Council elections 2023: Who has put their hand up to be a City of Busselton councillor?

The City of Busselton voters will have to make a decision on who they want to represent them on the council. This election will see five councillor positions available, not including the mayor, with councillors Anne Ryan, Jodie Richards and Mikayla Love still having two years before their term expires. Four newly elected councillors will serve four-year terms, while another will serve a two-year term. The five positions will be up for grabs at this year’s election on October 21. Richard Beecroft Dunsborough resident for 10 years, Richard Beecroft has spent 40 years in the aviation industry, which he said had given him the skills of “leadership, communication, and decisiveness”. “It’s an industry that requires a great deal of common sense and I will bring levity to the table when working on solutions to our issues in an open and transparent way,” Mr Beecroft said. If elected to the council for the next four years, Mr Beecroft said his priorities would be to reduce “red tape” and bureaucracy. “I will address issues we face in a planned, measured, sensible way,” he said. “I see council as the peoples representative, the council works for the community, in the community’s best interests.” Jarrod Kennedy Born and raised in Busselton, Jarrod Kennedy is striving for a position on the Busselton council. Mr Kennedy said his roles as an engineering surveyor, a permaculture teacher and an executive comittee member to many clubs had allowed him “to see many perspectives”. When asked his priorities if elected, Mr Kennedy said one of his main focuses would be “ensuring sport and recreational facility upgrades are fairly prioritised across the many organisations”. “I will support development that enhances the unique character of the South West so we can continue to enjoy the beauty of our region into the future,” he said. “Diversify from tourism to other industries and areas to create a more resilient economy that continues to give back.” Phill Cronin With spending the past four years as a councillor, Phill Cronin is looking to extend his term. Cr Cronin has experience in community involvement, having served on various boards, and regularly participating in Chamber and Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association events. “I have contributed to 17 different committees and working groups, including chairing the Airport Advisory Committee,” he said. When asked what his key priorities would be if elected, Cr Cronin said his main goal was to be a strong advocate for the city and the community and to unite the council as a cohesive team to deliver strategic and practical solutions. “I aim to foster a sense of ownership within the City of Busselton,” he said. Kate Cox Cr Kate Cox has served on the council for four years, while being a director and running a successful farming business alongside her husband Ed. With all her professional experience, as well as her educational qualifications, she said she believed she was well-qualified for the role. Asked what her priorities would be if elected, she said “ensuring adequate and fit-for-purpose sporting facilities are provided that support all sporting codes and take into consideration future population growth”. “Having well-constructed and regularly maintained urban and rural roads, we need local road networks that have reduced traffic congestion, offer safe crossing points and plenty of parking,” she said. “I prefer to engage positively, pragmatically and collaboratively to achieve outcomes and I attach great importance to the values of integrity, empathy and authenticity.” Cherise Woodhams Living in Geographe Bay for nearly a decade, Cherise Woodhams said she was committed to preserving the City of Busselton for future generations. Ms Woodhams said she has established a successful business, raised her son and built lasting bonds in the city. “As a councillor, I will champion local businesses, families, youth and young adults and safeguard what makes our district unique,” she said. Ms Woodhams has a background in communication, education, management, tourism and events. “I will bring a professional, nuanced perspective to council,” she said. “My core values of service, integrity, and excellence guide my strong work ethic and proactive approach. “If elected, I will prioritise local business, vibrant town centres, effective communication, regional road safety and opportunities for youth.” Stephen Wells Stephen Wells said his reason for nominating for the council was to “oppose Agenda 2030 being implemented via the Smart Cities program that the Busselton Shire council has been participating in since 2017”. When asked what experience he would bring to the council, Mr Wells said he had the experience of being a jack-of-all-trades. “I’m a political activist and speaker at the anti lockdown and anti vaccine mandate rallies, a political writer for the xyz.net.au and an author of the books Confessions of a Climate Change Denier and The Great Coronavirus Swindle,” he said. If elected Mr Wells said he would address the concerns of residents before addressing his own. “I intend to stick to the basics of trying to ensure local residents are prioritised in the budget and planning decisions.” Jeremy Lloyd Yalyaup resident Jeremy Lloyd said he was passionate about the future of the city. “As an elected member I will contribute in a positive way for the benefit of all who call the City of Busselton home,” he said. “I am a working husband and father of two daughters, who is dedicated to be involved with the City of Busselton to help shape our community for future generations.” Mr Lloyd’s professional background includes 23 years of owning a range of businesses with management experience. “I will engage and listen through an open communication style with a high level of integrity and respect that will earn trust in the community,” he said. Val Kaigg Living in the City of Busselton for more than 33 years, Val Kaigg said she was passionate about the community. “We are experiencing a cost-of-living crisis and it’s time to get back to basics and start saving ratepayers’ money,” she said. “We need our suburbs taken care of, our roads repaired and our rubbish disposed of, including the introduction of bulk verge collections, which have been denied in our city.” Ms Kaigg said she had the time, experience and commitment and she promised to support careful budgeting and keeping any high-rise construction to a minimum. “It has always been a passion of mine to represent my community as a councillor and like anyone else with a passion am self-driven to achieve and be the best,” she said. Ross Paine Being a councillor since 2015, Cr Ross Paine has plenty of experience. “I understand the crucial role local government plays in our health and wellbeing and in shaping the quality of life for our residents,” he said. “As someone who was born and raised here, I have a vested interest in ensuring our region continues to be a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.” Cr Paine has a professional background in IT and software development. He said he was passionate about “leveraging data and technology to increase efficiency and enhance our community wellbeing”. If re-elected, some of his top priorities include, balancing environmental protection with the imperative for expanded housing and working to improve local infrastructure. Sue Riccelli Sue Riccelli has been a councillor for the past four years and said she had worked “tirelessly” during her term. “I have put through countless alternative motions, earning myself an undeniable reputation for integrity, hard work and commitment to local issues,” Cr Riccelli said. “I have vast community service experience, extensive facilitation/communication skills and the right background fit for the role.” In addition to her council experience, Cr Riccelli has had more than 31 years of community service experience, first as a police officer and more recently providing parenting support for Anglicare. Cr Riccelli said one of her key priorities was to serve the community with authenticity, integrity, honesty and hard work. “I will continue to fight for our beautiful landscape to preserve our amenities, environment and character of our towns,” she said. Andrew Macnish Former chief executive of the City of Busselton Andrew Macnish is hoping to be a councillor 14 years later. Mr Macnish said he was running for the council because “we need a big change”. “I, like many others, have become so disenchanted with the poor governance performance of the City of Busselton and a culture that seemingly doesn’t care for treating people fairly anymore,” he said. “I resigned 14 years ago with no intent of returning but I have now been implored to run to address the shortcomings.” When asked about his priorities if elected, Mr Macnish said “Governance reform.” “Transparency, accountability, timeliness, sustainability and financial responsibility,” he said. “With a team of new councillors we can make this all happen.”