Published on Tuesday, 1 August 2023 at 1:45:53 PM

Dardanup Shire President Mick Bennett might be retiring from an incredible 28 years of service to the community at the WA Local Government Elections in October, but the fire in his belly for the future of our shire and region burns bright.

With the electoral commission set to open nominations for six seats on the Dardanup Shire Council later this month, Cr Bennett is urging the creatives and the visionaries, the dreamers and the deep thinkers to consider throwing their hats in the ring.

Having been instrumental in the early stages of transformative new projects like the planned new city of Wanju, Waterloo Industrial Park and the $77 million expansion of Eaton Fair shopping centre, Cr Bennett is keen to pass the baton forward to a new generation of decision-makers that share his passion for the future.

“We’re on the cusp of some really great things happening in the next 12 to 18 months and there is so much to be positive about in our region,” Cr Bennett said.

“Councillors coming on board now will have the opportunity to be making major decisions involving proposed new manufacturing industries and others in the Waterloo Industrial Park and Picton area which will change the landscape and attract more industries and population that will really shape what life will be like in the Shire of Dardanup over coming years.”

For proof on just how decisions made by Council can be the catalyst for exciting long term change, look no further than the region-leading 1994 decision to introduce 24/7 trading which Cr Bennett will tell you he considers to be one of his greatest achievements in almost three decades of service.

“That single decision has seen the Eaton Fair Activity Centre go from strength to strength and provided significant economic stimulus already, let alone the $77 million expansion the community will see rolled out over the next couple of years,” he said.

“If you’re sitting back because you think being a Councillor is just about roads, rates and rubbish then I hope I can make you think again because it is about so much more than that.”

Cr Bennett believes passionately that local government as a sector, provides more value for effort with a heightened ability to enhance people’s lives simply because its representatives are living the very same lives they are working to improve.

This simple belief in the sector has driven his five years as a Councillor, three as Deputy Shire President and two 10-year stints as Shire President. In fact, Cr Bennett has been involved in Council life for so long that he will often share the story of introducing computers into the workplace for the first time.

Above all else he rates an honest approach and commitment to building trust-based relationships between Council and the community for “getting things done”.

If that sounds like you, visit the Elections Page of our website for information on standing for Council at the October Local Government Election.

Council Elections

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