Council elections 2023: Who has put their hand up to be a Harvey Shire councillor? - Part Two

Over the next month, Shire of Harvey voters will make their decision on who they want to represent them on the council.

Excluding the Shire president’s position, there are five council spots up for grabs at the October 21 vote.

Four newly elected councillors will serve four-year terms, while another will serve a two-year term.

There will be at least two new faces after the election, with councillors Paul Gillett, Tania Jackson, Paul Beech, Francis Burgoyne and Amanda Lovitt not recontesting their positions.

In the final installment of our two-part series, we asked all candidates about their run for the council.

Jonathan Laird

Why are you running for the council?

I had a career in the armed forces and have always resonated with the concept of service to others. After I retired, I had the good fortune to be able to return to the South West. I love the South West and its people, so I would value the opportunity to continue the community service theme as a Shire councillor. I think that It’s healthy to have a Shire council with a diversity of skills and experience to deliver creative solutions to the challenges of local government service provision. I appreciate the worth of local government, especially as we can observe firsthand where our rates and taxes are being utilised. Consequently, our Shire council’s need to be efficient and responsive to their employers, the people. I would relish the opportunity to do what I can to make the Shire of Harvey an even better place to live.

What experience do you bring to the council?

As the son of a farmer, I grew up with an appreciation of the rewards and challenges that farmers and rural communities can face. I had a career in Defence of 24 years where I worked as an electronics technician in the aviation (air traffic control) environment, both for the air force and the navy. My time in service, was principally in the Eastern States, and I was pleased to return to my home State of WA in 2019. Consequently, I feel that I have a good appreciation of the unique and beautiful environment that is WA’s South West.

What will be your priorities if elected to the council for the next four years?

We need to find creative ways to facilitate our growing population while continuing to protect and improve our natural environs. As part of this, I would like to see an anti-litter campaign initiated to encourage people to take an active interest in keeping our public spaces rubbish-free. I would also like to encourage banks to establish shopfronts in the Australind/Treendale areas. Partly, because I’m aware that the elderly can struggle with the transition to digital based services in the community — sometimes there is no substitute for a friendly face. As a returned serviceman, I am also interested in fostering veteran’s advocacy issues, and would like to see social networks developed for veterans and their families.

Tristan Payne

Why are you running for the council?

I am running for this council election because I would like people with a disability and community members to have a stronger voice in the shire, and I would like to be the advocate and voice for all. I would like to be able to promote inclusion for all. As a member of the community and as someone who would like to do more, I felt that running in the election would allow me to better assist those who need there voices heard, to represent the people of the smaller townships. I am running in this election as I would like to see someone with a physical disability be part of the Shire council, I feel the council would benefit from having more diversity. But most of all I am running this year because I love our communities.

What experience do you bring to the council?

I feel that with over 25 years in the disability sector and having started a business in Harvey I feel that I bring a strong influence for those with a disability and a strong passion for community. I feel I would be a beneficial part of helping our shire become more inclusive and more disability-friendly. I would like to consider that I would bring knowledge around all things disability and community.

What will be your priorities if elected to the council for the next four years?

My priorities if elected will be to ensure that access and inclusion are at the forefront of the Shire agenda, I would love to see the public toilets upgraded to be more inclusive. I would also like to work with the council to see if we could accomplish an accessible and inclusive playground with a communication board. My other priorities would be to see if we could change the cost of the rates to better assist the people of the community as the cost of living is so high, reducing the rate cost would be a huge help for a lot of struggling families.

Tiny Holly

Why are you running for the council?

Running for Shire is big move for me and it is one I’ve thought of for some time now. I loved Harvey from the first day I arrived in 1991 and have never looked back. A lot has changed — some for the good and some not so good. We have so much to offer the outside areas than just a service station on the highway in my books and these attractions must be shown to everyone. A wonderful main street that we need to uphold and the locals who own and run the stores, they are always asked for sponsorship, etc. so we need them to thrive to do this. Locals supporting locals a great start. Let’s be passionate about our great little town and home.

What experience do you bring to the council?

I feel I bring to my nomination the experience of being born in country WA and worked in the rural industry all my working career — I understand the rural way of life. Also, I have been associated with charities throughout Australia and overseas. I could possibly share this experience with charity organisations in the area to maximise their return in these type of fund raising.

What will be your priorities if elected to the council for the next four years?

My priorities for running is one I feel is not just up to me, but if I am to do my role as elected councillor for the people of the Shire of Harvey, it is your call what you want and or need to be put forward.

Craig Carbone

Why are you running for the council?

I am running for the council to help and listen to the concerns of the ratepayers, owners, and business people within our Shire. I represent a strong voice on council that is not afraid to make the tough decisions and stand up for people’s rights no matter how unpopular that may make me. I support the continued growth of the Shire with jobs, economic prosperity, and for those who have aspiration. Listening to our community groups and ratepayers I advocate on their behalf to get the facilities and fix the issues that arise whilst trying to maintain a budget that doesn’t put pressure on rate revenue.

What experience do you bring to the council?

I have been Harvey Shire councillor since 2011, giving me 12 years of local government experience. I have lived and worked in Brunswick most of my life and have been, and still are, involved in business, organisations, including a past president of Harvey Brunswick Leschenault Football Club on two occasions, and a member of the Brunswick Lions Club. I have dealt with many ratepayers concerns over these years to try and get the outcomes they require.

What will be your priorities if elected to the council for the next four years?

There are a lot of projects in the pipeline including the Yarloop Workshops and Leshenault court and oval upgrades to name a couple that will put significant strain on the budget. I recognise the pressures on ratepayers finances when it comes to paying rates and will make sure we try and get the balance right. I will also continue to the best of my ability to represent the whole of the Shire to look after our youth, support tourism and our volunteers, our sporting groups and our ratepayers planning needs.

Robyn Coleman and Ian Browning were contacted for inclusion in this story.