New blood to reinvigorate Shire of Murray council

Councillors Christine Thompson, who was first elected to council in 1986, and Patricia Briggs, who was elected in 2005, failed in their bids for further four-year stints.

Sixth-generation Pinjarra local and Coolup Volunteer Bushfire Brigade veteran Doug McLarty topped the poll, taking out 2742 votes to be the first elected.

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Ms Reid hung on to take out fourth spot in the election, polling 1899 votes, just 72 votes ahead of last elected Brenda Beacham.

Candidates Brad Cardilini and Geoff Black were also elected.

A Shire of Murray spokesperson said just over 35 per cent of electors voted, an increase on the previous two elections.

The successful candidates are due to be sworn in at a Special Council Meeting on Thursday, October 26 at 8.30am, after which an election for shire president and deputy shire president would also be held.

Shire of Murray chief executive Dean Unsworth said the Pinjarra Heavy Haulage Deviation Referendum, which was held at the same time as the council election, received a resounding show of support with 84.33 per cent (3465 votes) supporting the Deviation and 15.67 per cent (644 votes) against.

Mr Unsworth said that council would consider a proposal to formally lobby the state government to support the project and provide the $27.5m required to build the deviation.

“With Premier Mark McGowan’s recent advice that the state would consider funding the project in the instance of strong support, the result is an excellent show that the deviation is needed,” he said.

“The shire’s independent economic analysis shows that by deviating the heavy haulage vehicles, Pinjarra will flourish with a stronger economy and more jobs.

“The main concern from several residents is the increased heavy haulage traffic on Pinjarra-Williams Road, however the Shire will work with Main Roads WA to ensure the road is rebuilt to a standard that protects resident safety.”