Grant funds repairs to 24 rural roads

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More than $3.7 million in external funding has been secured by the City of Greater Geraldton to undertake repairs and minor upgrades to 24 rural roads damaged during flooding events last year.

The majority of the repairs will be on unsealed roads spread over an extensive area.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the funding from the Western Australia Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements program was significant and helps support the local economy.

“Through this 100 per cent funded program the City has the opportunity to invest millions of dollars of external funds into our rural road network,” he said.

“The repairs and upgrades to 24 rural roads will create a significant economic boost to the region by supporting local contractors who have been appointed to undertake the work.

“Local contractor Central Earthmoving was recently awarded the tender and The City is currently finalising the scope of work for each road with the contractor. Works are expected to begin shortly.”

Last chance to have your say on the Beresford Foreshore

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9 May, 2016

If you love the Beresford Foreshore and are between the ages of 15 and 45 it’s not too late to have your say on the facilities or amenities that would improve this popular stretch of Geraldton coastline.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said registrations for the Beresford Foreshore Community Workshop have been steady over the past three weeks with only a few spots remaining to be filled.

“The response from the community to take part in this workshop has been really great with more than 30 residents aged between 10-85 years already registered to attend,” he said.

“However, we still have a few spots open for teenagers of all ages and members of the community under the age of 45.

“The workshop is an important opportunity for people of all ages to share their thoughts and ideas on the Beresford Foreshore and I would encourage residents to register before it’s too late.”

If you would like to attend the workshop call 9956 6945 or email janellk@cgg.wa.gov.au. Registrations close Thursday 12 May at 5pm.

Geraldton is the first place in WA with a certified adult change facility for people with a disability

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Council’s ongoing commitment to improve access and inclusion throughout the City has resulted in Geraldton being the first City in the state to receive accreditation for a Type 2 Changing Place facility.

The recently refurbished Town Beach toilet block located in the Youth Precinct offers a clean and secure Changing Place for people with disability who need space and assistance to use the bathroom when they are away from home.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the Town Beach toilet block is one of very few certified Changing Place facilities in the nation.

“Every day there are thousands of Australians with disability are confined to their homes due to inappropriate toilet facilities as they require assistance to use the bathroom,” he said.

“Across the country there are only a handful of facilities that meet the Changing Place’s requirements for certification and we are very proud to be the first Local Government one in WA.”

The City received $100,000 in grant funding from the Disability Services Commission, administered by the Western Australian Local Government Association for the refurbishment of the toilet block.

Geraldton is not only the first local government to receive accreditation, the Town Beach toilet block is also the first facility in a network of Changing Places whose construction has been joint funded.

The video below is from the launch in January of the Youth Precinct and new change facilities.

Youth Precinct

Introducing the new City of Greater Geraldton "Youth Precinct". It opens this Australia Day. We headed down there this afternoon to have a look and speak with a few folk from CGG about the new foreshore addition. It looks like a lot of fun for all age groups. There's a rage cage, some very fun looking electronic games, foosball tables, table tennis, and more. It will be open each day from 6:30am until 10:30pm. Sports equipment is available from the Visitor Centre with a $5 deposit. There is a new "Changing Places" toilet facility, that provides unprecedented facilities for restricted mobility members of our community, a first for WA. A beach access ramp for wheelchairs is also on its way. Stay tuned later in the year when the rest of the multi user facility is finished. CGG have called the multi user facility and Youth Precinct the "jewell in the crown" for our foreshore. It certainly is a welcome addition to our city.

Posted by Everything Geraldton on Sunday, January 24, 2016

How the City of Greater Geraldton ranks in comparison to councils from around WA

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'Business News' recently put out their 2016 Book of Lists. If you can get your hands on a copy it's a fascinating read. They also have the latest data online for subscribers. One of the areas they cover is local governments. 

We were curious to see how the City of Greater Geraldton compared to other councils around WA in different categories. 

Here's how Greater Geraldton ranks in several categories, as at the end of the last financial year:

By Total Revenue

16th with $76,090,000. That's more than Fremantle.

The highest was City of Stirling with $207,440,000

By Area

32nd with 9,889 km2.

