The administrative head of Robe District Council has welcomed the appointment of newly-elected councillor Lisa Ruffell as its deputy mayor.

Cr Ruffell will also serve as acting mayor pending a supplementary election early in the New Year.

She is a former mayor of the Greater Bendigo City Council in regional Victoria.

Robe’s first female leader was Anne Hayes who held the mayoral role between 2000 and 2003.

Outgoing Mayor Alison Nunan was at the helm for the past four years.

Council chief executive James Holyman said the six councillors elected for 2022-26 were making a fresh start.

Mr Holyman said they were talking to community groups and understanding community expectations.

“We are also fortunate to have Cr Ruffell with a background in local government, elected by her peers as the Deputy Mayor for a two-year term,” Mr Holyman said.

“I congratulate her and the other successful candidates, and I trust they will find their time as a Robe councillor rewarding.”

He was also pleased with the high voter turn-out of almost 70% at last month’s poll as Robe’s election participation rate was more than twice the state average.

Meanwhile, Mr Holyman referred to a range of other matters in his latest monthly report.

“To keep the community informed, updates are provided for projects occurring in Robe but not undertaken by the council,” he said.

“We have been advised by the SA Power Networks project manager

|that works for under-grounding of powerlines on the Esplanade at Long Beach will commence in late January.

“The installation of the Optus telecommunications tower at the Robe Oval on Morphett Street has been delayed.

“I will continue to liaise with their project manager and will keep the community informed when Robe District Council receives a firm timeline from Optus.”