City of Greater Geraldton election candidates: Jesse Steele to bring fresh energy to council

Geraldton Senior High School teacher Jesse Steele wants to help shape the city’s growth while protecting the surfing, fishing and camping lifestyle he says makes Geraldton unique.

Mr Steele has launched a bid for council, wanting a seat at the table where decisions are made that affect the community.

Born and raised in Geraldton, Mr Steele is now raising his own family in the city.

“We love the lifestyle, there’s truly no better place to live, work, and raise a family,” he said.

Mr Steele said his decision to nominate was driven by a desire to protect Geraldton’s coastal and sporting character for the next generation.

“I’m passionate about protecting what makes Geraldton a great place to live, not just for us, but for the next generation,” he said.

Mr Steele brings more than 15 years of experience across local government, education, and community work. As well as empowering the next generation through his teaching, he has served as the city’s coordinator of youth development securing funding for youth diversion programs and helped shape the city’s community safety and crime prevention plan.

He holds a Master of Community Development, a Bachelor of Arts, a Diploma in Business and Management and is completing a Graduate Diploma in Education.

Mr Steele said council faced the challenge of balancing cost-of-living pressures with the delivery of essential services.

“We must keep rates low while continuing to deliver essential services like the QEII Senior and Community Centre, the library and Aquarena, kerbside collection and ideally recycling as well as core infrastructure like roads and rubbish services. Delivering all this while remaining within the parameters of the budget is a delicate balance,” he said.

Looking ahead, Mr Steele said he saw opportunities in several major projects, including the Maitland Park redevelopment and the Foreshore Youth Precinct upgrade. He also supports an artificial reef project similar to the one in Albany, here at Back Beach to boost sustainable tourism.

“It’s vital that we manage growth in a way that preserves Geraldton’s coastal and sporting lifestyle, the very things that make our city unique,” he said.

Mr Steele is one of 13 candidates who have nominated to fill four vacant seats at the October 18 election.

If he is elected, he has listed community safety, easing cost-of-living pressures, thoughtful development and financial responsibility as his key areas of focus.

“I believe genuine community consultation is key to achieving strong outcomes for Greater Geraldton. When we work together, we build a stronger, more inclusive future,” he said.

Mr Steele said the council “needed fresh energy and new perspectives” — and he would bring both to the role of councillor.