Mid Murray Mayor Simone Bailey has announced she will not seek another term at this year’s local government elections, saying she believes the council is now in a much stronger position than when she first took office.
Mayor Bailey has areleased a statement today, confirming she will step down at the November elections after one term as mayor.
She was elected to the role in November 2022 after previously serving as deputy mayor and councillor, first joining the Mid Murray Council in 2018. Ms Bailey won the 2022 mayoral election with 1,655 first-preference votes, replacing outgoing mayor Dave Burgess.
Her term began just as communities along the River Murray prepared for the 2022-23 flood emergency, with Mayor Bailey later helping lead recovery efforts across the district.
“Throughout my term, I have regularly worked 60+ hour weeks, connecting with community and advocating through flood, recovery and drought,” she said.
In her statement, Mayor Bailey said she originally ran for mayor because she could see the financial challenges facing council and wanted to help “turn things around”.
“Under this Council’s leadership, we have recorded surpluses after nearly a decade of deficits, we have significantly reduced projected rate increases over the next ten years, and today, Council carries no debt,” she said.
Mayor Bailey acknowledged borrowing was forecast in future budgets, but said future debt was now planned rather than driven by financial pressure.
She also pointed to projects delivered during her term, including flood recovery funding, standpipe automation, sporting infrastructure, tourism initiatives and drought support programs.
The announcement comes after Mayor Bailey unsuccessfully contested the seat of Hammond for Labor at the recent state election, finishing behind One Nation MP Robert Roylance.
Mayor Bailey has also reflected on the personal toll of the leadership role.
“Serving as Mayor has never been about personal gain. It has, however, come at a personal cost – mentally, emotionally and financially,” she said.
She said scrutiny and criticism had at times been difficult for both her and her family.
Mayor Bailey says she is still passionate about local government and hopes to encourage others to consider running for council.
“Regional communities deserve strong voices,” she said.
Mayor Bailey will continue serving in the role until the local government elections in November 2026.
