When asked by a shire staff member after last week’s special council meeting what committees he was on, the question could easily have been, what committees wasn’t he on.

He put his hand up for so many that he wasn’t quite sure of the number when comparing notes with the Mail.

For the record, it is 12.

Asked why he had taken on such a big load, he reflected for a moment before joking: “One of the beauties of being a young bloke like me is that you’ve got the time.

“You will notice most of these things (committees) have got a very green tinge to them,” he added.

And there lies the reason behind the apparent madness of taking on such a load.

He is a person who practices what he preaches about the environment and can be found virtually every day, barefoot, walking his dog along the beach at Yallingup, picking up rubbish as he goes.

“I’m involved in the Tangaroa Blue (Ocean Care Society) beach clean-up every year, with my family or school groups,” he said, explaining his commitment to the environment.

“I’m also interested in the library. I like reading a lot, so I appreciate the value of our library and have pushed strongly for the community resource centre. I fervently hope they get that combination built in the very short term.”

Most of the committees Cr Hanran-Smith put up his hand for are, not surprisingly, environmentally related; Keep Busselton Beautiful, Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park Advisory and Meelup Regional Park Management committees, Waste Adisory Group, Local Environmental Planning Strategy Community and Industry Reference Group and Environmental Reference Group are some.

His other interests are reflected in being on the Community Resource Centre Reference Group, Museum Working Group and Busselton Jetty Heritage Interpretation Selection Panel.

Which leaves the Ludlow Reference Group, Leisure Services Plan Working Group and Yallingup LCDC.

“I’m also very passionate about the disappearance of the caravan parks,” he added. Is that another committee coming on?