The largest local government area is Shire of East Pilbara with 371,696km2.

By Population

15th, with 41,087.

The largest is the City of Stirling with 227,367 followed by City of Wanneroo with 188,000.

By Total Rates Levied

15th, with $39,460,000. That's slightly less that Karratha, and a tad more than Fremantle. 

The highest was City of Stirling with $122,282,000.

By Profit and Loss

According to figures published by Business News, City of Greater Geraldton ran a profit of $4,350,000 last fiscal year, the 30th highest in the state. The City of Karratha was highest with $108,670,000.

By Total Assets

Geraldton was 11th with $888,280,000. 

By Total Liabilities

5th highest in the state, with $54.32m

This is up from $37.6m the previous year. 

By Total Staff

20th, with 334.

By Number of Dwellings

19th, with 15,659

By Number of Electors

17th, with 23,696 people. 

Interesting notes:

The City of Perth only has 10,385 electors, with a population of 21,860. 

The Shire of Chapman Valley has 774 electors and a population of 1,174.

The City of Stirling is by far the most populous local government area in WA at 227,367 and has over 92,000 dwellings. 

Aquarena Creche to close it's doors, but it may reopen in the future

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Note: The bigger story here is probably that more staff cut backs will be taking place at the City of Greater Geraldton in the coming months. But as various cuts to city expenses rolls out, residents start to notice that their particular beloved service is under threat. EG will have more on the City budget and changes around the city in the near future. 

Cost cutting results in closure of Aquarena creche... but hopefully not forever

Everything Geraldton recently received a copy of an open letter to the CGG council and CEO, from a concerned resident regarding the future of the creche at Aquarena, Geraldton's public swimming pool, after hearing the creche was shutting down. 

To the CEO, Mayor and all Councillors,

I am a mother of two children, aged 4 and 2.

We love living in Geraldton and we love going to the Aquarena.

Last week, it was brought to my attention that the creche at the Aquarena might close at the end of the current term, which is in less than two weeks.
I hope this is not true, as this would cause great angst to myself and many other mothers.
I use the Aquarena weekly to exercise and keep fit and healthy. 
Without the creche, I wouldn’t be able to do that anymore, as the cost and time involved for me to hire a babysitter would be far too expensive.
Losing the fantastic service of the creche will also have further consequences for myself and many others.
We won’t be able to enrole our children in swimming classes due to having to supervise other younger children. Therefore a loss in revenue for swimming classes could be expected.
At the Aquarena, families meet and spend time enjoying the cafe and shop at the pool, which wouldn’t happen anymore, resulting in a loss of social interaction and lifestlye in Geraldton.
The creche is an essential component of the Aquarena and keeping it running at an affordable cost is of great benefit to many people, and also essential to the sustainability of operating a community service.
I look forward to a positive response from you regarding this matter.
Yours sincerely,
Insa Korth
Geraldton Resident and Mum.

Should rate payers be funding babysitting for other people?

The City of Greater Geraldton CEO, Ken Diehm, responded regarding the matter, saying the closure of the creche was part of wider cut backs, aimed at reducing the $7million deficit the city runs.

"The Aquarena is a key public service provided by the City," said Mr Diehm. "However it costs the City approximately $1million dollars a year to keep its doors open. The Aquarena however needs to contribute to the required savings and hence the service delivery model for the crèche is being changed. The Aquarena crèche, as it is currently run with Council officers, will cease on 9 April 2016."

But it's not all bad news for creche users, with Mr Diehm saying the city will be reaching out to the private sector in the future to run the creche.

"The Aquarena will be looking at external private opportunities to facilitate this service and will be seeking expressions of interest in the near future from commercial providers and educators to continue the operations,” said Mr Diehm. 

Mr Diehm also said there will be a reduction in staff numbers throughout the City of Greater Geraldton.

Here's the petition to Save Southgates

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Here's the petition to Save Southgates. Be sure to share this with friends and family. 

CGG Mayor Shane Van Styn said via the Save Southgates Facebook page:

"The Hon Paul Brown MLC has helped me draft a petition to be tabled in Parliament, calling for an inquiry into the decisions around Southgates and calling for Southgates to be saved into the future. Please print it off and get them filled with signatures. "

Return signed petitions to Shane Van Styn, 58 Fitzgerald St, Geraldton. Faxed copies cannot be accepted. 

