A regular feature, this month we feature a Councillor from Western Australia.
Councillor Elsia Archer, President Shire of Derby/West Kimberley, Western Australia
Q. How long have you been on Council?
I have been on Council for 14 years and this is my third term as President (a term being two years).
Q. Why did you want to become involved in Local Government?
My late husband had been a Councillor for 12 years and I took a keen interest when he was on Council. When he chose not to re-stand, I was approached and nominated and subsequently elected. I really enjoy helping to make a difference for our community.
Q. Can you tell us about your Local Government area?
Our Shire has an area of 102,706 square kilometres and includes three towns – Derby, Fitzroy Crossing and Camballin – and 60 Aboriginal communities. The total population of the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley is 8,941. The main town of Derby is situated 2,366 kilometres from Perth, our nearest capital city. Local industries include beef, minerals, oil and tourism.
Q. What are some of the challenges you have faced in Local Government?
Public perceptions and transparency of transactions with ease of process.
Q. As a Council in a remote area, what specific problems does Council face?
- distance from services and people do not understanding that we are not just down the road
- government cost shifting
- lack of funding for the variety of services people expect and demand.
Q. What are the key aspects of being a good Councillor?
Good work ethics, honesty, integrity and teamwork.
Councillor Peter Tagliaferri, Mayor of City of Fremantle, Western Australia
Q. How long have you been on Council?
I first became involved in 1983, at the age of 23. I spent four years on Council representing the East Ward and was the youngest person ever elected to Local Government in Western Australia. It was a record I held until Richard Graham was elected to Cockburn City Council a few years ago. I ran for Mayor in 2001 and was successfully elected then and again in 2005, so my total time on Council is just over eight years.
Q. Why did you want to become involved in Local Government?
In 1983, the motivation was predominantly to oppose a proposed highway going through the suburb of Beaconsfield. I also wanted to address the concerns of residents in Fremantle’s southern suburbs, along with parking and retail issues in the Fremantle CBD. When I ran for Mayor in 2001, my aim was to put back the balance and connection with the community, delete the Fremantle Eastern Bypass proposal, extend the Central Area Transit bus service – a local bus service free to commuters, deliver strong financial management and reclaim Fremantle for Fremantle.
Q. Can you tell us about your Local Government area?
Fremantle has really come into its own and, not surprisingly, has a reputation as WA’s other capital as it is the largest metropolitan retail centre outside of Perth.
Over the years, I have seen a dynamic mix of cafes, pubs, heritage buildings, shopping outlets and tourist attractions all spring to life. A stroll around the city brings you face to face with Fremantle’s heritage and the many buildings and structures put up by the early settlers. There is an abundance of public buildings and churches that feature all around the city, particularly in the West End area, which has undergone a major revitalisation in recent years.
The colour and vibrancy for which Fremantle is renowned is evident on the streets of the city, where you can see a wide cross section of people. Fremantle is widely known for the diversity of its local residents. At any given moment you can find exhibitions scattered throughout the city, along with musical performances, theatre, buskers and public art. Culturally, Fremantle is a hub of activity.
Q. What are some of the challenges you have faced in Local Government?
My biggest challenge upon becoming Mayor was taking a budget in deficit and turning it around so it now delivers a surplus each year. We developed a debt reduction strategy that has put the City of Fremantle in its best financial position for 20 years. Heritage issues also arise time and time again and that’s why the City works hard to engender an appreciation of heritage with anyone investing in Fremantle. All development applications go through a rigorous process to ensure heritage is always considered and conserved.
In addition, I would highlight a campaign for more police, introducing crime reduction strategies, saving the Duyfken replica – a replica of the European ship that made the first recorded visit to Australia in 1606, reducing parking fees and banning genetically modified food in Fremantle as some important challenges we have faced and dealt with accordingly.
Q. What are the specific issues currently facing your Council?
- Continuing solid financial management – balancing budgets with minimum rate increases while not cutting any services.
- Maintaining a working relationship with the police to further improve law and order in our community.
- Maintaining heritage standards.
- Leading the redevelopment of the City of Fremantle’s property portfolio to deliver financial and strategic outcomes for our community.
- Revitalising our retail heart through continued improvement.
- Continuing to develop strategic relationships with State Government and other Local Governments.
- Further implementation of traffic management strategies.
- Advancing our commitment to reduce the impact on the environment.
- Maintaining our suburbs as one municipality, one community.
Q. What are the key aspects of being a good Councillor/Mayor?
Maintaining an open door policy and continuing to keep the entire community involved – from the young to the elderly. It is important to ensure their views are heard and are accorded proper representation. Listening, and maintaining a balance, are vital parts of the decision making process.
