BREAKING NEWS: New era as Lisa Scomazzon claims narrow win over David Haratsis to become Douglas Shire Mayor

NEW MAYOR

Michael Warren

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New Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon. Picture: Supplied

The Douglas Shire is ushering in a new era this afternoon with Lisa Scomazzon just seconds ago calling victory over close rival David Haratsis to be elected the new Mayor of the Douglas Shire.

As it stands Ms Scomazzon has 3260 votes or 48.28% of the votes ahead of Mr Haratsis 3019 votes or 44.21% in what proved a tight battle worthy of the importance of the top job.

Ms Scomazzon lost Port Douglas, the Port Douglas early voting centre votes, and the postal declaration votes but managed to claim wins in all other sections to hold off Mr Haratsis in a thrilling race for the main chair inside the chamber.

The narrow endorsement of Ms Scomazzon ends three months of discussion, debate, forums and conversation in what proved a fascinating build-up to today's final outcome.

In her first exclusive interview after claiming the win and just days ahead of being sworn in as Mayor Ms Scomazzon was thrilled with the result.

"I'm extremely humbled and honoured to be the new Mayor of the shire," Ms Scomazzon told Newsport just seconds ago.

"I am born and raised in the Shire and it is an absolute privilege to represent and advocate for the wonderful people of this Shire.

"It's now time to get to work.

"I want to thank the voters of the Douglas Shire and I also acknowlege the efforts of David Haratsis and Stacy Wilkinson regarding their campaigns."

Meantime, in further developments Roy Zammataro and Abigail Noli again secured their seats inside the chamber to return as Councillors.

Douglas Shire Council also welcomes new face Damian Meadows to the chamber, while Michael Joseph Rees rounds out the new Councillors after just finishing ahead of Jeremy Blockey.

While the Shire has now spoken a big talking point will be that only two thirds of the Shire actually voted, or around 6100 people, which has left many locals scratching their head as to why many more didn't take the opportunity to have their voice heard.

Lastly, the first order for the new Mayor and her Councillors will be to immediately address the Shire’s national water crisis, followed by ensuring the Noah Range landslide is removed as soon as possible so local residents and business owners can go about immediately restoring their livelihoods.

On top of that there’s the small problem called the future of the Daintree Ferry to contend with and what that gigantic, never ending problem continues to look like.

In addition there’s local projects like the Port Douglas splash park that also needs immediate attention.

On top of that, there’s the need for Douglas Shire Council to now, under a new Council to be completely transparent and honest in its daily dealings with media and ratepayers and second, to deliver information in a timely, consistent and honest manner.

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