Rous County Council's new governing body officially met for the first time on Wednesday, with the election of its chairperson and deputy chairperson top of the agenda.

Richmond Valley Mayor Robert Mustow was elected chairperson. Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader was elected deputy chairperson. Chairperson Mustow and Deputy Chairperson Cadwallader will hold office until the next election on September 14, 2024.

"I would like to thank my fellow county councillors for their continued support in electing me to lead Rous County Council,' Chairperson Mustow said. 'We will continue to find solutions for the challenges specific to this area, especially in the fields of water security, weed biosecurity, and rural flood mitigation.

"I’m certain that our team of county councillors will work towards finding solutions for these challenges and make a positive contribution to our community," Chairperson Mustow said.

Rous County Council's governing body comprises eight county councillors – two elected representatives from each of its four constituent councils (Ballina Shire, Byron Shire, Lismore City and Richmond Valley).

"I am looking forward to continuing to work alongside my fellow councillors with the aim to deliver beneficial outcomes for our local communities. We take the responsibility that our roles require seriously, and will work towards improved outcomes in water supplies, flood mitigation, and weed biosecurity," Deputy Chairperson Cadwallader added.

"The region’s constituent councils, residents, Traditional Custodians, business owners, farmers and others can be confident that our council will continue to manage our natural resources and infrastructure."

The role of Rous County councillors is to represent their constituent council and make decisions that are in the best interests of the region Rous County Council serves.

The other six Rous County councillors are:

• Councillor Rod Bruem (Ballina Shire Council)

• Councillor Michael Lyon (Byron Shire Council)

• Councillor Sarah Ndiaye (Byron Shire Council)

• Councillor Big Rob (Lismore City Council)

• Councillor Andrew Gordon (Lismore City Council)

• Councillor Sandra Humphrys (Richmond Valley Council)

Councillor Big Rob was also appointed as the Council's member on its Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee.

Ordinary meetings of Rous County Council's governing body are held six times a year (on the third Wednesday of every second month).

Meeting business papers and minutes are available here.