Cr Raynolds, of 'Maringa' near Doughboy, a farmer and haulage contractor, has served on Palerang Council since its inception in 2004 and previously served on Tallaganda Council since 1988. He has served on numerous committees, external organisations and representative bodies throughout his local government career.

Cr Raynolds thanked Councillors for their support in electing him Mayor, adding that it made him feel very humble.

"I would like the electorate to see this as a positive decision," said Cr Raynolds. "I would like to see Council's profile lifted in the community and I intend to invite people who should be interacting more with Council to this forum to discuss the many issues facing us. Climate change, for instance, is a particular worry to Council and its community and we will do everything in our power to enable the community to get what it wants," he said.

In his election speech Cr Raynolds said there were "a number of small changes I'd like to make to improve the flow." He suggested that more use be made of workshops, either open or closed, as well as the committee system, in particular with planning issues.

Cr Raynolds said he brought to the position a "wealth of experience across business, council... and as a working man" and signalled his "very strong green credentials" as a member of Landcare.

Cr Raynolds noted that "generally it's up to the mayor that relationships between Councillors and staff are good and I make that commitment."

Crs Moore and Cockram also ran for the positions. Cr Cockram said "A year ago I thought it was a comedy act, but now I know. It comes down to a number of councillors that I could name on one hand."

Cr Richard Graham, of Landtasia at Mulloon, is serving his first term on local government having been elected to Palerang Council in 2008.

Cr Graham said that as Deputy it is a "very important role in the coming year" and that he had made his "personal time clear for this."

Before leaving the Mayoral seat, Cr Ian Marjason thanked everyone for their support saying "I have very much enjoyed it and I wish my successor all the best."