By BRIDGET SCOTT
NEW City of Casey Mayor Mick Morland has said there will be no challenges during his term in the role and that he was looking forward to the year ahead.
Councillor Morland said he hoped for “one direction” and “harmony” during his term and would be quick to alleviate any problems which arose.
Cr Morland has been a councillor in the area since 1992 having previously been on the former City of Berwick.
He was also mayor of Casey in 2001-2002
“When you put your hand up to be a councillor you always have aspirations to be mayor,” he said.
“In my 22 years on council I have put my hand up two or three times.”
Councillor Morland was elected mayor in a unanimous appointment on Monday night after he was nominated by fellow councillor Sam Aziz.
Councillor Morland said he had sat on seven other councils but that the “City of Casey is one of the best,” he said.
“We’ve got the best council we’ve had in the past 20 years,” he said.
“There are a good number of young people and a good number of experienced.”
City of Casey councillors took it in turn to congratulate the new mayor and all of them were confident that their council was in good hands.
“There was an overwhelming support for your nomination,” Cr Aziz said.
“I am sure you will do a sterling job.”
Councillor Morland said he eagerly anticipated the year ahead with exciting times in store such as the construction of the new Casey Cultural Precinct.
“I am delighted to lead the council over the coming 12 months as we mark Casey’s 20th anniversary in December and celebrate our people and places that make this the greatest city,” he said.
“I am also thrilled to lead the commencement of construction of the $125 million Casey Cultural Precinct in mid-2015, Casey’s largest ever infrastructure project.”
Councillor Morland said he believed the best trait he would bring to the position of Mayor was his passion to “always lead us on the path forward.”
“We all need to be on the same page and work in the one direction,” he said.
