Busselton residents angry over ward-based system vote

City of Busselton residents were denied the opportunity to vote for their own mayor after the council voted against re-introducing a ward based system at a meeting on January 28.

The city is currently a district based system where residents elect the councillors who then elect the mayor.

Busselton resident Ray Cooper has lived in the city for 40 years and was outraged the community was not consulted about the reintroduction of a ward-based system.

According to Ms Cooper residents still were not aware the ward-based system was abolished in 2007.

“Nobody was consulted when they got rid of it, just like nobody was consulted about the re-introduction,” Ms Cooper said.

Ms Cooper believes councillors have lost their way when it comes to consulting with rate payers.

She said residents have become lethargic about expressing their views to councillors as they never receive a response.

“I’ve had so many unanswered letters and let’s face it, they wouldn’t be there if it wasn’t for the rate-payers,” she said.

“I think they should have a much wider consultation over this ward business because it affects us.”

The City of Busselton mayor Ian Stubbs was absent from the council meeting on January 28.

However, Mr Stubbs backs council’s decision to keep the current district-based system.

“Personally I believe that most residents and ratepayers do think councillors have the community’s best interests at heart and this is certainly the case,” Mr Stubbs said.

“There are always some members of the public who will criticise often and loudly and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. 

Mr Stubbs said council would like to ensure people they were listening and working very hard.

“But we are also prepared to make the hard decisions when it’s necessary,” he said.    

To read  more opinions about the ward-based system click here.