Shire of Harvey President Paul Gillett has announced his intention not to challenge the October Local Government Presidential Election.
The Shire President advised Council during the Agenda Briefing Meeting on Tuesday, 18 July that he would not contest the position and will step down from Council.
"Today I am announcing that I will not be running for President in the upcoming elections and am stepping down as a Councillor for the Shire of Harvey,” Shire President Gillett said.
"I was elected Shire President for the Shire of Harvey in 2021 after a long career in local government totalling 19 years, six of those with the Shire of Harvey.”
“This is not a decision I have taken lightly. I am very proud of what we have achieved as a Council and believe now is the right time to step away from the job I love."
First elected onto Council in 2017, he became Shire President in 2019.
With a long held passion for his local community, he led Council in the development of plans focusing on youth, arts and culture, community safety and crime prevention, access and inclusion and most recently, early years’ development.
During his term in office, the Shire implemented a comprehensive capital works program including upgrades to roads, footpaths, recreation and community facilities.
“The Shire of Harvey is one of Western Australia’s fastest growing local government with some of the lowest unemployment rates in the State,” Shire President Gillett said.
“I believe the Shire has an exciting future and continues to be a great place to live.”
Shire President Gillett will continue in the role until 20 October, 2023.
The Shire of Harvey is seeking candidates for four vacant Council positions and Shire President in the upcoming elections.
For more information, view our Ordinary Elections Update.