Voting concluded in the 2017 Augusta Margaret River Local Government election on Saturday night, with three candidates securing new positions on council while Ian Earl secured re-election.
Pauline McLeod led the voting with a total of 2,306 votes, followed by Naomi Godden with 2,152 votes, Julia Meldrum with 1,959 votes and Mr Earl on 1,863 votes.
“The shire staff along with [Electoral Commission Returning Officer] Brian Warbey at the helm did an amazing job counting the votes,” Mrs McLeod said.
“As a candidate it was an nerve-wracking night and disappointing for those who missed out.
“The last six weeks of campaigning has been a fantastic experience. - building an understanding of the diverse community which we all share.
“Now the hard work begins.”
Ms Godden said she was “honoured and humbled” to have been elected as a councillor.
“I am excited to work with our community for a bright, sustainable and fair future for everyone and for our precious environment,” she said.
"It is a privilege to be given this responsibility. Thankyou to my awesome supporters, campaigners, family, friends, and my fabbo partner Tom - this was an epic team effort!”
Ms Godden applauded the majority-female council, believed to be a first for the region.
Mrs Meldrum echoed her fellow candidates’ sentiments on a sense of change within the council.
“What a great result – the people of the community have spoken,” she said.
“I am truly honoured and humbled to be selected by the people of the AMR Shire. I foresee some exciting changes ahead with this new council.”
Shire President Mr Earl commended the 40 per cent of electors who returned their votes as well as the candidates.
“Well done to the three new councillors and I look forward to working with them all,” he said.
“We have lost a lot of experience with those who weren’t returned but the new councillors will make up for that”
The four will join existing councillors Mike Smart, Pam Townshend and Peter Lane on the seven member council, with terms expiring in October 2021.
Councillors Smart, Townshend and Lane will serve on the council with terms expiring in 2019.
Shire chief executive Gary Evershed congratulated the incoming councillors – the first to be elected under the Local Government’s new ‘no wards’ system.
“Thank you to all candidates who nominated and congratulations to the four newly elected members,” he said.
“I look forward to working with you to deliver key services and facilities and grow a sustainable, prosperous and engaged local community.
“Thank you also to everyone who turned out to vote in the election.
“We have an excellent representation of passionate and enthusiastic councillors to ensure your views are being reflected in the work of the Shire.”
The winning candidates will be officially sworn at the 25 October 2017 Special Meeting, during which the new full Council will vote to determine the positions of Shire President and Deputy Shire President for the next two years.