Regarding Geraldton's Sand Dunes at Southgates: Ian Blayney's letter to the Minister

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Ian Blayney MLA, Member for Geraldton, has written to Jon Day, the state Government's Minister for Planning, expressing his protest against changes that could see development take place at Geraldton's Southgates. 

In the letter he focusses on the environmental impact disrupting the sand recharge would have to Geraldton's beaches. 

Below is a recent ABC article on the existing erosion problems Geraldton's beaches are facing. 

A developer is trying to get permission to subdivide our precious sand dunes

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Mayor slams Minister’s plans for Southgates

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn has described the State Government’s plan to change an amendment which will result in the rezoning of Southgates Dunes for development and future urban subdivision as “nothing short of environmental terrorism”.

The proposed changes to Planning Scheme Amendment No. 4 went to council Tuesday night at the Agenda Forum after the Minister for Environment, Hon Albert Jacob, and the Minister for Planning, Hon John Day, reached agreement on the conditions to which the Amendment should be subject if it is to be implemented.

Mayor Van Styn has hit back at the proposed changes to the Amendment saying that any development on the land would destroy sand supply to other local beaches and are completely outrageous.

“We are flat out carting sand to Beresford to save our beaches (from Pages beach) and here we have a proposal that will make that problem a lot worse,” he said.

“The idea of destroying the sand supply to our northern beaches is mind blowing and it’s hard to believe that anybody could think that is in any way a good idea.”

The Amendment involves subdividing an area of around 780ha of land on Southgates Dunes.

The Local Planning Scheme Amendment in its current form poses significant risks for the City both financially and environmentally.

“The Southgates Dunes are iconic and represent Geraldton a much as our lighthouse,” Mayor Van Styn said.

“We also need to be reminded the proposed developer is the same developer that was responsible for the mess at Cape Burney,” he added.

If the motion to object the proposal is passed by Council next week, the City will immediately advise the Minister for Planning that the Council strongly objects to the implementation of Local Planning Scheme Amendment No. 4 in its current form.

“Here is yet another example, of Perth based planning bureaucracies making appalling planning decisions that are completely out of step with local sentiment and is another clear example of why local government should be the masters of their own planning,” Mayor Van Styn said.

“I call on all of our community to do all they can to protest against this outrageous proposal.”

Has there already been excessive mining at Southgates?

Many residents over the past several months have expressed their outrage to Everything Geraldton over how much sand has already been taken from Southgates. It's clear from the beach, and the road, that much of the natural and iconic dunes have been flattened. 

What's not known by most locals is that conveniently the level to which the dunes have been flattened is the exact same height that the EPA have said needs to be in place when/if any sub-division occurs. 

Some locals are questioning if EPA guidelines have been breached, or if too much sand has been taken already from the dunes, due to the obvious scaring that is clearly visible to all passers-by. 

The mining that is taking place at Southgates is for the lime sand to be used by farmers. It is used to increase the pH levels of soil. The mining, if done at low enough levels, is sustainable, as the dunes do grow each year. 

 

Everything Geraldton welcomes your feedback regarding "Save Southgates". Provide your feedback with the link below. Or email geraldton@justeverything.com.au

If you would like to contact our local representatives, here are their contact details. 

Ian Blayney

Shop 2, 5 Chapman Road
Geraldton WA 6530
Ph: 9964 1640
Fax: 9964 2892
Email: ian.blayney@mp.wa.gov.au

Paul Brown

Unit 3, 5 Chapman Road
GERALDTON WA 6530
Ph: (08) 9921 4818
Fax: (08) 9921 4972
Email: paul.brown@mp.wa.gov.au

Darren West

84 Marine Terrace
GERALDTON WA 6530
PO Box 578 GERALDTON 6531
Ph: (08) 9964 1001
Fax: (08) 9964 1002
Email: darren.west.mp@mp.wa.gov.au

Mayor Van Styn has set up a Facebook page called Save Southgates. Links below. Like the page and share with your friends if you're interested in getting behind it. 

