Ruth McRae was elected after a contest with Phillip Wells, who had been a deputy mayor with the previous Murrumbidgee Shire.

Cr Wells also lost the vote for deputy mayor with Robert Black returning to that role after also having filled it with the original Murrumbidgee Council.

Cr McRae said the major challenge was ensuring things were “fair and equitable” between Jerilderie, Coleambally and Darlington Point.

“It’s a great opportunity and a privilege,” she said of the mayoralty.

“It’s a real unknown, it’s a new entity and it’s an opportunity for each of us to bring something unique to the table.”

Harmonising the salary structure and roads and water services were nominated as key issues by Cr McRae.