The meeting also featuring the swearing in of the new council, including five first time councillors following December's local government election.

There were two nominations for the role of mayor - Councillors Bill West and Peter Wright.

Cr West was elected eight votes to one.

Cr Smith was the sole nomination for deputy mayor.

Following his election, Cr West thanked his fellow councillors and said he was excited to get to work with new ambitions and ideas.

"Thank you to my colleagues for their support, I really appreciate it," he said.

"I must say, I always find these moments quite humbling and quite meaningful.

"This is going to be an interesting period, we have five new councillors and I think that's going to be exciting.

"The aspirations in the Chamber are there to be supported and encouraged.

"I look forward to working with each and every one of you."

Cr Smith, who has served as deputy mayor beside Cr West for the past eight years, said she looks forward to returning to the role.

"I will work hard to repay the other councillors and I will work hard to also model inclusive, open and listening and understanding behaviour," she said.

"I think it's going to be a great council, an exciting council.

"It's great to have so many new ideas on board and I look forward to the next two years and nine months with you all."