Augusta-Margaret River council elections: Rate rises, development and shire staffing debated by candidates at forum

A community forum at the Margaret River Hotel on Wednesday night heard four of five local election candidates air their views on a range of issues including rates rises, the main street redevelopment, and staffing at the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River. Paula Cristoffanini, Robert McDonald, Kylie Kennaugh and Peter Griffyn fronted a small crowd of about 25 ratepayers, while businessman Terry Nichols sat in for Brian Daniel, who was caught up in Perth. Mr Nichols said he and eight major main street operators, including Rotary’s Terry Hutchings and Augusta Hotel owner Jim Challis, had interviewed all the candidates — and endorsed Mr Daniel. “We were very concerned about the way the Shire has been going,” Mr Nichols said. “And we all believe Brian is one of the people you should put on your ballots.” Candidates had five minutes to spruik themselves, with all outlining their credentials in business and community service. Both Mr McDonald and Ms Kennaugh are past local government councillors. There was some consensus about bringing the Shire’s focus back to “core business”, though Mr Griffyn and Ms Cristoffanini also stressed the importance of the environment underpinning the region’s success. A question-and-answer session hosted by Chamber of Commerce president Steve Castan covered a range of issues, but debate spilled outside the realm of local government, especially when discussing Margaret River’s economic woes. Echoed in this week’s Letters (Page 6), there were many mentions of the Shire being “top-heavy” and insulated from the economics challenging the region’s small businesses. Ms Cristoffanini noted councillors had to follow strict governance protocols, with any concerns about the Shire’s structure to be put through its chief executive — councillors’ sole employee. Mr McDonald said the Shire’s business model was not the same for the commercial sector, which “is carrying the rest of the community”. Ms Kennaugh said she didn’t want to see rates rises “at all”. Others questioned whether staffing cuts could relieve Shire costs. Mr Griffyn said elected members needed a close look at the books before making any pledges. Other items included affordable housing, Airbnb, the lack of local transport, and how to support businesses during next year’s main street upheaval.