Environment centre invites Albany candidates to make positions clear ahead of local government election

Candidates campaigning in this year’s City of Albany election will have the opportunity to address concerns raised by the community on Friday.

Just a day after the eight-day nomination period for the October 21 election closes on Thursday, the Albany Community Environment Centre will invite candidates to respond to questions from individuals and groups in a controlled setting.

Representatives from a number of environmental groups will present their concerns to council and mayoral candidates who will then have three minutes each to respond.

Diane Evers will facilitate the forum to ensure all candidates are given an equal opportunity to respond to questions and inform the community about their position on environmental concerns.

She said issues raised at the forum would be wide-ranging.

“Issues will include biodiversity, mining, clearing of remnant bushland, climate readiness, sustainable planning and water management,” she said.

“It should be an interesting and intriguing night, given the range of candidates who have already declared their intentions to stand, for mayor, or council, or both.”

She said it was important to gauge the position of multiple candidates because of the preferential voting system that will be introduced for this year’s local government elections across WA.

“That means if your first preference doesn’t make it through, at least you get some say in the final vote count,” she said.

Community members are invited to attend to meet the candidates, listen to them speak and ask questions.

The forum will take place at the City of Albany Public Library from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

“We haven’t been able to contact all candidates yet, and would really appreciate a full house,” Ms Evers said.

“So if there are any candidates that have not yet heard from us, please join us to address the community concerns.”