New faces sworn in

Two new faces will run the shire councils of Broomehill-Tambellup and Gnowangerup following swearing-in ceremonies held last week.

Tambellup farmer Garry Sheridan has been elected as the new Broomehill-Tambellup Shire president, with Scott Thompson as deputy.

Cr Sheridan has been part of council since its amalgamation with Broomehill in 2008 and has previously been deputy and acting president after Barry Webster resigned.

“I was keen to get onto council and try and help the community as a team, I hope to keep the Shire going forward in a positive manner,” he said.

Cr Sheridan said he would like to see projects progress, including the seniors unit block in Tambellup, and the creation of a Broomehill regional archives repository for the shires in the Southern Link Voluntary Regional Organisation of Councils — Broomehill-Tambellup, Plantagenet, Cranbrook and Kojonup.

“I would like to see gardens kept up, making the towns as attractive as they can be,” he said.

“Also being a farmer, roads are very important in the Shire, there’s a lot of grain moved around.”

Gnowangerup farmer Keith House has been elected as Gnowangerup Shire president, with Fiona Gaze deputy.

Cr House has sat on council for four years, with the last two as deputy.

“It’s a very new council which is quite exciting,” he said.

“I’m interested in the local government reform process, making it more transparent and carrying out the strategic plan.”

Cr House said one of the main projects on the horizon for council was the construction of the new Gnowangerup swimming pool, worth almost $2.5 million.

He said the Shire faced funding challenges as it was not part of the Southern Link VROC.

Woodanilling, Wagin and Cranbrook returned the same presidents and deputies.

Kojonup and Kent shire councillors are set to be sworn in this month, with presidents and deputies elected at the ceremonies.