New mayor honoured to be elected

Councillor Grant Henley has been elected to the role of mayor for the City of Busselton for the next two years.

The former deputy mayor was elected on Monday night in a special council meeting by fellow councillors.

Cr Henley said he felt very privileged to take over the role from former mayor Ian Stubbs.

"It's a privilege and honour to take over as the Mayor of Busselton," he said.

"I'm proud that I was nominated by the councillors to take on the role.

"Everyone has said I have big shoes to fill, but I am not looking at trying, Ian had almost 50 years of experience behind him, so I don't think I could.

"I'm hopeful I can continue his leadership and the great work we've achieved."

Cr Henley said there were exiting and challenging times ahead as a number of projects were set to start and come to fruition.

"I've tried to sit down and look at the number of projects we've finished, the ones on the drawing board and on the financial plan and it's amazing," he said.

"As well as civic developments, commercial developments such as department stores will ensure money is spent in Busselton."

He said one of his priorities as mayor was ensuring the public understood council decisions.

"Previously we've received criticism when we've made block decisions in council and people aren't aware of what's happened, so I think it's important to communicate and make sure people attending meetings know what's transpired," he said.

He said it was important to ensure the city it didn't lose its unique feel.

"The completion of the foreshore, opening the youth precinct later this year and the addition of Railway House to the foreshore will be great for the community and tourists," he said.

"People move here because it's a great place to live and it's important we don't lose that and we need to ensure that all development is done while considering the heritage, community and environment."