Instead, the opening of council meetings includes a "welcome to country" for the region's Aboriginal inhabitants, along with a "statement of commitment".

Councillors pledge to "undertake on every occasion to carry out our duties in the best interests of the community and that our conduct shall maintain the standards of the code of good governance in every way so that we may faithfully represent and uphold the trust placed in this

council by the people of Hepburn Shire".

Mayor Bill McClenaghan said the council made the decision to drop the prayer.

"In a democracy, majority rules and it was a pretty clear majority, although not unanimous, to ditch the prayer," he said.

"Like everyone else, I have my beliefs and standards and I try to live by them as best I can and bring them into public life.

"Although not a Buddhist, I happen to believe in karma in that those who do the right thing by others will win through in the end.

"You've only got to look at the last couple of years on this council to see it in action by the way things have turned out."

Councillor Jon Barrell said last week that while he would "profess no expertise on the topic of religions and beliefs" he was non-religious.

"I was married by a civil celebrant in a non-religious ceremony and I have always preferred to take the affirmation when I am called to give expert (medical) evidence in court," he said.

"I respect the right of others to have religious beliefs, but I believe more strongly in the merits of the separation between church and state.

"And I am always uncomfortable when leaders cite any religious figure as a support or justification for their position, as I believe it alienates members of the community who do not share that belief.

"I would be very uncomfortable, as an elected councillor, seeking to be honest and truthful, if a religious prayer precedes my decision making."

Cr Rod May said he supported the move to drop the prayer with reason coming before religion.

"I think Richard Dawkins is right - The God Delusion," he said.

Councillors Janine Booth, Tim Hayes, Sebastian Klein and Don Henderson did not reply to requests for comment.