New Deputy Mayor Has Eyes on City’s Future

Cr Phelan, who represents the Palmyra – Melville – Willagee ward, was elected as Deputy Mayor at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Tuesday, 21 October.

She has been a Melville Councillor since 1994 and was previously Deputy Mayor from 2002-2003.

She said she had a wealth of experience, including facilitating community groups and working in community development. “I feel I can carry out the role with clarity, respect and integrity,” she said. “I am aware that the City could be facing tough times ahead and have good footing for dealing with this if it eventuates.”

Cr Phelan said she had a commitment to and passion for the City, and was looking forward to encouraging the Council and officers to seek out new solutions, creativity and innovation.

“The Councillors are a cohesive, cooperative group of individuals with diverse and valuable abilities and experiences, which makes for sound decision-making and good governance,” she said. “We need to build on our record as a proactive and progressive community."

Cr Phelan added that she was excited at the prospect of Roe Highway Stage 8 being finalised, and the benefits this would bring for the Cities of Melville, Canning, Fremantle and Cockburn. “I also want to work towards maintaining rates in the current economic climate,” she said.

Mayor Russell Aubrey said he and Cr Phelan had worked together on the Council for some time and he congratulated her on being elected as Deputy Mayor. “I am confident Cr Phelan will successfully assume the role of head of the City as required,” he said. “We have similar goals, including a shared vision for Roe 8, and I look forward to the opportunity of working closely with Cr Phelan, to make this City an even better place.”

Her role as Deputy Mayor will expire in October 2009, when another ballot will be conducted.