The Portland-based councillor and former school teacher, who was first elected to the chamber in 2012, was re-elected at Wednesday's statutory council meeting with councillor Chrissy Hawker elected deputy mayor.

It is the first time in more than two decades that the council has been served by a deputy mayor with the role last filled in 1996 prior to amalgamation.

The re-election makes Cr Rank the first Glenelg Shire councillor to serve as mayor for four consecutive terms, with the term historically held for only 12 months.

"I feel extremely privileged and honoured to be trusted in this leadership role for another term," Cr Rank said.

"I am extremely proud of the extensive achievements we have accomplished over the past 12 months, and in-deed the past three years, and I look forward to building on this work in the next term."

Cr Rank is well-recognised for her advocacy work, helping position the shire as a priority at both a state and federal government level.

Over the past 12 months key achievements have included attracting new renewable projects, such as the Kentbruck Wind Farm, Heywood Hydrogen Project and green energy bioeconomy opportunities.

The tourism sector has continued to prosper with Budj Bim Cultural Landscape inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and the cruise ship sector attracting a growing number of vessels.

Furthermore, the housing sector has been replenished with construction of a retirement village, a first for the shire, in addition to long-awaited investment at the Portland foreshore.

Cr Rank said she was looking forward to working with the chamber to achieve more positive outcomes for the shire into the next 12 months.

"It must be noted that we achieve a significant amount of work with limited resources which is testament to ability and dedication of our hardworking staff," she said.

"Together as councillors we will remain focused on delivering good outcomes for our community and this should always stay at the heart of deliberations."

Cr Rank said developing the Portland foreshore would remain a priority for the next term, with further focus on improving waste management and digital connectivity for the community in addition to more community well-being initiatives.

"Council has rolled-out a number of very important strategies and it would be beneficial to see some funds, whether it be local, state or federal, allocated to things like the tracks and trails strategy to ensure outcomes can be achieved in the short term," she said.

"As a council I believe we are committed to continue to improve our relationship with our indigenous partners and to provide the recognition they deserve as traditional owners of these lands. It will be rewarding to see necessary and appropriate infrastructure built at Lake Condah to support the world heritage status."

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