"My vision is to complete the projects that we have the money for," she said.

"We've been given this funding, we have to finish these projects that we initially said we were going to do."

Mrs Clark singled out the Emungalan road bridge, upgrades to the Katherine showgrounds and the replacement of the Don Dale Pavilion as especially important.

Mrs Clark did not reveal any new plans or ideas for her current stint as mayor.

Mrs Clark said she never planned to be mayor until after Fay Miller retired.

The new mayor said she was surprised to have the support of the KTC, who elected her to replace Ms Miller on Tuesday.

"I was surprised, but I had people who were prepared to back me," she said.

Mrs Clark said she hasn't decided if she will run for mayor at the election in August 2021.

"We'll see how we go for these next eight months."

Alderman Matt Hurley, who nominated himself for election, said Mrs Clark was a strong choice.

"A fresh face for mayor, Lis will do a great job, she'll represent the town well and do her best to serve the community," he said.

The council has been the target of criticism by some residents based on its handling of the Territory Day tyre fire, the redevelopment of the town square and rumours of infighting have circulated.

Mrs Clark said she wanted to create unity at the KTC and increase collaboration between the council and residents.

"You hear a lot of things in town and a lot of people haven't been happy with council," she said.

"I'd like to try and encourage people to participate in council meetings."

She admitted the council could do better to engage with residents.

"Maybe we need to change some of our community forums," she said.

"We've been trialling different things to see which one works the best."

The council vote was triggered after long-term mayor Fay Miller signalled her intentions to retire back in September before officially stepping down on November 30.

A by-election was not held because Ms Miller's resignation was less than 18-months before the August polls, meaning local government laws insist on a council vote.

The new mayor said she has no affiliations with political parties.

Originally from Victoria, Mrs Clark has been in Katherine for many years and was an alderman for 12 years before becoming mayor.

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