Cr Johnston was re-elected unopposed at last Tuesday night’s Dungog council meeting, as was new deputy mayor Tony McKenzie.

Last year when Cr Johnston was first elected mayor was a difficult time for Dungog, with debate raging about the proposed Tillegra Dam.

“It came at a time of turmoil, but that’s all starting to settle down now,” he said.

“The first few months my head was spinning.

“Glenn Wall was a fairly substantial act to follow.”

While the past year has been a hard one, Cr Johnston said the difficulties faced by the shire has shown its character.

“Hard times engender community spirit,” he said.

“Now we have a challenge with all of the land up there at Tillegra.

“We’re pursuing the development of a good and thorough land use plan for that area so we can get more people up there and producing than ever.”

One of the highlights of the past year for Cr Johnston was NSW Member for Upper Hunter George Souris election promise of accelerated funding for the main road between Raymond Terrace and Dungog.

“That was going to be done over seven years and now it should be finished in four years,” he said.

“It will be a really good front door to our town.”

Cr Johnston said it would be a challenge for the shire to get the project up and running, but the results would be well worth the effort.

Another challenge for the next 12 months will be making sure the James Theatre continues its nearly century-long tradition.

“It will come back very quickly and better than ever,” he said.

“We’ll have a 100th anniversary in that building next year I’m sure of it.”

Cr Johnston has lived in Dungog for the last 10 years and has a background in architecture and planning.

“We came up to Dungog because it’s just the best,” he said.

“It’s a lovely sized community.

“As a shire, we have a great staff and even though we lack resources, Dungog keeps leading the way.”