Julia Meldrum takes Shire of Augusta-Margaret River presidency with four councillors added

Deputy Shire president Julia Meldrum will vacate her council position to take up the reins as the new Shire of Augusta-Margaret River president. Former Shire president Paula Cristoffanini was today, October 23, returned as an elected member alongside colleague Kylie Kennaugh, with council newcomers Nicki Jones and Greg Boland also winning through in this year’s local government election. Due to Cr Meldrum’s vacancy, Mr Boland – a lawyer, former three-term City of Cottesloe councillor as well as an ex-Greens WA candidate – would finish Cr Meldrum’s two-year term and be up for re-election in 2025. Unlike past years, confirmation of the election results weren’t possible until Monday due to the introduction of a popular vote for the presidency as well as an optional preferential voting system that complicated the count. The deputy position would be voted for on Wednesday morning during a special council meeting before new members get to whet their teeth on the first new council meeting that night. The election results will also push the Shire council deeper into concerns around climate change and the environment, with Crs Cristoffanini and Meldrum as well as Mr Boland spruiking strong green credentials also delivered by existing member Tracey Muir who has ties to Nature Conservation Margaret River Region. The Times understands members of the Margaret River Regional Environment Centre as well as Preserve Gnarabup doorknocked and campaigned strongly on behalf of some of those elected. Despite those efforts, Cr Meldrum’s presidential win was a close affair, scoring 38.83 per cent of the vote against Cr Kennaugh’s 36.7 per cent – with reining president Cr Cristoffanini third on just 24.46 per cent despite a strong social media campaign. Cr Cristoffanini came under fire during the election for community concerns relating to the alleged lack of council independence from the Shire itself. Cr Kennaugh’s strong presidential showing flowed through into her council vote, garnering the biggest support determined by the WA Electoral Commission at 26.04 per cent of first-choice votes. Augusta’s Ms Jones was second on 19.65 per cent and Cr Cristoffanini third on 16.76 per cent. The final result meant local businesswoman and ex-Margaret River Chamber of Commerce president Melissa d’Ath failed to win through despite strong support from preferences, and former developer and part-time resident Reg Gillard also did not secure a council seat. Mr Gillard faced a backlash from some residents, led by the Gracetown-Cowaramup Bay Community group who disliked his involvement in State agency Development WA. Diane Fischer languished with just 2.59 per cent of backers. A 35.02 per cent voter return rate was one of the best in the State for non-compulsory local elections.