Council Elects New Mayor

Published on 18 November 2021

Councillor James Tehan was elected as Mansfield Shire Council Mayor and Cr Mark Holcombe was elected Deputy Mayor at the 16 November Council meeting.

Mayor Cr Tehan acknowledged the efforts of outgoing Mayor Cr Mark Holcombe and outlined his priorities for the year.

“Through the development of key strategic plans this year, we have gained excellent insight into the vision and future requirements of the people of Mansfield Shire,” said Cr Tehan. 

“As we face extreme growth pressure, Council’s priorities will be to continue to protect agricultural productivity, enhance health and wellbeing and identify infrastructure needs,” Cr Tehan said.

Cr Holcombe offered his support to Cr Tehan in his role as Mayor and outlined key achievements of Council so far.

“This year we have made a record allocation to road resheeting, passed a resolution for the Heavy Vehicle Bypass to go ahead, commenced Stage 1 of the Emergency Services Precinct, supported community groups in the opposition of planning applications and delivered a zero percent increase in rates.

“The community satisfaction survey reflects a dramatic increase in positive community sentiment toward Council. I’m proud to support Mayor Tehan as Deputy Mayor and look forward to continuing the work of Council.”

Both councillors were elected to the positions for a one-year term and were unopposed.

Mayor Cr Tehan said that the strategic plans developed with the community would offer guidance through the next year.

“This Council is getting back to basics and listening to our community. We have strong plans that have been developed in partnership with the community and these will offer guidance as we make decisions throughout the year,” said Cr Tehan.

Cr Tehan is a fourth generation shire resident and has a wealth of knowledge and experience about farming and tourism.

After completing his schooling at Mansfield Secondary College and Xavier College in Melbourne, Cr Tehan completed a Diploma of Farm Management before going on to work on the Tehan family beef and merino farm in Maindample. Cr Tehan has been President of the Victorian Farmers Federation Mansfield Branch and is a member of the Victorian Livestock Biosecurity Fund and Victorian Livestock Council. He serves in Maindample CFA. This is Cr Tehan’s first term as an elected Councillor.