Councillor Profiles is a regular feature. This month we profile two Councillors from Western Australia.
Mayor Patricia Morris, City of Gosnells, Western Australia
Q. How long have you been on Council?
I have been with the City of Gosnells for the past 20 years. I was first elected to Council in 1986, became the first female Mayor of the City of Gosnells from 1989 to 1993 and was again elected as Mayor in 1999.
Q. Why did you want to become involved in Local Government?
After raising three boys and serving many years with various community organisations, including my local Thornlie Cricket Club and Thornlie Football and Sportsman’s Club, I saw the role of a Local Government Councillor as an attainable goal to progress community aspirations. These roles provided me with great insight into the mindset of my community and I feel that I can accurately translate their views and represent their beliefs in every aspect of my Local Government role. I have spent years working with people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, and this has helped me tremendously in dealing with issues affecting young people, seniors, people with disabilities, families and the business community.
Q. Can you tell us about your Local Government area?
The City lies just 17 kilometres southeast of the Perth CBD and has a population of more than 94,000 people. This is rapidly increasing to an estimated built out population of 155,431. There has been $1.6 billion of development within the City over the past five years, not including road and rail infrastructure. We are ranked fourth in Western Australia in terms of population growth, and we are home to one of the State’s most culturally diverse communities with more than 80 nationalities. We enjoy a rich history dating back to 1829, when European settlers first settled the area. Many heritage buildings dot today’s landscape, offering an interesting blend of old and new. From a community perspective, we are heading into one of our most exciting periods as the City gears up for next year’s centenary celebrations, which mark the foundation of the Gosnells Road Board in 1907. We have a terrific line up of events with a real community flavour.
Q. What are some of the challenges you have faced in Local Government?
My most recent challenges have related to adapting the role of Local Government to meet the changing needs of our City. This has brought with it a unique mix of rapidly developing new suburbs and several well established older areas, which require a careful balance of competing priorities against finite resources. We knew that without the support of the Federal and State Governments and most importantly, without the input of the community, we could never find a balance between the social, economic and environmental needs of the City. The challenging part was getting everyone on the same wavelength. We are by no means at the finish line yet, but can look back over the past decade on some notable successes, including introducing the first holistic community safety initiative in Australia and the transformation of our town centre into the vibrant thriving hub that it is today. This has been achieved through a combination of team work, commitment and passion and we are proud to be recognised as a leader in Local Government innovation, vision and financial management. I am a passionate believer in civic leadership for the benefit of our local community.
Q. What are the specific issues currently facing your Council?
Sustainable growth is probably one of the biggest issues facing many Local Governments at the moment. For our City, it is a concept that we have been working towards for a number of years. Controlling growth has been a big test but it has given us an opportunity to emerge as a leading Local Government in sustainable urban development and I am proud to say, an international award winner.
Another key issue is financial sustainability. Through prudent financial management the City has been independently verified as financially viable. We are in the top quartile of the five key financial performance indicators for the industry, and the proud recipients of back to back Financial Management Awards for Excellence. Against this background, it is pleasing that our high level of customer service continues to grow and this year we achieved an 81 per cent satisfaction rating.
Q. What are the key aspects of being a good Councillor?
Playing an active role in the community is vital. To understand the needs of people in your area, you have to have a real passion for your community. I have lived in the City for almost 50 years and I know people here are very proud of their area and very committed to a bright future. A community must have trust and confidence in its Council and good governance is strongly featured in my City, which has earned a reputation for ‘playing it straight’. Being an excellent Councillor is about listening to your community and making decisions based on what is good for everyone, not just a vocal few. You need to keep a perspective. Promises made have become promises kept in the City of Gosnells. We never have a dull moment!
President Graham Dawes, Shire of Leonora, Western Australia
Q. How long have you been on Council?
I was first elected as Councillor in 1998 and became President in 2000.
Q. Why did you want to become involved in Local Government?
Local Government, like most industries in Australia, is not exempt from change. Local Government is becoming more demanding in its desire for improved services, security, transparency, participation and a host of other reasons. I see change as a challenge and wanted to participate in shaping the long term future of Leonora and other Local Government communities.
Q. Can you tell us about your Local Government area?
The Shire of Leonora is located 234 kilometres north of Kalgoorlie Boulder or 832 kilometres north east of Perth in the Northern Goldfields of Western Australia. Our Local Government area covers 31,743 square kilometres. Our statistician claims the population to be 1,800 people, however, my views are different. I estimate the population to be in excess of 4,500, which can be substantiated when the fly in fly out workforce is taken into account.
The mining industry has been the backbone of the Shire for many years now. The value of gold produced from within our Local Government area amounts to approximately $650 million annually, and combined with nickel concentrate, about $700 million annually. Other local industries include pastoral and tourism.
Q. What are some of the challenges you have faced in Local Government?
Even though the Shire of Leonora is debt free, a high degree of financial self sufficiency is required. Financial strength is due to our local rate base and the ability to attract municipal rates from the mining industry. Leonora has a very progressive approach to providing infrastructure, however, available funding limits progress. Trying to balance community needs within budget constraints will always be a challenge.
Q. What are some of the key issues currently facing your Council?
Attracting and retaining medical practitioners in a small town like Leonora without Federal or State financial assistance is of great concern.
Leonora does not have insurmountable problems, although ageing infrastructure will need replacing in the future, for which planning will be a necessity.
Distribution of the nation’s tax wealth to Local Governments would solve many issues.
Q. What are they key aspects of being a good Councillor?
Though personalities loom large in Local Government from time to time, a team effort is essential to the achievement of good government. It is essential that a Councillor is able to provide leadership and guidance to the community and be able to facilitate communication between the community and Council. Interfering or directing Council staff is a definite no.
