Local election 2019: Q&A with Shire of Murray's crop of candidates

Local government elections will be held across Western Australia on October 19, with postal votes sent out on September 25.

This year, nine candidates have stepped up to contest five vacancies across the Shire of Murray

Four successful candidates will be granted a four-year term due to expire on October 21, 2023. One will get a two-year term due to expire on October 21, 2021.

The Mandurah Mail has asked the candidates three questions each, in an attempt to help voters decide who gets their vote.

Questions put to each candidate:

The candidates are in the order they appear on the Western Australian Electoral Commission website.

Casey Rose did not respond to the Mandurah Mail's approach.

1. Why have you nominated and what is your connection to the Shire of Murray?

I have lived permanently in South Yunderup for the past 15 years, along with my wife and teenage children. My family have owned a holiday home here since the early 1960s. Like many I spent summers on farms, swimming in the Murray river, fishing, crabbing and enjoying the natural beauty of the region. I wish to contribute and help address pressing needs for more local medical services, upgraded roads, additional local jobs and recreational facilities.

2. What are some key issues facing the area that you want to address if elected?

The Murray Shire faces pressure on many fronts. Predicted high population growth coupled with an ageing population, limited education outcomes, lack of industry diversity along with continued environmental decline, presents a unique set of challenges that need to be addressed for the region to reach its full potential. I will focus on health, community services delivery, public transport,infrastructure investment and renewal, economic development and environmental protection, ensuring these areas are adequately resourced and funded.

3. Why should voters support you?

With four years' experience on council, two as Shire president, I have helped the Shire progress and attract new infrastructure investments and become more strategic. I have executive level experience working in public and international IT companies helping me bring fresh ideas, innovation and a common-sense and business-minded approach to my position and decisions before council. I am dependable and a strong voice representing community interests and strive to be approachable and open minded.

1. Why have you nominated and what is your connection to the Shire of Murray?

I have nominated as a candidate for Murray so that if elected I can be involved in the decision making that will see our Shire's future prosper. My family settled in the area in the late 1850's and have been predominately involved in farming. I have worked for Alcoa for the past 26 years and also farm beef cattle at Coolup. I am married and have three children.

2. What are some key issues facing the area that you want to address if elected?

Some of the key issues I'd like to address are keeping our agricultural industry viable, maintaining the environmental health of our waterways, the need to attract business investment and tourism to boost the local economy and employment opportunities for local people.

3. Why should voters support you?

Voters can vote for me knowing that I will listen to the community and make well-educated and researched decisions on your behalf. I believe I have the skills needed and will honour the opportunity to represent the community if elected.

1. Why have you nominated and what is your connection to the Shire of Murray?

I have nominated because having served six years on council, with the past dour years as deputy president, I want to continue to guide the growth within the Shire of Murray, and see projects underway completed. Having worked for 35 years within the state government, 25 years in education, in administration and finance, I believe my skills and experience can continue to be used for the benefit of all residents. My connection to, and love of the Shire of Murray, and the Murray River, goes back nearly 60 years when I spent holidays as a child on Culeenup Island. I now live in Ravenswood.

2. What are some key issues facing the area that you want to address if elected?

If re-elected I want to ensure ratepayers get value for money and that rates are fair for all. Better services for seniors and a safer community. I also want to see environmentally friendly and sustainable development, with our expected growth giving employment opportunities.

3. Why should voters support you?

I have the time and passion to represent residents and will, if re-elected, continue to serve the community to the best of my ability. The Shire of Murray is a great place to live, work and raise a family but we need to do more to provide better opportunities and services. We have a strong team of councillors who work well together to get things done, and one that I would like to see continue.

1. Why have you nominated and what is your connection to the Shire of Murray?

Having lived in Furnissdale for 38 years I believe I have a knowledge of community interests. As a justice of the peace I see various types of community involvements and what is needed for updating / upgrading community values.

