While signs had been pasted up around town advertising a protest at 4pm outside the council chambers, there was only one speech at the gathering. 

Robert White told the crowd the council owed Gunnedah people an apology for their decisions.

“We are being ruled by dills,” he told the crowd, who cheered in response.

Council chambers were packed for the meeting, with people who could not fit into the chambers given seats in a nearby room where they could hear proceedings.

Eight councillors were present for the meeting, with Cr Stephen Smith still suspended for failing to declare an interest in a council vote relating to his employer Whitehaven Coal.

Council general manager Eric Groth conducted the annual mayoral election, which is conducted by secret ballot.

Mayor Owen Hasler faced a challenge by Cr Colleen Fuller, while Deputy Mayor Gae Swain was up against David Quince.

The atmosphere in the chambers was tense as the votes were counted.

Mayor Owen Hasler was returned five votes to three, while Gae Swain retained her role as deputy mayor with six votes to two.

Loud boos were heard from the crowd as the results were announced.

Cr Hasler said it was “an honour and a privilege” to serve as mayor.

“One can only give it your best efforts,” he said.

“It has been very busy for the last two years or so and we have a lot of things ahead of us, not least of which are the changes to the Local Government Act, the implementation of special rate variations, and infrastructure upgrades including the extension of the sewer works on the western side of town.”

He said there were other major projects to be completed such as the Riverine project.

Many of the people in the public gallery left following the announcement of mayor.

Others remained to hear council’s decision over a new canola mill at Mary’s Mount.

The mill, which has caused concern among neighbours who have made representations to council, will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Council approved the mill subject to a number of conditions, but will now approach Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) for two new bus stops to be located near the mill.

Council will approach the RMS to seek approval for the bus stops before the end of the week.

Residents have expressed concerns dust from the new mill could cause asthma problems, particularly in the bus stop located close to the mill.

Residents were also concerned about noise and safety issues.