Cr Emerson takes on the position from Cr Kevin Erwin, who served as Mayor for the last 12 months.
Cr Erwin has served five previous terms (2005-06, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2013-14 and 2018-19) as Mayor since first being elected to council in March 2003.
Cr Emerson, who represents the Stawell Ward of the shire, said he is honoured to take on the position of Mayor and acknowledged he has big shoes to fill.
He said he is looking forward to representing the council until the upcoming Local Government Elections in October 2020 and to working with the council’s newly announced Chief Executive Officer, Ms Liana Thompson.
“I will be focussing on leading the Northern Grampians Shire Council team into the future with an active focus on delivering on some of the projects that commenced during my last term as Mayor,” Cr Emerson said.
“A major focus for us is to work with the new Chief Executive Officer to make the Northern Grampians Shire an even better place to live and work with sustainability a key factor for our shire.”
Cr Emerson said community consultation, teamwork within council, and realistic goals will be essential hallmarks of his time as Mayor.
“Together we can remain one of the leading creative shires in local government. Rates, roads, and rubbish are three of the main services that need our immediate attention,” he said.
Meanwhile, Cr Erwin wished Cr Emerson well and said he is sure the new Mayor will represent the council and the people of the Northern Grampians Shire with positivity and innovation.
“I wish Cr Emerson the very best in his Mayoral appointment,” he said.
“It can be a tough job but one that is very rewarding and I have every faith in Cr Emerson to carry on the good work of the council to date.”
