Manjimup candidates have their say
The four candidates for the Manjimup Shire Council coastal ward position met in Northcliffe last week for a debate.
Barbara Bachos and Graham Munro
Paul Owens and Robert Taylor
Barbara Bachos, Graham Munro, Paul Owens and Robert Taylor opened the debate on November 18 with opening addresses about themselves and their experience.
Brian Ede – former Labor leader of the Northern Territory Opposition – chaired the debate and said it was encouraging to see so many people there.
“Despite it being hay-making season, about 10 per cent of the voting population in the ward attended the debate,” he said.
“That’s a compliment to Northcliffe and the organisers of the event.”
Mr Ede said the impression he gathered from the event was there were two distinct ideas forming for the future of the ward.
One idea was for the maintenance of the current Northcliffe and surrounds lifestyle and the other was for the development of the region to increase tourism.
“I wouldn’t say it was a divide, but the differences were there,” Mr Ede said.
“Three of the councillors were promoting the development of Windy Harbour as a future growth driver.
“The other councillor was promoting the focus on maintaining the current Northcliffe lifestyle.”
Mr Ede said despite the difference in opinions about the issues, the candidates and the audience were polite about the process.
"People cleverly made their points without rancour,” he said.
Mr Ede said the whole event was a credit to the Northcliffe Community Development Group.
“They had the foresight to put this together, it gave voters a clearer idea of where candidates stood on issues,” he said.
“All that’s left now is for people to have their say.”
Voting for the three-year term will be held at the Northcliffe Town Hall on Saturday from 8am to 6pm.