Let's save Southgates! #savesouthgates

Posted by Save Southgates on Friday, March 18, 2016

Trees causing damage to carpark to be replaced

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COMMUNITY SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Removal of trees on Carpark #3 - Anzac Terrace

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise it will be removing the trees in Carpark #3 on Anzac Terrace on 8 and 9 March 2016.

Although the City is always reluctant to remove trees as they add to the liveability of our community, the trees located along Durlacher Street have caused considerable damage to the carpark. They will be replaced with trees more suitable to this type of urban environment.

The tree removal is part of the carpark renewal works being undertaken in Carpark #3.  Although the City will endeavour to keep the carpark open, it may be closed for short periods of time.

Motorists and pedestrians are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries regarding the renewal works please contact Graham Smith Reserves Supervisor on 08 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Francis Street Finger Jetty to be replaced

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Boarding and disembarking from boats at the Francis Street Finger Jetty located at Town Beach will get a whole lot easier once construction of a new jetty is completed by the end of June. 

At last week’s Council meeting the contract to demolish the existing jetty and build a new one was awarded to SMC Marine Pty Ltd, a company highly experienced in jetty construction. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the replacement of the jetty means the City will be able to provide improved access to users including people with mobility impairments.

“The new jetty will be approximately 39m long and features 1.3m wide stepped deck configuration that provides increased access for people with mobility impairments whilst enabling easier boarding and disembarking from boats and other recreational water craft,” he said.

Construction of the replacement jetty is estimated to take 13 weeks to complete.  The existing jetty wood decking and chafers will be stored at the depot for potential reuse.

During construction the Town Beach boat ramp will be closed to the public to ensure community safety at all times.  Recreational watercraft users are encouraged to use the boat ramps at the Batavia Coast Marina during this time.

Discussions over future of family day care

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The decision for the City to discontinue its involvement in family day care was discussed at the Council Agenda meeting last night and will go to Council for the final decision next week. 

Negotiations are currently being undertaken between early parenting and early childhood specialists, Nglala, and the Geraldton Regional Community Education Centre (GRCEC) for the organisations to take over as the approved provider of the current City run Bright Stars Family Day Care Service. 

City of Greater Geraldton Acting CEO Ross McKim said Bright Stars Family Day Care would be in very capable hands if the decision were to go through council and the Ngala Board choose to progress with this direction. 

“This matter is something we haven’t taken lightly and Bright Stars have been a very integral part of our organisation,” he said. 

“If Bright Stars was to be operated by Ngala and GRCEC we know that it would be in extremely capable hands. This would be an excellent outcome for our community.” 

The City has been actively involved in the provision of family day care since 1978 and since then, the City’s Bright Stars Family Day Care Scheme has grown to service Geraldton and the Gascoyne and Pilbara regions.  

More recently, they were the winners of the WA Best Service Award for excellence in Family Day Care in 2014. 

“Our successes are largely due to our staff who prides themselves in providing service excellence,” Mr McKim said. 

GRCEC is community organisation which has been operating in the Mid West Gascoyne and Murchison regions of Western Australia, delivering a diverse range of programs since 1975. 

The organisation is committed to providing services to children, youth and families to build individual, family and community capacity.  

GRCEC’s Director Jenny Allen said Ngala and GRCEC are committed to further enhancing their partnership. 

“We have available the resources, experience and commitment to continue to deliver a high quality education and care service for families,” she said. 

Ngala is a provider of early parenting and early childhood services with a focus on supporting and guiding families and young children and CEO Ashley Reid said the organisation was very excited to be part of this initiative with GRCEC. 

“With a long history of child health and early childhood development services in WA, we look forward to working with all involved for the benefit of local families,” he said.

Mr McKim said if the decision goes through council the long-standing reputation of Bright Stars would continue on its positive path. 

“If Council and Ngala make the decision for Bright Stars to be run by Ngala and GRCEC I am confident that both these organisations will be able to continue the legacy that our Council has made over the last few decades,” he said. 

The Council meeting will be held at 5pm Tuesday 23 February 2016, in Council Chambers, 63 Cathedral Avenue, Geraldton. Members of the public are welcome to attend.

