Batkovic takes the reins as Deputy Mayor

Townsville officially has a new Deputy Mayor, with councillors today voting in division six Councillor Suzy Batkovic to represent the city as second-in-charge.

The Special Council meeting came as division three councillor Ann-Maree Greaney officially stood down from her 12-month tenure as Deputy Mayor on Wednesday afternoon.

Mayor Nick Dametto welcomed the two-term councillor into the role.

“Throughout the last five years Councillor Batkovic has cemented herself as a strong leader both within the community and in the chamber, and I look forward to working with her by my side as Deputy Mayor,” Cr Dametto said.

“In November the people of Townsville voted to bring pride and prosperity back to this great city, and today in the chamber my fellow councillors voted to place their faith in a woman of strong moral fibre and an incredible work ethic to be deputy.

“Her strong leadership will no doubt help steer the Townsville ship in the right direction in the years to come.

“She has not only captained our city’s basketball team in the Townsville Fire, but she has proven she is a terrific councillor, not just for her division, but also as a strong advocate for our city.”

Newly-elected Deputy Mayor, Suzy Batkovic, said she was honoured to be nominated by the Mayor for the position.

“I would like to thank the Mayor, Nick Dametto, for the trust he has put in me, and my fellow councillors for their unanimous support and for the confidence they have shown in me,” Cr Batkovic said.

“I am proud that we have strong leadership, and a committed group of councillors, who are ready to get this city back on track.

“I am honoured to serve as Deputy Mayor and look forward to working in support of the Mayor, as well as collaboratively with all councillors, for the betterment of our community.”