Mayor begins with first meeting

HE'S a good natured bloke who readily admits his first official council meeting was a little daunting.

And after hearing of the council's successes, including quick repairs after the floods, he gives his predecessor a nod.

"Mayor John (Hooper) should still be here," he said tongue in cheek.

Grazier Ron Carige has taken over the top job in Banana Shire.

His wife sits in the public gallery supporting her husband.

Biloela local Elemer "Danny" Santha, 88, is the only other person in the gallery.

Councillor Carige is quite obviously new at the gig.

He's the only fresh face on the council.

But he's giving it a good crack, asking questions of his colleagues when unsure of procedure.

Cr Carige said the biggest issue facing the Banana Shire was the resources boom.

"Undoubtedly with the resources coming through, it's keeping up with the infrastructure that goes with that investment," he said.

When asked how he thought the boom in Gladstone would benefit the shire, Cr Carige was extremely positive.

"I think it's a great benefit to us, we're really encouraging any overflow from there," he said.