Controversial former mayor one of four new faces for Hedland council

Voter turnout in the Town of Port Hedland local council election plunged to just 23 per cent, despite a campaign aimed at increasing it to 30 per cent this year. The Town championed the advertising campaign in September aimed at improving turnout ahead of the election at the weekend, which saw four new faces added to the council chambers. Among the additions was controversial former Town mayor Camilo Blanco. At the time of announcing the campaign, Town of Port Hedland Chief Executive Officer Carl Askew said the local authority was committed to ensuring people were aware of the opportunity to vote for local council members. “Voter turnout in the Town of Port Hedland elections has averaged 27 per cent since 2005,” Mr Askew said. But Hedland voters did not heed the call with just 2064 votes cast, despite a field of 18 residents putting their hands up for a spot on the council. Mr Blanco secured 13.6 per cent of the primary votes with 413 total votes after preferences. Coming second was Lorraine Butson with 9.1 per cent of the primary votes and 359 total votes. Ambika Rebello amassed 8.1 per cent of primary votes with 360 total votes while Sven Arentz led the pack with 415 total votes and 11.8 per cent of the primary votes. All four were due to be sworn into office on Monday evening with their terms set to last until October 16, 2027. The addition of Mr Blanco to the council table comes after it was reported in June that Mayor Peter Carter was suing Mr Blanco over claims he made in an online video. In 2019 Mr Blanco, who was serving as mayor at the time, and every other councillor was dismissed by the Local Government Minister. The decision came after Cr Carter’s resignation meant the minimum number of councillors needed to form a quorum was lost. At the time Mr Blanco said he believed the move was a plot to remove him from his position because of his criticism of the State Government “What I can see now is that there will probably be no voice within the community to address the issues I have made public,” he said. Multiple big decisions face the Town of Port Hedland in the upcoming months with the takeover of the Yacht Club still being negotiated and the heritage status of the old Marine Base out for public consultation. Cost of living, crime, youth services and education, childcare, healthcare, and retirement support are on the agenda for multiple candidates as viewed in their submission statements. Cr Gillingham and Cr Coles both lost their seats in the election as several former councillors also failed to canvas enough votes for a spot including Gloria Jacob and George Deccache. Councillors Elmar Zielke and Jason Keller did not seek re-election. Cr Zielke said his decision was based on personal reasons and he was moving back to Queensland with his family.