Local Elections: have your say, or risk regret

The City of Busselton’s two prime movers have urged residents to have their say in the Local Government election or risk regretting it later.

Twelves candidates are vying for four positions on the Busselton City Council in the non-compulsory postal vote which finishes on Saturday, October 19.

Mayor Ian Stubbs and City chief executive officer Mike Archer strongly encouraged people to have their say.

The last turnout for the then Busselton Shire Council elections in 2011 was 35.5 per cent, almost 5 per cent more than the State average.

“Local Government is the level of government with the closest day-to-day influence on the lives of people,” Mr Archer said.

“Taking part in the local elections is important and we encourage everyone eligible to vote to do so.”

Cr Stubbs said people should not complain about Council decisions if they did not make the effort to express their opinion, or even run for a position.

“While I don’t see among the candidates any regular critics of Council, at times I would like the critics to put their hand up,” he said.

Cr Stubbs praised the number and diverse backgrounds of the candidates, which includes four Dunsborough candidates, four females and seven aged under 50.

He was confident he would be able to work with new or returning councillors and did not think they would significantly change the nature of Council meetings.

Wednesday night’s meeting contained the first item pulled for debate since July, with all previous recommendations receiving unanimous endorsement.

“There are good reasons why we’re not having great issues to debate,” Cr Stubbs said.

“We’re operating a very good committee system and the staff are making decisions according with the strategic direction the Council has set.

“I would much prefer to see it this way than the Council and staff continually operating in different directions.”

Mr Archer said the last term of Council had been “highly successful”, and achievements included gaining City status, progressing major projects and keeping rate increases to a minimum.

With votes for this election already being counted, Acting WA Electoral Commissioner Chris Avent reminded voters to follow instructions exactly on the ballot paper.