Warren Shire Council has a new mayor, just the third in almost forty years.

Councillor Greg Whiteley is the man who will take on the mantle and is ready to start the job. 

"I've been in this community for a long time and I love the community," Cr Whitely said. "We have a group of councillors that have some terrific life experience. 

"It's not about politics, it's about community service."

He was elected as the new mayor unopposed on 10 October. 

The last six years has seen local identity and dentist Milton Quigley in the role.

Cr Quigley stepped up when veteran councillor Rex Wilson retired from the role.

Cr Wilson was one of the longest-serving mayors in the state, leading the Warren Council for three decades.

In 2019, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Local Government NSW.

In 2019, former Warren Mayor Rex Wilson was honoured by Local Government NSW with a Lifetime Achievement Award. PHOTO: WSC

As incoming mayor Cr Whitely has no illusions about what it takes to be an effective leader in an elected role.

Cr Whiteley, who works as a farmer and has been on the board of Country Rugby NSW for eight years, joined council in 2021.

"Whether it be in sport or business, an organisation is only as good as its weakest link," he said. 

The new mayor said he is looking forward to continuing to build a transparent relationship between community and council. 

"Everybody in the council is there to do the right thing for their community and that's great to see." 

One of the challenges that Cr Whiteley sees for the Warren Shire council similar to other regional and rural councils is the strain on finances. 

"The pressure on local government is on doing more with less money," he said.

"Now that our major infrastructure needs are finished, we will look at our road network." 

The newly elected mayor is optimistic about Warren's future. "Warren Shire is a highly productive agricultural region and we need to advocate for support that reflects our potential," he said. 

"I'm here to listen and make fair decisions for our community. Together we can build a brighter future for the Warren shire."