Greenough residents wanting to keep their "G" number plates

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Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has written to Transport Minister Hon Dean Nalder regarding the issue of localised car number plates.

“I’ve been approached by a number of constituents who have concerns about their ability to access local plates for their cars in future.

“The issues are to do with number plates issued by the Shire of Greenough since its amalgamation with the City of Greater Geraldton.

“I’ve asked the Minister to advise whether a person with an existing G plate can obtain new ones?

“Also, whether it’s possible to buy a set of G plates from someone who already has a set and wishes to sell them?

“Another issue raised with me is – if a plate has been handed back and is no longer used, is it possible to gain a list of those plates and get them reissued?

“And lastly, like all Shires in the region, Greenough issued a series of special plates in reverse order. Is it still possible to obtain these plates?

“While the Shire no longer exists and the new local authority no longer carries the name Greenough, locals have a strong attachment to their area and genuinely would like to keep, or obtain their number plates,” said Mr Blayney.

Corellas to be culled after residents complain that birds were simply relocated to other parts of Geraldton

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Deepdale residents are hopeful that they'll be able to deal with the large number of corellas in their area, after obtaining permits from Dept of Parks and Wildlife to conduct a small cull of the birds. 

In January, City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ken Diehm said the amount of corellas in the City is estimated at 7500, half of last year’s population. He hailed a relocation program conducted by the city as a success. The Relocation Program uses a gas gun, firecrackers and a handheld device that fires percussion cartridges into the sky close to where the birds roost. 

But some residents of Geraldton disputed the success of the program, claiming the birds had simply moved to other Geraldton suburbs, outside of the CBD. 

We spoke with one local affected by the birds who said a few residents got together to discuss what they could do about the bird problem and investigate the matter. They applied to the Department of Parks and Wildlife for a permit to carry out a small cull on the birds. The Department confirmed that permits had been issued in the Deepdale area. 

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ken Diehm said regarding the culling of the birds,

“The control and management of native wildlife is a State Government responsibility dealt with under the umbrella of the Department of Parks and Wildlife. As per the Department of Parks and Wildlife website it is clear that each property owner is responsible for their own land. It is the decision of the individual land owner to obtain a permit to undertake culling of wildlife on their property. This is not a Local Government decision. In 2015 it was predicted that populations of Corellas were sitting at over 15,000 and this year and after the City’s recent relocation program the numbers have halved.”

Image: David Ford

Can't Win

Opinion

In the past, the CGG has conducted its own culls on the corella population. But following complaints from some members of the public, they investigated an alternative way of moving the birds on. 

While the city said the program was a success, in that it has stopped the tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage to public infrastructure and valuable trees, some residents feel like the city should have just bit the bullet and used ... a bullet. 

But even the more pleasant method of scaring the birds attracted complaints. EG received multiple complaints from irate members of the public who believed that even scaring the birds was a terrible idea. 

What seems lost on most people complaining though is the amount of damage the birds do, and the fact that they're an introduced pest. 

Nobody bats an eye at the hundreds of foxes, rabbits, cats, pigs and dogs the Shire of Chapman Valley talk about, very publicly, shooting each year. They even have competitions to see who can get the most kills, with prizes and cooked breakfasts.

Unless you're a vegan and have an underlying philosophy of never harming a living creature, I can't understand the complaints.

It seems quite odd for people to eat Chicken Treat for dinner, and then complain that a bird has been shot. 

It doesn't seem to matter what the team at the City of Greater Geraldton does on this matter, one group or another are going to be up in arms. (No pun intended.)

It's nice to see a group of proactive residents take up the task of dealing with the birds, rather than just waiting for a government body to do it for them.

The birds in question are an introduced species, and are not native to this region, according to information from NACC. (See below.)

Comments posted on EG's facebook page following news of the CGG Relocation Program's success. (Link)

The City of Greater Geraldton will introduce a new method to relocate corellas from its CBD. The corellas that the...

