BOGGABILLA farmer Peter Mailler has passionately thanked the voters across the Moree Plains for their support and confidence – but the pragmatist with a deep knowledge of state and federal politics says congratulations are not quite in order just yet.

Mailler garnered plenty of first-preference votes at last month’s local government elections and will sit at the Moree Plains Shire Council table with eight others for the next four years.

“Being elected is an honour, but it is only the first step,” Mailler said.

“The challenge lies ahead in coalescing an effective team and delivering good outcomes for the shire over the next few years.

“I hope and intend that at the end of our term, we are then worthy of congratulations,” he said.

The Boggabilla grain and cattle producer has a background in agricultural advocacy at state and federal levels, including a term as president of Grain Producers Australia which involved several roles in government committees.

Mailler, a Rural Fire Service volunteer and member of New South Wales Farmers’ Association, is passionate about the Moree Shire.

“It’s my home,” he said.

Newly-elected Moree Plains Shire councillor Peter Mailler says “ the challenge lies ahead in coalescing an effective team and delivering good outcomes for the shire over the next few years”.

He’s particularly concerned about the deteriorating rural roads network and the domino effect this can cause across the shire.

“The decline of the rural road network is increasing costs of production, poses serious public safety concerns and is in some cases threatening the viability of some farms,” Mailler said.

“This presents an economic threat that flows through the entire regional economy and will inevitably affect the prosperity of our towns as well.”

He said it’s essential Council appreciates and understands the needs of all of its ratepayers and constituents.

“This means it is essential that people from all walks of life are represented on and by the Council,” he said.

“I am looking forward to getting to know and working with the incoming councillors and the broader Moree Plains Shire team.

“I will be keenly focused on the core business of local government as outlined in the Local  Government Act. I think it is essential to stick to the charter laid out in that legislation and focus on delivering the best possible value to ratepayers and residents of the entire shire.

“I think it is important to begin as you intend to proceed. and I will maintain an open mind as I get up to speed on the operations and processes of the council,” he said.