Local Government Elections 2025: City of Albany candidates share why you should vote for them

In the lead-up to the upcoming October 18 local government election, the Advertiser contacted all 23 candidates vying for four vacant positions in the City of Albany council, including incumbent councillors Malcolm Traill, Tom Brough, Amanda Cruse, Robert Sutton and Delma Baesjou.

They were asked the following four questions:

1. What experiences and values will you bring to the role of councillor?
2. What do you consider the five most pressing issues in the City of Albany?
3. How would you address the above?
4. Describe your perfect day in the City of Albany.

Each candidate was given a maximum of 100 words per answer and several days to respond. They appear below in ballot order.

Here are the candidates that responded from 7 - 12 in the ballot.

Name: Juliet Bateman

Profession: Project manager

Age: 56

Time lived in LGA: 25 years

Q1: With 25 years in the Albany community, I bring strong values of integrity, collaboration and environmental stewardship. My professional background in health, business and project management has equipped me with skills in consultation, evidence-based decision-making and strategic planning. As chair of the Torbay Catchment Group and in my position at UWA, I work with government, industry and community to deliver practical environmental and health outcomes. I value transparency, inclusivity and sustainable growth that protects Albany’s unique natural environment. My approach is to listen first, seek balanced solutions and ensure council decisions reflect community priorities, and long-term environmental and social wellbeing.

Q2: Environmental protection — safeguarding Albany’s remaining bushland (e.g. Yakamia Forest), biodiversity corridors and waterways through stronger land management and responsible urban planning. Affordable and appropriate housing — promoting higher-density, sustainable developments to ease housing pressures for young families and seniors. Aged care and community support — expanding local initiatives to help older residents live safely at home longer and reduce pressure on aged care services. Infrastructure and transport — improving walkability, cycle paths and public transport links to support healthy neighbourhood design. Transparency and community engagement — strengthening consultation and accountability to ensure council decisions genuinely reflect community priorities.

Q3: I would advocate for stronger environmental policies that prevent unnecessary clearing, enhance habitat restoration and embed sustainability into all planning decisions. To address housing challenges, I support incentives for smaller, higher-density dwellings within existing serviced areas to keep housing affordable and reduce urban sprawl. For seniors, I would champion local programs that provide home safety audits, transport options and small grants for home modifications. Improving active transport networks —footpaths, bike trails and public transport — will strengthen accessibility and community wellbeing. Finally, I would promote open communication and transparent decision-making by encouraging early and genuine community consultation on all major developments.

Q4: My perfect day in Albany would begin with a morning walk through the Yakamia or Torndirrup bushland, listening to the birdlife and appreciating our incredible biodiversity. I’d then visit the farmers market for fresh local produce and coffee, catching up with familiar faces and feeling that strong sense of community that makes Albany special. An afternoon spent swimming at Cosy Corner or exploring one of our stunning coastal trails would be followed by a relaxed evening with family and friends, sharing local food and wine while watching the sunset — a reminder of how fortunate we are to live here.

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Name: Merlyn Moon

Profession: Freelance filmmaker/photographer

Age: 41

Time lived in LGA: Most of my life

Q1: I have a degree in communications and a background in film, TV and photography. My work has always been in high-pressure hierarchical environments, with strict time and budget constraints that require you to have the ability to creatively think on your feet. As far as values, I believe it’s good to have a strong moral compass; I believe in respectful discourse. I don’t think it’s conducive to Albany to stoke hate and division within it. We can have our differences, but it’s important to remember that we’re all a part of the same community.

Q2: Reckless environmental destruction, damage and habitat loss. The slow death of our CBD. Housing. Developing the marina, connecting Anzac Peace Park with York Street. Foreign land ownership.

Q3: Forward-thinking planning. There are creative ways to develop Albany without bulldozing bush. Environment is the number one drawcard for Albany. CBD rents; we have to work with owners for a solution, otherwise the main street will be a ghost town. Consolidated housing rather than endless urban sprawl. Changing zoning laws and removing some subdivision fees. The marina foreshore is a disgrace. Link to the Anzac Centre and Anzac Peace Park. With virtual reality and signs, we could share our history with visitors. Esplanade Hotel was destroyed 19 years ago. Change foreign ownership by-laws in Albany. The sandpit there is unacceptable.

Q4: Wake up at 5am, sun’s shining, pick up mates and head for a surf at Dingas, or Ron Dogs. We’re greeted there by big, spitting barrels — it’s pumping! Pig out on pits, get greeted by dolphins, even a whale, but no sharks. Take the family to Dune for lunch and beers. Chill, then take the kids for a stroll at Middleton Beach — great sunset. Home for kids’ bedtime. We have a babysitter lined-up, so we head to the Albany Entertainment Centre for a show, then Liberte for dinner and a nightcap. Home and in bed asleep by 9pm.