Posted by Northern Agricultural Catchments Council (NACC) on Thursday, December 10, 2015

"Keep a eye out around the airport you might be lucky enough to see a wedge tail eagle having a cockatoo dinner like I did yesterday."- Lawrence Hillary

Posted by Everything Geraldton on Saturday, January 23, 2016

 

Temporary closure of cardboard baling facility

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Temporary closure of cardboard baling facility

The City of Greater Geraldton would like to advise due to unforeseen circumstances the roller shutter doors at the Meru Tip Shop have been damaged and require maintenance. To ensure community safety the cardboard baling area will be temporarily closed to the public from today 10 February 2016

During this time all cardboard will be diverted to landfill. Members of the public will be able to dispose of their cardboard free of charge.

 

Introducing the Geraldton Youth Precinct - Video

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Introducing the new City of Greater Geraldton "Youth Precinct". 
It opens this Australia Day.

We headed down there this afternoon to have a look and speak with a few folk from CGG about the new foreshore addition. 
It looks like a lot of fun for all age groups. There's a rage cage, some very fun looking electronic games, foosball tables, table tennis, and more.

It will be open each day from 6:30am until 10:30pm. Sports equipment is available from the Visitor Centre with a $5 deposit.

There is a new "Changing Places" toilet facility, that provides unprecedented facilities for restricted mobility members of our community, a first for WA. A beach access ramp for wheelchairs is also on its way.

Stay tuned later in the year when the rest of the multi user facility is finished. CGG have called the multi user facility and Youth Precinct the "jewell in the crown" for our foreshore. It certainly is a welcome addition to our city.

Corella relocation program halves bird numbers

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Pic: Trees that have been stripped of their leaves in the CBD

The City of Greater Geraldton has put out a media release following a reduction in corella numbers throughout Geraldton. 

Everything Geraldton has received a wide variety of comments on the program, from thanks that something has been done, to complaints over the cannons used to scare the birds. This is despite the fact that previous councils simply shot the birds.  

It's worth keeping in mind that the species of corella that are being relocated are not actually native to this region, they are an introduced species. 

The City of Greater Geraldton will introduce a new method to relocate corellas from its CBD. The corellas that the...

Posted by Northern Agricultural Catchments Council (NACC) on Thursday, December 10, 2015

Full press release follows

The Corella Relocation Program implemented over the past two years has been deemed a success with substantially fewer birds having returned to the City this summer.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ken Diehm said the amount of corellas in the City is estimated at 7500, half of last year’s population.

“Before we began the Corella Relocation Program last year approximately 15,000 birds, which had reached plague proportions, were causing tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to public infrastructure, community assets and privately owned buildings and facilities,” he said.

“They also caused considerable damage to grassed surfaces at sporting clubs and stripped bare a number of trees in the CBD resulting in the trees dying and rate payers having to pay for their costly removal.”

To date, the Corella Relocation Program has used a gas gun, firecrackers and this year trialled a specialised handheld device that has fired more than 1900 percussion cartridges into the sky close to where the birds roost.

“All these methods have worked well to move on the Corellas without causing them harm which was important to the City and the community,” said Mr Diehm.

Geraldton Turf Club Manager David Wrensted said the program has been highly successful in deterring the birds from roosting at the racetrack.

“Before the City implemented the relocation program thousands of Corellas would roost overnight at the racetrack and nearby Geraldton Golf Club, moving them on has meant they have not moved into the CBD and surrounds the next day,” he said. 

“This year the bird numbers have been dramatically reduced with only a few birds returning.

“In our opinion the program has been highly successful and we hope the City continues to implement it.”

The Corella Relocation Program has also proven to be a cost effective way of reducing Corella numbers, saving the community more than $100,000 in repairs to public infrastructure.

“Rangers already on patrol are carrying out the Program and considering the cost of the hand held device and percussion cartridges is only $5000, this program is highly cost effective and is here to stay,” Mr Diehm said.

There's a another council election happening to fill Van Styn's seat

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Six candidates have stepped forward to fill the only remaining seat on Council. 

The Tarcoola Ward seat remains empty following the election of Councillor Shane Van Styn to Mayor in October. 

An extraordinary election will be held on January 15, 2016. It will be a postal vote election. 

The term expiry for the elected person is 21 October 2017.

Here is a breakdown of Candidates and why they want your vote.

