Augusta Margaret River Shire council candidates:
Being proud of his work, and proud of Augusta is why councillor Mike Smart has put his hand up for re-election this year, the only current councillor to do so.
Having served on council for nearly eight years, with two as the president of the Augusta Margaret River Shire, Cr Smart said the shire needed to continue on the path it has been heading on and hopes to retain the president seat.
"The council has been amicable oververy the period I have been president," he said.
"It's representative of the people. I'm planning to stand for president. After being in the role for two years you get an understanding of the position."
Having lived in Augusta for many years Mr Smart is keen to see continued spending on facilities for the region and for it not to be forgotten.
Plans for a new retirement village in Augusta as well as upgrades to the Ellis Street Jetty Precinct and Turner's Caravan Park and maintaining the natural health of Blackwood River are all on the agenda.
"Chalets at Turners Caravan Park will open up the park for tourism all around," he said.
"We want people to stay in Augusta.
"Not just to come down, check out the whales and head back out of town.
"We have $1.2 million in caravan park reserve funding."
One of his proudest achievements during his time at council was intervening in the Blackwood River by making a series cuts to the river mouth.
While the move was met with some criticism by members of the community Cr Smart said it had improved the health of the river immensely and 80 per cent of the town backed the need for intervention.
"It used to be full of algae," he said.
"Since opening it up the river health has improved and fish stocks have replenished."
Cr Smart is standing in the Leeuwin Ward in next month's election.
