Twelve vie to restore Shire of Exmouth standing

As Exmouth heads towards its most important local government election in 50 years, 12 residents representing a wide gamut of interests in the town have put their hands up to lead.

The Shire of Exmouth has been operating under the guidance of commissioner Ian Fletcher since January, after the Corruption and Crime Commission suspended and then sacked the previous council.

It is fitting perhaps, that one month after celebrating 50 years since the birth of Exmouth, the local government will undergo its own rebirth as six new residents are elected to the council.

Mr Fletcher said he was confident the 12 nominees would keep Exmouth heading down the right path.

“Exmouth is a beautiful place, one of the most beautiful places in the world, and it has to be protected and preserved, but equally we have to see economic development in balance with that to create opportunities for young people in particular so they can stay here,” he said.

“What I would expect and what I will look back with pride on is that Exmouth will be the place that people say ‘if you want to go see how it is done, and done properly, go to Exmouth’.”

Several changes have been made to the leadership structure in the Shire of Exmouth following the CCC report. The number of executive managers has been reduced from six to three and a new chief executive has been hired.

Two new positions have also been created —ommercial and community executive manager; and governance nature manager.

The election will signal the end of Mr Fletcher’s tenure, but he has agreed to return to Exmouth to provide comment and guidance at the first ordinary council meeting on November 7 should he be needed.