Cr Driscoll was sworn in at a statutory meeting at the Stawell Entertainment Centre on Monday tonight.

He said he was humbled by council’s decision.

“It’s a privilege to be chosen by my fellow councillors to take on the position of mayor and I’m looking forward to leading this great group over the next year,” Cr Driscoll said.

“We’ve got a number of exciting projects to continue with such as the underground physics laboratory, Nectar Farms’ hydroponics development, and the Grampians Peaks Trail, and the potential employment opportunities that come with them.

“We’re also anticipating a good season ahead for our farmers and will be looking to do what we can to maximise opportunities for them.

“Of course, we still face a number of challenges, the greatest of which is the underfunding of local government. We’ll continue to lobby state and federal government until we get a satisfactory outcome.”

Cr Rob Haswell joins council in the Stawell Ward, after councillors Karen Hyslop and Murray Emerson successfully retained their positions.

Cr Haswell said he was excited by the opportunity to meet people and hear from them on what can be done to improve the shire.

“I am humbled by the support given to me by the people of Stawell and the opportunity that their support has given me,” he said.

“I have lived in many places in my 61 years but I have never felt so welcome and at home as I do here.

“It is my intent to return the trust placed in me by helping to make our shire a better place to live and work.”

Chief executive officer Michael Bailey congratulated all councillors on their appointments.

“We’re looking forward to continuing the positive work of our last council, and forging forward with innovative new ideas to make the Northern Grampians an even better place to live, work, invest, and visit,” Mr Bailey said.

“We thank outgoing councillor Wayne Rice for his service over the past 11 years. He has certainly made a valuable contribution to the Northern Grampians community and we wish him well for his future endeavours.”

One of the new council’s first tasks is to develop the 2017-21 council plan, which will guide its decisions and actions over the coming term.