Officially returning to Council Chambers for a second term, Councillor Roy Zammataro said he is “overwhelmed and honoured” to be re-elected to serve the Douglas Shire again.

And now faced with unprecedented challenges from COVID-19, Cr Zammataro said Council and the community can get through this together.

“It is of the utmost importance that the Council works alongside the Douglas Shire community to ensure a positive economic recovery,” he told Newsport.

“This is an issue that weighs heavily on organisations like Tourism Port Douglas Daintree in relaying to the world that we are back, and we are open for business.”

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Cr Zammataro received 3162 votes (13.20 %) and will join the newly elected mayor Michael Kerr, fellow re-elected councillor Abigail Noli, and first-time councillors Lisa Scomazzon, and Peter McKeown, in Council chambers.

Cr Zammataro said he is ready to get to started and collaborate with the other councillors and mayor.

“It’s no secret that during the campaign I was not supporting some of those elected as I believed an experienced and successful council would benefit the Shire, not only in the future but during this incredibly challenging time.

“This, however, will not impact my work as a councillor as I respect the decisions made by the people of the Douglas Shire community and the priority now is to collaborate and work for the Shire.”

Cr Zammataro added that he believes it was his common-sense approach that helped secure his position.

“Constituents also expressed that they were impressed with my honesty and commitment to the Shire whether we agreed on issues or not.

“I was heartened to see those that supported me were not persuaded by the false and frankly hurtful accusations that were made about me during the campaign,” he said.

The four councillors will now be sworn in during a post-election meeting on Thursday.