Mr Cowie was standing in for Mayor Bryan Cadogan, who became stranded in Australia after contracting Covid-19.
Mr Cadogan is now clear of the virus, and expects to return in time for a further annual plan meeting in Balclutha tonight.
Speaking from Sydney Airport yesterday afternoon, Mr Cadogan said he was pleased to have secured an earlier-than-expected flight home, and was looking forward to getting back to business.
"I’m now homebound, via Brisbane, Sydney, Wellington and Christchurch, and hope to be back in time for [Thursday’s] meeting."
The public meeting, at Balclutha’s Cross Recreation Centre from 7pm, was an opportunity for ratepayers to discuss annual plan elements before submissions close next Thursday.
A particular focus is expected to be the council’s proposal to contribute an additional $2.5 million to the Clutha Community Hub construction project. Last week, project leaders announced a $7 million budget overrun, bringing the revised total to $24 million.
