A regular feature, this month we have interviewed two Councillors from Western Australia.
Councillor Sharon Gosper, Shark Bay Shire,WA
Q.How long have you been a Councillor?
I was elected to the Shire of Shark Bay in 1999. In May 2003 with two other councillors, I was re-elected unopposed for another four year term. This was rather surprising as Shark Bay is a very political little place and the voter turnout is one of the highest in the State with a 75 to 80 per cent attendance rate. (Voting in WA Council elections is not compulsory.)
Q.Tell us about yourself and your involvement in the community?
I come from a large family and I am of Aboriginal descent, being fourth generation in Shark Bay. For the past 20 years I have campaigned for the recognition, respect and rights of Aboriginals in Shark Bay. Back in 1983 I instigated the formation of the Yadgalah (meaning friend) Aboriginal Corporation, which is still in operation today. Some people feel threatened by Aboriginal heritage and culture in Shark Bay and fail to realise that just because we are promoting our linage it does not mean segregation or racism is encouraged. However, I believe that most of the complaints have been politically motivated and power orientated rather than sound arguments. Everybody has a right to be proud of their ancestry.
As well as Indigenous affairs, I have been involved in the wider community over the years and have served on a number of committees. When time allows I like to actively participate in community and social events. I believe in equality and justice for everybody and desire to be a voice for those who fail to be heard.
Additionally, since October 2002, I have been the ATSIC Councillor for this region and believe that this position and that of a Local Government Councillor can be complementary. I hope to play a role, even if small, in educating both parties to respect and accept one another. It is my heart-felt cry to be a part of the healing and reconciliation process between Indigenous and non Indigenous peoples of our wonderful and blessed nation.
Q.Describe your community?
Shark Bay is a World Heritage listed area and is one of only 17 places in the world that have all four World Heritage criteria – evolution, geography, natural phenomena and significant beauty. The Shire of Shark Bay is made up of two peninsulas on the most western point of Australia, with 1,500 kilometres of coastline and some 20,000 square kilometres of frontier. The area is also of historical importance and it was here in 1616 that the first European set foot on Australian soil. This was Dutch explorer, Dirk Hartog. An island 24 kilometres across the bay was the location, and it bears his signature.
A flurry of European and French adventurers succeeded Hartog. Aboriginal presence dates back over 30,000 years and the Malgana tribe who originate from here were encountered by these early explorers.
The Shire of Shark Bay has an approximate population of 1,000 with Denham, the centre point, having a transient number of 500–600 residents. Denham is a multicultural town and for the most part a harmonious atmosphere is visible among the different races that exist side by side. The main industries are fishing, pastoralism, mining and tourism. Tourism is fast becoming the main commercial and financial activity, taking over from fishing. Monkey Mia, 24 kilometres from Denham is a popular tourist destination and is world famous for the wild dolphins that visit the beach there.
Q.What are the most important issues in your Local Government area?
This is an isolated region and access to health services and facilities that urban cousins take for granted is not easily obtained. While our Silver Chain Clinic does a good job, there is no hospital or hospice and neither is there a dentist or chemist. However, we receive twice weekly visits from the Royal Flying Doctor service which are helpful. Education is limited and high school is completed by correspondence. There is a shortage of recreational and sporting facilities and unemployment is a major concern. Young people and families have had to leave town to find housing and work. Industry needs to expand and a population growth is warranted to boost the community socially and economically.
Q.What are the key aspects to being a good Councillor?
Above all else, I believe a Councillor must have a high standard of morals, be trustworthy and have integrity. You also need to be approachable and a good communicator, taking into consideration all views and concerns. Personal ambition and self gain should be put aside; the welfare of the community should come first. Teamwork is a requirement and leadership skills should be evident. A strong character is a must, especially when controversial issues arise and persecution follows. Don’t be afraid to go against the popular vote when necessary.
Q.What major developments are currently taking place in Shark Bay?
The development of the Shark Bay World Heritage Interpretative Centre is a really important issue. The centre was promised to the people of Shark Bay in 1991 after the area became World Heritage listed. It has taken many years of lobbying politicians and government departments to raise the funding for the centre. We hope to start the actual earthworks in August, with the building completed by November 2005. Although in the early stages another major matter is the proposal of a canal and marina development in Denham. A referendum was held in late 2003 and splitting the community with 57 per cent against the project and 43 for it. It seems the developers aim to campaign until they win the townsfolk and public over.
Mayor Barry Sammels, Rockingham Council, WA
Q. How long have you been Councillor?
I have been on Council for seven years. Four years as a Councillor, two as Deputy Mayor and I have been the Mayor for one year.
Q. Tell us about yourself and your involvement in the community?
I am very passionate about the Rockingham community.
I truly believe it has many unique qualities to offer but mostly I enjoy its friendly community character. I first gained an interest in the community when my brothers and I bought a printing business in Rockingham in 1979, a business we still own. The business really took off and my family and I decided to move into the area 18 years ago. Apart from my involvement with Council, I have also been involved with the local Chamber of Commerce for many years now. Our Annual Spring Festival, which is coordinated by the Chamber, hosts some 60,000 people over a weekend in November. As a community we are very proud of the success of this event and visitors are always surprised at the beauty of this region.
Q. Describe your community
Rockingham has it all. The City is very multifaceted because it is a young evolving city. We have a diverse group of cultures, a lot of young families, retirees and professionals. Rockingham is in a unique geographical position where Perth CBD is just 35 minutes away, it has 43 km of coastline and has booming equine and wine industries. In addition, people can still buy a very reasonable house for under $200,000 in Rockingham. Where else in Australia or even the world can you purchase a property near the beach and a major city for this price?
Q. What are the most important issues in your Local Government area?
There is a regional population increase of 300 per cent predicted over the next 20 years and, within five years, almost 18,000 residential lots will be developed. Naturally this growth is a major priority for Council, and as a result there is an urgent need for all types of resources. Council has recently approved six high rise developments along the major foreshore strip, with the first two developments virtually all selling out within six weeks of their launch. In addition a marina and dive park are also planned. This will create various training and employment opportunities within the tourism industry for local residents. The growth of the local university is another priority due to the percentage of young people in the area. We want to ensure they have a wide scope of opportunities available to them in Rockingham when they leave school. Law and Order is another concern that comes with high growth. Council, in partnership with four adjacent councils, is actively lobbying State Government for more police resources. The concept is very simple – we need more police to cope with an annual growth rate of seven per cent and an ultimate regional population of 240,000.
Q. What are the key aspects to being a good Councillor?
Commitment, honesty, dedication to the community and hard work. It’s important to do your homework and put personal views aside in order to make good decisions for the entire community.
Q. What major developments are currently taking place in Rockingham?
It would be easier to ask what isn’t happening in Rockingham. A State Government run taskforce has been developed to ensure an organised approach to the proposed developments in Rockingham. The Rockingham foreshore is about to be revitalised. This represents the rebirth of Rockingham as a major regional centre with area being known as the Rockingham Waterfront Village. Also the railway will be coming to Rockingham in 2006 and a complementary transit system will be put in place. The development of a Recreational and Equine Complex is another significant project. When it is completed Rockingham will replace Ascot as the State’s centre for horse racing. However, the complex will also incorporate playing fields and facilities for football codes and other sports. A boardwalk style development with eateries and cafes is planned near the Waterfront Village Revitalisation, and to the south of the City another major development, Port Kennedy resort, will have two golf courses, another marina, sports centre, hotel and much more. All these projects are well advanced and should all be completed within the next three to five years.