(Candidates have been placed in the following order as they appear on the AEC website) 

BLOCK, Fred

In 1997, when I told people in Perth I was moving to Geraldton, they said, 'Geraldton? What do you want to move to Geraldton for, it's the rear end of the world?' I didn't think it then and I definitely do not think it now. Although I was not born here, I am a proud Geraldtonian. Geraldton has become a vibrant city. A city that has made all those knockers eat their words. Everywhere I travel I tell whoever will listen about this great city in which I live. When I last ran for Council in early 2000, a number of people labeled me a tree hugger because I had the occasional beer with a few Greens voters. I said then and I'll say it now. If elected, proposals that benefit the majority of the community will get my vote. Those that don't won't. 

Email: Block1@westnet.com.au

ASHPLANT, Ron

I am seeking your support to be your council representative for the Tarcoola Ward. I work at both the Ibis Styles and The Tarcoola Tavern. I make my decisions based on common sense and speak my mind honestly and without fear. I will listen to any idea, big or small, that when worked through together, can make the communities within Tarcoola a better place to live and prosper. I have the leadership skills that are required to create the atmosphere to develop the opportunities for new industries as well adding to the mix of industries that our city as a regional centre provides. The Tarcoola Ward represents all generations and it is my role to: - Provide Leadership. - Provide support and guidance. - Provide the opportunities that will enhance the well being and development of our community. Thank you. Ron Ashplant

Mobile: 0400 215 031
Email: ron.ashplant@westnet.com.au

ELS, Nicholas

I and my family have been 'Geraldtonians' for eight years, and our children attend a local school. As a family, we are active in the sporting community and focused on youth development and creating opportunities. I manage a small management consulting business, and my wife is a teacher at a local school. As a former employee of local council's, I have extensive management and executive experience in local government in the areas of governance and risk, major projects and acting Chief Executive Officer roles in the Midwest Region. I hold a Bachelor of Law Degree and Graduate Company Directors Diploma. If successful; I bring my previous local government experience, a deep passion for youth sporting development, encouraging small business opportunities, and to keep rate increases to a minimum. I will undertake to consult and bring the voice of the Tarcoola Ward residents to the council table.

Mobile: 0424 601 801
Postal Address: 14 Mildwaters Place, Mount Tarcoola Geraldton 6530
Email: nicholas.els@hotmail.com

WARD, Jon

I have lived in Geraldton for 35 years, and have forged a long career in the employment and training sector. As the father of two adult children, an active community member, and Life Member of the Geraldton Apex Club, the prosperity of our community is of the utmost importance to me. The massive rates increase inflicted upon ratepayers in 2012/13 saw a backlash on Council the likes that has never been seen before, resulting in most of the then sitting Councilors being tipped out at subsequent elections. I was one of the instigators of "The Ratepayers Demand Change" group that led to legal action being brought against the council over this massive rate hike. This action resulted in much greater transparency in Council operations, and much more open communications. But the job is still only half done and my pledge to ratepayers is to be your strong voice on Council.

Home: 9921 4838
Mobile: 0478 643 027
Email: wardies@westnet.com.au

FIORENZA, Peter

I have lived and worked in Geraldton all of my life. I have worked in local education in the area for close to 20 years, and been part of a great number of organisations that contibute to the beat of our city. I care about Geraldton and the community. In recent times, Geraldton has grown substantially, but has been able to hold onto, and protect its unique appeal -the very reason people choose to call it home. At the moment, we are facing a number of challenges that threaten the balance of a growing city, and keeping its unique qualities. I want to ensure that these challenges are met. I have no agendas, but a vested interest in our future. I will listen to, and speak on behalf of residents in my decision making- decisions that are of benefit to the greater Geraldton community as a whole.

Mobile: 0427 320 342
Postal Address: 131 Glenfield Beach Drive Drummond Cove 6532

COLLIVER, Natasha

I will represent the grassroots needs of the Tarcoola Ward, by supporting the ongoing expansion of the Wandina Primary School and the development of shopping facilities in Wandina. I will make sure that our parks and recreation facilities meet our community's expectations and are well maintained. Being a working mum, I know how important it is to balance the family budget and get value for money. Your rates are no different. Keeping a lid on rate rises is a priority for me. I am a committee member of a number of local community and sporting organisations. Through my work with these groups and in my professional working life, I have worked hard to ensure quality outcomes that meet the needs of our community. Geraldton is a great place to live, and I enjoy playing an active role in my local community. This is why I am running for Council.