2. What are some key issues facing the area that you want to address if elected?

Having been the emergency service co-ordinator for the 2007 Dwellingup fire, I have an interest in helping to make the Shire of Murray a safer place to live. Also, with my involvement with the volunteer bush fire brigades, I can see where safety and infrastructure is required.

3. Why should voters support you?

By voting and supporting me I will have the opportunity to be a voice on council for the benefit of the whole Murray Shire.

1. Why have you nominated and what is your connection to the Shire of Murray?

A resident of Pinjarra for the past 16 years, I have raised three children here. I am excited by the growth of our town and Shire, I believe future opportunities will be even better. I value our way of life and want to see it preserved. I hope to be a positive influence in bringing more employment, training and entertainment into our communities. Being a local pastor I see needs that may be missed by others.

2. What are some key issues facing the area that you want to address if elected?

Lack of training facilities to upskill in our Shire; more local opportunities made available Pinjarra hospital to be fully utilised. Revamped as a modern hospital and training facility to generate local employment and alleviate pressure from the health services in Mandurah. More government housing to be built as well as entertainment. Some ideas: local movie theatre, ice/skating rink, motocross track. More people = more business opportunities for the empty buildings that are vacant in our community.

3. Why should voters support you?

I am a passionate, energetic, fresh, responsible, challenging and pro-active person. Raised in country Australia, I believe I have a common touch and understand the values and desires of the local communities. I strongly support local business I will actively seek local residents' opinions and concerns and make sure they are heard at local council meetings My heart is to make a difference, if I don't have a go, I will never be able to help.

1. Why have you nominated and what is your connection to the Shire of Murray?

I believe I have many skills that could make a greater contribution to the broader community for the betterment of all residents. Most of my working life has been as a farmer and in agricultural economics and marketing with the Department of Agriculture. I live in Dwellingup and am a member of the Community Compact. I am leading the early negotiations for the opening of Dwellingup Airstrip for tourism and reconstruction of Banksiadale Road North.

2. What are some key issues facing the area that you want to address if elected?

Protecting the natural environment is essential in the Hills area around Dwellingup and in the Peel Estuary at Point Grey where a proposed marina development is threatening the delicate balance of marine life. I would support only minor waterfront development that could not disturb the essential underwater habitats and the banks of the estuary. I wish to support the expansion of Peel Business Park, Peel Food Zone, Peel Integrated Water Initiative and Murrayfield Airport.

3. Why should voters support you?

I am aware of important social and economic issues including the need for profitable new business investment and employment growth in the Shire of Murray and always with adequate safeguards to protect workers, their families and the natural environment. I would work to attract more state and federal grant funds and minimise annual rate increases. Also, I would encourage the Shire to foster greater engagement with state government programs to create safer communities for everyone.

1. Why have you nominated and what is your connection to the Shire of Murray?

I have lived in the Shire of Murray since I was a teenager and continue to live here with my husband and children. I am currently a councillor and am seeking re-election. I have a passion for working with the community to deliver positive outcomes.

2. What are some key issues facing the area that you want to address if elected?

To continue working with the Shire to find the balance between economic development and population growth whilst still retaining the rural aspects that make the Shire of Murray unique.

3. Why should voters support you?

Because I've tried extremely hard to be an engaged and positive voice for the community over the past four years and I promise to continue trying just as hard for another term if I am given the chance.

1. Why have you nominated and what is your connection to the Shire of Murray?

I nominated because I want to be a part of a positive and forward thinking Shire. I know I can make contributions to our community that will engage more community connection, with young people at the forefront of my priorities. I have lived in the Shire of Murray for over 14 years with my family. We have built strong community connections through our volunteer work and are excited for the future in Dwellingup and the Shire of Murray.

2. What are some key issues facing the area that you want to address if elected?

I'm excited to encourage and support the amazing projects that the Shire of Murray already have ongoing. Key areas in the community that I feel need more support are youth, mental health and community services, and I will, if elected, dedicate my time to supporting these community issues.

3. Why should voters support you?

Voters should support me because my intentions are all for the good of our community. I am down to earth and authentic. I consistently get the job done and I want to help - just tell me how I can help you?