Shire mayor-elect Robyn Holmes (centre) pictured with sitting councillors Marilyn Morris, who will retain a seat in the chamber, and Ross Logan, whose spot on the council is in question, near Ayton during the recent local government election campaign. Photo: Supplied.
