FORMER Barnett Government Minister Albert Jacob has resurrected his political career as the new mayor of Joondalup.
Mr Jacob, who saw off a challenge from former disgruntled Liberal and Hillarys MLA Rob Johnson, said he felt relief winning tonight’s vote after being ousted as Ocean Reef MLA at the last State election.
“Being a local elected member for the past 10 years has been the greatest experience of my life,” he said after finishing nearly 600 votes ahead of Mr Johnson.
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“You get to wake up every day and help people.
“You get to wake up every day and get outcomes for your community.
“To win here tonight means I get to wake up on Monday morning and start to work again for my local community on a full-time basis, I couldn’t be more excited.”
Mr Jacob said he was keen to work with all levels of government, including the State Government on projects such as the Ocean Reef Marina.
He said the suburbs of the City of Joondalup would be a big focus “because that’s where we live and work”.
In terms of the Joondalup CBD, he said he supported the proposed Boas Place development.
“But I see that as ultimately being an income stream for the council.
“I think the approach to the CBD for me is probably doing a bit less.
“I would like to see a bit less regulation around our alfresco areas, a bit less red tape around licensing fees and signage.”
He praised outgoing mayor Troy Pickard, saying Mr Pickard had left the City in a “remarkably better position”. “It’s big shoes to fill,” he said.
Mr Jacob will have an experienced council to work with when he’s sworn in next Tuesday after several councillors were re-elected tonight – Kerry Hollywood, Philippa Taylor, Russ Fishwick, John Chester, Christine Hamilton-Prime. Former councillor Liam Gobbert lost out to newcomer Christopher May.
CITY OF JOONDALUP MAYORAL ELECTION RESULT:
Rob Johnson 8512
Russell Poliwka 5208
Gary Morris 1842
Nasir Shah 699
Brogan Murphy 3877
Albert Jacob 9096
Graeme Stickland 1977
Chris Morrison 1586