Paul Simmons returned as Coorong mayor

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The Coorong district has united around Paul Simmons.

The incumbent mayor easily won another four-year term at Saturday’s council election after trouncing the two other candidates.

Mr Simmons won 1505 votes to Neville Jaensch’s 421 and Rosa Hillam’s 209.

He described it as “humbling” to have become the first popularly elected mayor in the district’s history, going back to the amalgamation of the Peake, Meningie and Coonalpyn Downs councils in 1997.

“I thank (voters) for their support and look forward to getting the new council together as soon as possible … and taking the district forward,” he said.

Meanwhile, there will be three new faces among the Coorong district’s seven councillors.

Meningie’s Mick O’Hara will return to the council after four years away, bringing with him his experience as a livestock transporter, farmer and football club leader.

Farmer and former National Party political candidate Jonathan Pietzsch, of Tintinara, will bring a relatively youthful perspective to the council.

Newsagency employee and frequent volunteer Ruth Maidment, of Tailem Bend, will also have a seat at the table.

Returning as councillors will be:

• Sharon Bland
• Lisa Rowntree
• Jeff “Tank” Arthur
• Brenton Qualmann

Previous councillors Vern Leng and Glynis Taylor will join Mr Jaensch on the sidelines.

For what it’s worth, five of the seven councillors elected – plus Mr Simmons – ran under the “Coorong Unites” banner.

Results have also been confirmed elsewhere in the state, including in Murray Bridge, where Wayne Thorley will succeed retired mayor Brenton Lewis.

• More information: result.ecsa.sa.gov.au/lgeresults.
• Read more: Paul Simmons hopes to be the first Coorong mayor chosen by the people

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