Geraldton councillors debate whether to keep Mullewa and Walkaway meetings

Regional agenda forums were a hot topic at Tuesday night’s City of Greater Geraldton council meeting as councillors debated whether to keep Mullewa and Walkaway meetings.

The 2023 council meeting schedule contains two agenda forums in Mullewa and one in Walkaway.

The council voted 8-3 to maintain its itinerary, despite councillor Michael Reymond saying the meetings were “inefficient” and “did not make sense”.

He highlighted the travel, cost and time required for staff and councillors to attend them.

Instead, Cr Reymond suggested councillors take a full day to go out to these communities and speak with residents.

“We need to make a conscious effort to go out to Walkaway and Mullewa, rather than a staged effort,” he said.

Mayor Shane Van Styn agreed, saying there could be better ways for people in these communities to engage with the council.

“Actually spend some time out and about, go out there and meet the people in Mullewa,” he said.

“Don’t just sit there in your ivory tower.”

Mullewa local Cr Tarleah Thomas said it was crucial these meetings continued and councillors “showed their face” in these communities.

Cr Steve Cooper said it was “imperative” the council go out and represent the regions.

“If we don’t make the effort in a formalised meeting, we are losing something,” he said.