Augusta Margaret River Shire council candidates:
A strong urge to give back to the community drove Pamela Townshend forward in her nomination as the North Ward candidate.
Settling in Margaret River a few years ago, with all her children having flown the coop, Ms Townshend said she was ready to devote herself to the role of councillor for the Augusta Margaret River Shire.
“I feel that I have a lot of experience and knowledge now that I am older and I would like to share this with the community,” she said.
Ms Townshend’s priorities if elected are to preserve “our wonderful environment” for future generations, assist in the development of an economy that continuously provide jobs and income and maintaining a safe, accessible town for all those in the community, including the elderly, children and disabled.
She also plans to push for affordable housing for all.
Ms Townshend believes the current council shire is working together well and as a councillor, she would aspire to help increase councillor and community input and consultation early in the budget process.
For Ms Townshend, her primary would be to steward the East Margaret River structure plan into fruition.
Ms Townshend has previously said how important the project was to her, saying how these things are managed is very important as the natural environment is why we’re all here.
Under the draft plan, room will be made for about 2000 new residential lots, two primary schools, nature based recreational facilities and a focus on non-motorised forms of transport.
For Ms Townshend, remaining in touch with the community and their wishes would be a vital part of her role as councillor.
“I would like to meet regularly with community members in a public place to listen to the community and I would like to write regular bulletins eg on Facebook or in the newspapers,” she said.
“I have been doorknocking in Margaret River and community members have great ideas to improve our lovely rural area.
“I would like to encourage forums for sharing of ideas and having community conversations about change.”
For the north: Pam Townshend will put her vote if elected towards saving bushland around the community.
