Town of Cambridge and City of Nedlands mayors Keri Shannon and Fiona Argyle fighting to keep top roles

The mayors of the western suburbs’ two biggest councils will face challengers from within their ranks at next month’s local government elections. Town of Cambridge mayor of eight-years Keri Shannon officially renominated on Thursday — just hours before the 4pm deadline. Six residents are vying for the top job including councillors Gary Mack, Jane Cutler and Xavier Carr, vocal City Beach local Basil Palassis and perennial political candidate Anthony Fels. Ms Shannon — a lawyer and Cambridge resident of more than 20 years — said it had been an honour to serve the community. “I have delivered the local planning strategy and new local planning scheme to protect the town against unplanned density as well as put water into Perry Lakes,” she said. “We improved governance and lowered rates, however, there is still work to do. “Going forward we need to masterplan the traffic, parking and canopy around the density precincts to protect residential amenity and ensure liveable neighbourhoods. “We also need to improve the town’s financial management and budget process and continue sustainability initiatives. “I would be humbled if the community trusted me to act in their interests for another term and finish the work.” Cr Carr said he would fight for lower rates, sensible planning policies, fixing local traffic issues and the environment. Mr Palassis, a financial adviser and vocal critic of the council, said he wanted to improve Cambridge’s performance, property planning and customer services. “I am to work productively with the council and the administration team to return to normal service and keep the quality lifestyle and amenities we enjoy,” he said. Mr Fels was an Upper House MP for the Liberal Party from 2005-2008. He resigned from the party in 2008 after being found in contempt of Parliament but remained a politician until 2009, having attempted to start the People Against Daylight Saving Party before joining the Family First Party. The Floreat resident has made several attempts to revive his political career at State and Federal level as an independent, for Katter’s Australian Party, the Non-Custodial Parents Party (Equal Parenting), the United Australia Party and a member of One Nation. Most recently he ran for the Western Australian Party at an Upper House by-election in the State’s north brought about by Nationals MP Vince Catania’s resignation in 2022. In his candidate statement, Mr Fels said “he was not interested in more than one term on council” and he would “abolish the council legal policy”. “Cambridge has become a totally dysfunctional council with too many lawyers,” he said. “Councillors and staff must serve us, the ratepayers. “Keep lawyers and politics out of local government.” City of Nedlands incumbent mayor Fiona Argyle will fight to hold on to the top job for a full term against councillors Ben Hodsdon and Noel Youngman. Ms Argyle first donned the mayoral chains in June 2021 following the resignation of Cilla De Lacy. In her candidate statement, Ms Argyle said there was more work to be done. “I stand for conservative management, superior representation and the creation of a world-leading green city,” she said. “I will ensure a professional council with a clear vision, acting in the best interests of the ratepayers. “Since becoming mayor, Nedlands has made giant strides in council conduct, environmental protection, community representation, smart planning, fiscal management, sports and culture.” However, Ms Argyle has not been nominated as a ward candidate, meaning if she misses out she will not have a seat on council. Crs Hodsdon and Youngman won’t face re-election until 2025. Cr Hodsdon — a cafe owner and former teacher — has served on the council for the past two decades including as deputy mayor. He said delivering underground power to the entire city would be a priority. “We have gone through a process of restructuring and saving a bit of money, but probably living in a bit of a bubble of zero rate increase in the last four or five years and I think the public infrastructure that we have isn’t being maintained to a safe and satisfactory standard that represents the area,” he said. Cr Hodsdon said he would be focused on alternative ways of greening the city by planting more trees on verges and public park lands. Cr Youngman, who was first elected in 2020, said he was also focused on completing underground power and “restoring dignity” to the city. “Unity will be restored to council, releasing the stalemate of decision making, enabling sensible progress,” he said. “I will regain access to State Government through established relationships with decision makers. “I will ensure our older residents are respected, valued and provided with services to enhance their quality of life.” After his Coastal Ward seat was abolished under this year’s local government reforms, deputy mayor Leo McManus is running in the Hollywood ward against newcomers Melanie Pollard and Allana West. Cr Fergus Bennett was the only candidate to nominate for the Dalkeith ward.