THE race for a position on the City of Busselton council has started with resident Ross Paine announcing his nomination.
Councillors Jenny Green, John McCallum, Tom Tuffin, Coralie Tarbotton and Mayor Ian Stubbs' positions will be open for election on October 17.
Mr Paine grew up on a farm in Busselton and said he loved the picturesque lifestyle Busselton provides.
He said he loves to stay fit and healthy and was one of the founding of the Busselton Running Club.
Mr Paine works for the National Library of Australia in IT and lived in Canberra for five years to work on federal Australian Public Service.
Part of Mr Paine’s vision for the area includes safer roads, footpaths and cycle paths.
“Our children need convenient and safe passages that encourage them to ride or walk to school, including appropriate areas for children to learn and practice bike skills in a safe environment,” he said.
“A review of the existing network of footpaths and cycle-ways should be undertaken to identify gaps that prevent people from being able to safely travel on foot or bike. “Identifying and implementing appropriate end of trip facilities in relevant locations including schools and the CBD, such as showers and secure undercover bike storage can also assist in reducing short car trips which both improves the air quality of our city and the health of our residents.”
Mr Pain has also highlighted the need for the City of Busselton and its council to be open, accountable and transparent.
He said he would like to see council’s discussion and debate be made in public instead of ahead of time to reduce the length of meetings.
Mr Paine also highlighted his priority for digital engagement.
“Public consultations should occur both online and offline to ensure everyone who wants to can have their say, without having to post a written letter or attend a meeting in person,” he said.
“Meetings should be open to the public, streamed online, and recorded and published.”
Nominations for council elections open on September 3 and close on September 10.
For more information about Ross Paine visit runningforbusselton.com
For more information about local government elections visit elections.wa.gov.au
