Kim ‘Butch’ Parker standing for council re-election with Geraldton coast and public housing front of mind

Councillor Kim ‘Butch’ Parker is hopeful to be re-elected to the City of Greater Geraldton, declaring the council is running smoothly with great ideas around the table. The window supply business owner and first-term councillor has lived in Geraldton his whole life and said he wanted to see the city thrive for his children and grandchildren. He has a focus on keeping the Geraldton lifestyle relaxed, with a well-maintained coast and enough housing for everyone. Dealing with the public everyday, Cr Parker said he was always willing to sit down and listen to their concerns about the way City of Greater Geraldton was heading. The local’s passion for Geraldton’s beaches means he considers coastal erosion a “major priority” and believes in improving fishing for future generations while maintaining a lifestyle without the “hustle and bustle”. After all, Cr Parker’s favourite spot in Geraldton is the Beresford Foreshore. He feels the City should be pushing for more public housing and making land available for developers to address homelessness. “New community housing has been lacking the past 10 years with very few houses getting built,” Cr Parker said. Cr Parker said he believed the City and authorities were doing their best to solve crime in Geraldton, but said it was blatantly happening. “As a business owner, I see (crime) on a daily basis. Police and other agencies are doing a great job,” he said. Cr Parker said he believed the funds allocated towards the Voice to Parliament referendum advertising campaign should have been put into capital works program for roads and new housing. He said he would campaign for the Federal and State governments to provide cheaper airfares to boost tourism and encourage more visitors to the city. With all of this in mind, Cr Parker said the council and its leadership team had performed well. “The auditors have just said that we are in the top 20 of local governments, so that is saying something about accountability and capital works have been done,” he said. “Rates in the past four years have only gone up a minimal increase, while COVID-19 having no increase in rates and capital works was still achieved. “The council is running very smoothly with great ideas around the table.” Mr Parker previously voted no to increasing councillors’ payments and said he was concerned about the low voter turnout at the election. Votes in the postal election will be counted on Saturday, October 16. Cr Parker is one of 16 candidates vying for four councillor positions.