Nominations to open for City of Albany West Ward extraordinary election

Nominations are open for the City of Albany’s extraordinary election to fill the vacant West Ward seat.

In accordance with the Local Government Act, the City is required to fill the vacancy, brought about by the death of Cr Alison Goode in August.

Nominations opened on Wednesday and will close at 4pm on Wednesday, November 9, before the extraordinary election on December 16.

City chief executive Andrew Sharpe said representation of the West Ward was important for capturing the rural residents’ voice.

“We have a fantastic council who provide leadership and direction to our city with a vision to grow our capacity as a regional location, provide ongoing opportunities and motivate community,” he said.

“The successful candidate will be joining a supportive and experienced group of elected members.”

Interested candidates can collect candidate information packs from the City’s administration building on North Road.

They can also call the City’s council liaison officer on 6820 3076 for more information.

The City had previously consulted with the office of Local Government Minister John Carey and the WA Electoral Commission about the possibility of holding over the vacant seat until next year’s election.

However Mr Sharpe said the City was told the minister would not consider a request to hold the vacancy “as there is no mechanism under the current legislation to do so”.

The WAEC will run the extraordinary election and has told the City it will cost an estimated $24,000.

Upcoming local government reforms will reduce Albany council from 13 elected members to nine, including the mayor.