Two candidates to battle for South ward seat

Leading up to the local government elections, the Nannup Shire has a mixed bag with one contested seat, three candidates elected unopposed and one chair left vacant on the council.

Deputy Shire president Robin Mellema and Ian Gibb are fighting over the South ward seat up for grabs on October 16.

While Charles Gilbert who was filling the Central ward seat of Vince Corlett and returning councillors Chris Buckland and Vicki Hansen, running in the Central and North ward respectively, have all been elected unopposed.

The North ward seat of retiring Cr Cate Stevenson has been left empty after no one stepped forward to nominate for the position and will remain vacant after the election.

The Manjimup-Bridgetown Times has looked at the two Nannup residents battling it out for the South ward seat.

Ian Gibb

I have been in business from 16, I have employed over 50 staff with a turnover of $12m, earning respect for my integrity, honesty and work ethic by customers, staff and my peers.

This is the experience I would bring to the Nannup Shire Council.

I see opportunities for Nannup that will bring jobs and economic activity to Nannup without losing Nannup’s charm.

I was a driving force while in the Nannup music club that saw the club purchase their home in Brockman Street.

I currently have a leadership role as Nannup State Emergency Service’s deputy manager. As president of the Nannup Chamber of Commerce and Industry, we have either recommended or been instrumental in projects such as the stripes in the forest, banner on the Warren, the Experience Nannup app and the expansion of the business signs at each end of town.

Robin Mellema

As deputy Shire president I have been involved in many serious decision making processes where I always weigh up all aspects and impacts of the issue and balance this across the needs of the community.

My role as chief bushfire control officer over the past six seasons clearly demonstrates I have the welfare, health and safety of all of the community high on my list of priorities.

Throughout my many years in local government I have always endeavoured to keep our rates at a reasonable and relatively affordable level.

As much as rates are a burden on us all, I believe the burden should be shared equitably across all of our community.

I am pleased to see the growth in our community, with new developments, both commercial and tourist-based, steadily improving infrastructure and many other improvements occurring in our Shire.