Two major local government lobbies elected new presidents this week.

The local government associations of South Australia and Queensland are welcoming new leaders, with City of Charles Sturt Mayor Angela Evans elected president of the Local Government Association of SA and Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson re-elected to lead the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ).

In South Australia, Cr Evans will commence her two year-term at the conclusion of the 2020 LGA Annual General Meeting on October 29.

Cr Evans follows on from outgoing LGA President Tumby Bay Mayor Sam Telfer, who will remain on the LGA Board in the role of Immediate Past President.

“I love local government and value its importance in meeting the needs of our citizens and communities,” said Cr Evans this week.

“The term ahead presents a range of challenges for our sector; however our focus will always be on what is best for our communities.”

The LGA of SA President is elected by the Association’s 68 member councils, with each council receiving one vote. The position is rotated between metropolitan and regional councils every two years.

Up in Queensland, Cr Mark Jamieson thanked the LGAQ’s member councils for putting their confidence in him to represent their interests as their chief advocate through a second term.

“I look forward to continuing this task, in what is arguably the most challenging time for councils and their communities in a century,” he said this week.

“We all know there is a long, hard road ahead, while we seek to bring our communities through the pandemic and the long economic recovery phase we are now confronting.”

The President of the LGAQ is also chair of the LGAQ Board and Policy Executive.