Councillor’s resignation sparks need for election

A City of Karratha councillor who represents the Dampier ward has announced she will resign before her term expires, sparking the need for local government to hold an election for her seat.

Councillor Georgia Evans joined council in October 2017 and has been involved in the final design and construction of the Dampier Palms and Hampton Oval Redevelopment.

Cr Evans said highlights included seeing the new foreshore playgrounds, barbecue areas, green spaces and walkways come to life to showcase Dampier’s natural assets.

“It has been a real honour during this time to have lots of great conversations with residents about what they love about Dampier, but also where they want to see change,” she said. “I have learnt so much about our amazing community and myself in the process.

“It is an exciting time for Dampier over the next few years with the finalisation of the Rio Tinto Dampier Lands Transfer and the Dampier master plan.

Dampier is a great town to represent so I am sure whoever the next Dampier ward councillor is, they will continue to work with residents and council to bring to fruition community facilities that support our outdoor lifestyle, sense of community and economy.”

Mayor Peter Long thanked Cr Evans for her contributions and said it was important to have a Dampier voice on the council.

“Very sad to see Councillor Evans go, of course,” he said. “It’s been wonderful the work that she has done.”

Cr Evans’ early departure has prompted the need for an election as she was the only councillor representing the Dampier ward.

The election is set to be conducted by the WA Electoral Commission on February 26 at a cost of $10,000.

Cr Evans is resigning because of relocation and family priorities.