City of Greater Geraldton election candidates: Steve Cooper keen for second term as a ‘reasoned voice’

Steve Cooper is eyeing a second term on the council, promising voters he is a safe bet that has proven himself, and that he has the time, energy and right values to be a “reasoned voice” the community needs.

Cr Cooper is one of 13 candidates jostling for just four seats available on the Greater Geraldton council at the October 18 election.

He wants another four-year term, believing he has more to offer the community and is keen to see certain projects progress and come to fruition.

Cr Cooper said he prided himself on being transparent, accountable, diligent, responsible, an active listener and balanced decision-maker who doesn’t “make promises I can’t keep”.

“It’s all about standing up for the community, seeing through some projects, and also just being able to present to the community the values of a councillor that I think the electorate are looking for,” he said.

The retired Tafe director said rate rises had been kept down and believed they should be no more than CPI. His other priorities included greening the city with more tree canopy and shade structures, and being pro-active in protecting our beaches.

Cr Cooper is keen to support local businesses to capitalise on tourism opportunities through existing and new events and attractions, and for the council to continue working with police on tackling crime and antisocial behaviour. He also wants to see the new youth foreshore precinct and Maitland Park school bus interchange hub projects progress.

He is also advocating for the council to consider an expansion of the popular QEII Seniors and Community Centre and more inner-city parking options, including utilising extra parcels of land and investigating the feasibility of a multistorey carpark.

“I think that’s worth investigating. I’m not saying we would do it. But we need to look at the cost of it,” Cr Cooper said.

“Instead of spreading out, we might look at going up. If it’s affordable, and it doesn’t cause rate rises.”

Another hot topic on Cr Cooper’s agenda is recycling.

“What we need to do is to look more closely at implementing household waste recycling and returning roadside verge pick-up,” he said.

“I think there’s more we can do in that space. We just need to do it in an efficient manner with the budget that we’ve got . . . if it’s financially viable, then we should go ahead and do it.”

With the size of the council being cut by two members after this election, Cr Cooper wanted voters to keep in mind the increased workload that would create for the remaining eight councillors and mayor, urging them to pick the best four candidates.

“I encourage people to exercise their right to vote. Because it’s no good sitting back and if things aren’t right, then to start complaining. The best way to have your say is through the polls,” he said.

Cr Cooper said diversity on the council was important, but most crucial was having a council that was a well-functioning and well-informed team.

He said it was important for councillors to be attuned to locals’ needs and be a “conduit between the community and the council”.