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Name: Jennifer McRae

Profession: Clinical registered nurse (former)

Age: 53

Time lived in LGA: 40 plus years

Q1: Living overseas and working across Australia, I can claim we are incredibly privileged to live here. As a former clinical registered nurse, I come with transferable skills, including strong advocacy and the ability to work to a tight budget and schedule. I am hardworking, notice fine details, have good listening skills and am reliable and trustworthy. I led the campaign for the WA parliamentary inquiry into forced adoption. I had a lot of doors slammed in my face but refused to accept “No”. I kept going until I succeeded. I will bring this extraordinary level of determination to council.

Q2: Permanent preservation of the Yakamia Forest. Housing/homelessness. Enhanced protection for City of Albany staff. Rates. Loss of local businesses from the CBD/York street precinct.

Q3: Gift the Yakamia Forest to the people of Albany, as a bicentennial park. Review the current by-laws for Airbnb properties. Offer financial incentives for homeowners to return their property to the residential rental market. Zero tolerance policy to harassment of City of Albany employees. Implement community-wide information sharing, training, security measures and counter disinformation strategies. A transparent review into the 2025 rate rise with a clear outcome and commitment. Financial incentives for CBD small business owners and landlords. Support fledgling start-ups, pop-up shops and other innovations especially during the busy tourism months.

Q4: The day always begins with a strong coffee on the veranda. On a “perfect” day, I’d be indulging with a sweet pastry from a local bakery. My morning would be spent in the garden, followed by a delicious lunch at one of our fabulous eateries. In the afternoon you’d find me hiking one of Albany’s many walking trails or swimming at Hope Street beach with our dogs. On a really perfect day, you’ll find me enjoying a cold beverage on another veranda overlooking the Albany Town Hall.

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Name: Tamara Frewen

Profession: Not supplied

Age: Not supplied

Time lived in LGA: 14 years

Q1: As former pub owner, small business operator, and mother, I can relate to the real issues Albany faces. I will speak up for the people with honesty, action and no hidden agendas, just a genuine drive to see Albany thrive.

Q2: Wasteful spending funding Pride. Zero accountability or transparency. Lack of community consultation; decisions made behind closed doors. Personal agendas in play. Council out of touch with what matters to locals.

Q3: If elected, I will cut wasteful spending like Pride funding and put ratepayers’ money to work on essentials: roads, waste and family friendly spaces. I will demand transparency and accountability, ensure the community is heard before decisions are made and stop personal agendas from driving council. Albany deserves a council focused on real issues that matter to locals.

Q4: If I’m not spending it with my beautiful children or fabulous clients, you’ll find me stopping at Southern Bites for their crispy pork spring rolls, or grabbing a bacon and cheese toasted sandwich from my new favourite, Retro Van. Then I’ll be off to find a nice quiet beach to relax and recharge.

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Name: Fabian Hardey

Profession: Bluegum forestry machine operator

Age: 47

Time lived in LGA: Not supplied

Q1: I am experienced in community, youth work and school chaplaincy. I am aware of community needs and hope to work with local community services to see how the City of Albany can assist within its remit. I grew up on farms and have worked in viticulture and forestry. I aim to work with other farmers to make sure rural residents and businesses are represented. As a student of agricultural engineering, I am aware of agriculture and environmental systems and how they can be affected by development upstream. I will develop long-term plans and assess the impact of current projects.

Q2: Housing affordability, broader ratepayer funding, rural roads and services, public transport and electricity prices.

Q3: I will push for more land be released for housing and ways to reduce the cost of building. Ratepayer funds on projects that benefit the majority of the community, not special interest groups. These events need to be safe for all ages. Rural roads and services need to be maintained. A larger network of bus routes with smaller buses can better service the community. I will investigate a modular coal-fired power station or other systems to provide reliable, affordable baseload electricity to our region. I will reject any projects that waste ratepayer funds for so-called green energy and climate alarmism.

Q4: My perfect day in Albany would be four-wheel-driving to a beach or a forest to spend time exploring and enjoying nature with friends and family.

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Name: James Macfarlane

Profession: Farm management consultant

Age: 48

Time lived in LGA: Not supplied

Q1: As a management consultant, it’s my job to analyse the inner workings of a business, highlighting strengths and weaknesses for the sake of improving efficiency, productivity and profitability. I believe these skills are essential for a councillor to possess. Without solid analysis ability, it is not possible to provide unbiased, educated input or to make properly informed decisions.

Q2: Imbalance of political persuasion on council, leading to unfair and poor decision-making. Poor and improper use of ratepayer funds. Poor road conditions, lack of basic road safety, lengthy and poor-quality road repairs. Waste collection service needs improvement — bigger bins, weekly collections. Lack of availability, and lack of willingness to listen to and act upon resident concerns.

Q3: Community consultation — focus groups, questionnaires, open forums. Creation of a well-planned strategy based on community needs.

Q4: I chose to move here based on all Albany has to offer. Albany is the perfect blend of city and country living. It’s just a shame it’s run so poorly. Improvement will only come through sensible governance, which I hope to be a part of.