Local Government elections: Kwinana calls for candidates for council and city’s first popularly elected mayor

The City of Kwinana has put the call-out to residents interested in running for council to attend an information session next week as October’s local government elections approach. It will be held at the city’s council chambers on Tuesday evening and prospective candidates will be provided details on how to nominate when nominations opens at the end of the month. The session will also outline the role and responsibilities of an elected member and new election processes moving forward. With Carol Adams stepping down after 17 years in the top job, a new mayor is set to take the helm as Kwinana also elects its own mayor for the first time. In the past, councillors have voted on who should lead the council but under local government reforms, mayors and presidents must now be popularly elected by the community. Itis not the only new process either, with optional preferential voting to be introduced over the old first-past-the-post method. It means ratepayers will be able to vote for as many or as few candidates as they choose, using numbered preferences, and better aligns local polls with State and Federal elections. Election packages will be mailed to all electors about four weeks before election day, scheduled for Saturday, October 21. Packs must be returned and received by the time the vote count begins at 6pm on election day. Results will be available as soon as practicable. After the vote count, Ms Adams will pass the mayoral regalia to Kwinana’s first popularly elected mayor. She said she was looking forward to seeing the next generation of candidates represent the collective interests of Kwinana. “The upcoming local government election gives electors who are knowledgeable, connected to their community and passionate about advocating for local issues the opportunity to stand for council and make a difference in their community,” she said. “I have been so privileged to have played an important role in our democratic system for over 25 years and the upcoming October election is an excellent opportunity for a new generation of people to contribute to, and be involved in, their local community.” Reflecting on her reign when announcing her retirement in May, Ms Adams said she was proud to be reminded of the many achievements of councils past and present when she looked back on her mayoral career. “I will look back with much pride that I have been part of a team that has delivered an ambitious number of key community projects,” she told the Sound Telegraph at the time. “The time is now right for me to stand aside and let a new mayor lead the council through the next exciting growth phase. Ms Adams urged “all eligible electors to vote to ensure they have a voice in choosing the best people to represent their community”. Residents can check their enrolment details with the Western Australian Electoral Commission. The local government information session is on Tuesday, August 15, 5.30pm at the City of Kwinana council chambers. Important Dates: To nominate to become a candidate for the 2023 City of Kwinana local government election, visit elections.wa.gov.au. For more information, visit kwinana.wa.gov.au.