SHIRE of Murray boasted one of the biggest increases in voter participation in the local government elections on Saturday with a 35.02 per cent return vote rate and an increase of more than 11 per cent on the 2013 and 2015 elections.
Doug McLarty (2742), Brad Cardilini (2248), Geoff Black (2023) Brenda Beacham (1899) and sitting member Maree Reid (1971) will join Councillors Steve Lee, Ange Rogers, Casey Rose and David Bolt.
The vote was the end of an era for long-serving members Christine Thompson, a councillor for more than 30 years, and Trish Briggs, who has served for 12 years, who were not re-elected.
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READ NOWOther unsuccessful candidates were Donald MacLure (1437) and Steve Veevers (1435).
The successful candidates will be sworn in at a special council meeting on Thursday, October 26 at 8.30am.
The Shire president and deputy president will be elected at the meeting.
The Pinjarra Heavy Haulage Referendum, held at the same time as the election, won resounding support with 3465 votes (84.33 per cent) for the deviation and 644 (15.67 per cent) against.
The council will now consider an officer report in November to formally lobby the State Government to support the deviation and provide the necessary $27.5 million.
Shire chief executive Dean Unsworth said that with Premier Mark McGowan’s recent advice that the State would consider funding the project if strong support was received, the result was excellent proof the deviation was needed.
“Our independent economic analysis shows that by deviating the heavy haulage vehicles, Pinjarra will flourish with a stronger economy and more job,” he said.
“The main concern from several residents is increased heavy haulage traffic on Pinjarra-Williams Road but the shire will work with Main Roads WA to ensure the road is rebuilt to a standard that protects resident safety.”
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