He will keep the position until the next local government election, currently planned for December 4. The state government postponed the elections initially slated for September as a COVID-19 precaution.

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In the meeting on September 7, Cr Peter Walker thanked the other councillors for their support.

"We are a team here together," he said.

"In these trying times three months is three months but with what's happening around here it could get longer.

"We just need to stick together."

Councillor Margaret O'Neil made the recommendation for Cr Walker to retain his position.

"I think it's absolutely stupid [to have an election just] for a month and a half because in November we will go into caretaker mode if the election is going to be held," Cr O'Neil said.

Councillor Banfield seconded the motion and argued he couldn't understand how the deputy mayor's position could be changed "this late in the race".

"I can't for the life of me understand why it was even a topic of discussion to be honest," Cr Banfield said.

"We are in an extended period and the councillors have remained in their same roles."

The deputy mayor may exercise any function of the mayor at the request of the mayor or if they are prevented by illness, absence or otherwise from exercising the function or if there is a casual vacancy in the position.

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