Over the past two years Bob Kirk and Peter Walker have served together on Goulburn Mulwaree Council. Now they’re Mayor and Deputy Mayor respectively.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Cr Kirk was re-elected unopposed to the role he’s held for the past two years.

“I need a drink… of water,” he quipped as he resumed his seat following the unanimous open vote.

Cr Walker was elected deputy in an ordinary closed ballot, also contested by Cr Sam Rowland. The former lodged his nomination on September 12 and the latter on Tuesday. Cr Walker replaced his namesake, Cr Alfie Walker, who held the role for two years.

By sheer coincidence (or not), the newly elected duo wore their Rabbitohs badges to the meeting. At various times they also worked at the Goulburn Workers Club, in the banking sector, have been involved in the club industry and local rugby league.

“There are a lot of crossovers in our lives,” Cr Kirk said.

“In the couple years Peter’s been here (on the council) he’s made a valuable contribution and I know I can be confident of his support.”

They and colleagues were also quick to praise Cr Alfie Walker’s work in the role. He decided not to re-contest in order to give “someone else a go.”

Cr Kirk said he was honoured and proud to be re-elected and looked forward to working productively over the next two years.

He told the Post that despite renewed government focus on regional development, the council had been actively pursuing opportunities for several years.

“The solution to many of the cities’ problems lie in the regions, or Goulburn, as I like to say. That message won’t change,” Cr Kirk said.

“We have connectivity, livability, health services and education. Our failing in some people’s eyes was that we didn’t have the jobs but that wasn’t an issue with the ability to commute (to Sydney and Canberra).” 

He cited the new wastewater treatment plant, to be opened on Friday, the Highland Source pipeline, hospital upgrade and educational facilities as key strengths. In addition, there was a large capital works program underway, including the Performing Arts Centre, Wollondilly River Walk and Riverside Park. The council had not had to borrow for some of the projects on the list.

“We’re in a good financial state and it’s a very workable, cohesive and cooperative council without the slanging matches,” Cr Kirk said.

Asked whether he believed the council’s decisions were easily understood by the community given the number of closed briefing sessions, the Mayor said meeting reports gave good insight into the rationale. Councillors challenged these on occasions but he did not believe it was necessary to open the sessions to the community to improve transparency.

“Just because we don’t stand up and have an open debate doesn’t mean it’s not a well drafted decision,” he said.

For the first time, a report on the briefing sessions and their topics was furnished to Tuesday’s meeting. Cr Sam Rowland thanked general manager Warwick Bennett, saying it was something he had requested for some time and would improve openness and accountability.

The Mayor said he looked forward to several impending and proposed developments, such as Stockade Brewco’s brewery at South Goulburn opening, a poultry processing plant planned for the city’s north, more residential construction at Marys Mount and around Bishopthorpe and a particular favourite, the water re-use scheme to irrigate Goulburn’s sporting and other fields.

“It’s a pretty positive vibe but we need to continue that, so we will be sniffing out for more opportunities,” he said.

Cr Walker agrees the council has its plate full, with projects coming to an end and some being formulated.

“I just want to inject some vision into it,” he said.

“We might not win every one but with Rocky Hill, Saint Clair and the like, there’s lots in it for the community. (But) everything doesn’t revolve around Goulburn. Marulan is going ahead in leaps and bounds, Tarago is getting a new shopping centre and the villages are progressing very well.”

Cr Walker said he was particularly passionate about community groups such as U3A, the Gem Society, the Arts Society and Lilac Festival committee. He’s behind the push to construct a community centre at the former council depot in Bourke Street.

Cr Walker also sits on the new hockey centre and recreational fishing working parties. Given 700 people in Goulburn play hockey, he says plans are well advanced on a new complex at Carr Confoy fields.

“Hopefully we’ll have some good news for people in the next few months,” he said.

The former bank manager and Goulburn Workers Club CEO says council leadership has good relationships with state authorities and must push its strategic location between Sydney and Canberra for all it’s worth.

“I think I have the time, energy and experience (for the role). At 60, I still see myself as young and think I still have a lot to give to get the area moving in the right direction.”

As for The Rabbitohs, both men are on the same page about this weekend’s clash with the Roosters.

Cr Walker is going to the match with “a mad keen Roosters supporter.”

“Our friendship may be tested,” he said.

The Mayor is keeping the faith. 

“Both are foundation clubs and have hated each other since 1908,” he said.

“I have a strong suspicion that although the Roosters are favourite, the little rabbits will sneak up on them and pull their tail feathers out.”