Kwinana Mayor, City council seats up for grabs in 2023 election

Four people have put their hand up to take on the legacy left behind by long-serving Kwinana mayor Carol Adams when she steps down in October. The quartet includes the City’s current deputy mayor and a former local youth worker who says her learnings from those experiences make her an ideal candidate to guide the City’s future. Ivy Penny is also now the City of Kwinana’s economic development officer, responsible for supporting small business and start-ups to thrive in the local area. “I want to bring the knowledge and values of local people to the table to ensure Kwinana continues to be a great place to live, work and enjoy,” she said. Ms Penny said her time as a former youth worker gave her insight into the importance of a connected community and equal opportunities for young people. Developments in green technology is also a passion of hers and she sees them as an opportunity for growth. Kwinana’s current deputy mayor Peter Feasey wants to invest more into local bush fire brigades and improving the City’s operations centre in Medina. “I want to build on our achievements and ensure the City keeps up with delivering new facilities and services to the ever growing section of the community,” he said. “I would (also) like to ensure the City keeps rates as low as possible to ensure they are affordable to our residents with the significant increases in the cost of living. “ Barry Winmar was Kwinana’s first Indigenous councillor and if successful in his run for the top office would become its first Indigenous mayor. “I am committed to funding community safety initiatives like increasing our security camera network, continuing to promote and advocate our community safety plan to make a growing Kwinana an even better place to live, work, and raise a family,” he said. “I believe that we need to create a city that is inclusive and welcoming for all. “We need to celebrate our diversity and embrace our differences so that everyone feels valued and respected.” If elected mayor, Mr Winmar said his top priorities would be to promote economic growth and job availability locally. Former ESL teacher and resource worker Jim Bryson said sustainable development and education were two areas he wanted to improve if elected mayor. “I propose medium density development with housing, offices and shops,” he said. “The precinct is massively underutilised and being on the direct rail to Perth is in an ideal location for development. “I would propose council funding for after-school and holiday tutoring for school children. “The classroom infrastructure is there, and tutors hired for the improvement in the academic life of students.” Kwinana Knights Footy Club president David Acker, community volunteer Inger Ward and Noongar woman and LGBTIQA+ advocate Erin Kate Leahy are among locals who have nominated for the five councillor roles available this election.