Mobile: 0428 218 049
Email: natasha.colliver@icloud.com

New man at the helm of City Infrastructure Services

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City of Greater Geraldton Director of the Department of Infrastructure Services Ross McKim.

The City of Greater Geraldton is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Ross McKim as the new Director of the Department of Infrastructure Services. 

City CEO, Ken Diehm, says Mr McKim’s extensive experience and knowledge in the area of infrastructure services are what made him stand out in the recruitment process.

"After a rigorous selection process, Ross emerged as the outstanding candidate to be the Director of Infrastructure Services.  He brings a great wealth of knowledge and experience in leading Local Government initiatives and infrastructure projects and I'm delighted to welcome him to our team at this exciting point in Geraldton's history,” he said.

The far North Queenslander who describes himself as a ‘local government tragic who enjoys working with politicians, community groups and local residents’ has spent more than 25 years working in local government.

“I began my career in local government in 1987 as a Graduate Engineer with the Brisbane City Council as a member of the Investigations Unit of the Water and Waste Water Department and have worked hard to progress up the corporate ladder,” Mr McKim said.

"I’m delighted and honoured to be joining the City of Greater Geraldton as it is a very progressive Local Government with a strong national reputation for community consultation and innovation.  I look forward to working with the Councillors, the Staff and the community to implement its vision for the region."

Ross and his wife Ruth McKim, who is an emerging artist and is currently studying Fine Arts, are looking forward to settling into the Geraldton community.

“I believe Geraldton has a very bright future ahead of it.  We love its natural beauty, the values held by this vibrant community and my wife and I are excited about making a contribution," said Mr. McKim. 

For the past four years, the Infrastructure Department had been led by Neil Arbuthnot, who resigned to be able to spend more time with his family.

Mr. McKim took up his new position on 12 October 2015.

Video interviews with all Mayoral Candidates for Geraldton

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The team at the ABC Midwest recently interviewed all of the candidates for position of Mayor for the City of Greater Geraldton. 

We think you'll find it helpful to hear from each candidate to get a glimpse into the person behind the name.

Below are the videos of each of the interviews. 

Videos produced by Chris Lewis. Interviews conducted by Glenn Barndon. 

Click here to view videos if they're not displaying for you. 

Ian Carpenter

2015 Mayoral candidate Ian Carpenter.

This week on Mornings we're talking to all five of the Mayoral candidates for the City of Greater Geraldton. We're asking them why people should vote for them to be Mayor. This morning we spoke to incumbent Mayor Ian Carpenter which you can watch here.

Posted by ABC Midwest and Wheatbelt on Sunday, 4 October 2015

Rob Jefferies

2015 Mayoral candidate Rob Jefferies.

This week on Mornings we're talking to all five of the Mayoral candidates for the City of Greater Geraldton. We're asking them why people should vote for them to be Mayor. This morning we spoke to Rob Jefferies.

Posted by ABC Midwest and Wheatbelt on Monday, 5 October 2015

Gavin Hirschhausen

2015 Mayoral candidate Gavin Hirschhausen..

All this week on Mornings we're asking the Mayoral candidates for the City of Greater Geraldton why people should vote for them. This morning we spoke to candidate Gavin Hirschhausen.

Posted by ABC Midwest and Wheatbelt on Tuesday, 6 October 2015

Shane Hill

2015 Mayoral candidate Shane Hill.

All this week on Mornings we're asking the Mayoral candidates for the City of Greater Geraldton why people should vote for them. This morning we spoke to candidate Shane Hill.

Posted by ABC Midwest and Wheatbelt on Wednesday, 7 October 2015

Shane Van Styn

2015 Mayoral candidate Shane Van Styn.

All this week on Mornings we asked all five Mayoral candidates for the City of Greater Geraldton why people should vote for them. This morning we spoke to candidate Shane Van Styn.

Posted by ABC Midwest and Wheatbelt on Thursday, 8 October 2015