MARK Chadwick will campaign for one of the six vacancies to become a City of Bunbury councilor in the 2021 local government elections.
Originally from Geraldton, Mr Chadwick, his wife and two sons moved to Bunbury in 2017 after seeking a 'change in lifestyle'.
As the current Chair of the Accordwest Board, Mr Chadwick said he was passionate about providing housing and environments for the community in order to give everyone the opportunity to 'live a long and healthy life'.
"This also means employment, education, responsible development and infrastructure and services needed to support everyone along their life's journey, be it growing up or in ones later years," Mr Chadwick said.
"My passion and experience in this region is in developing public health plans for numerous local governments in the South West, including recently for the City of Bunbury.
"I have diverse experience in areas of health, environmental sustainability, biodiversity, waste management, climate change adaptation and risk management, energy efficiency, emergency management, regional development, community engagement and more."
When asked what he thought was neglected in the City of Bunbury, Mr Chadwick said whilst the City of Bunbury had a new housing strategy to create affordable housing and alleviate the current homelessness situation, what was lacking was the finances and partnerships to implement it.
"The state government is encouraging local governments and not for profits to help it to implement innovation, by providing funding for social housing and addressing homelessness," Mr Chadwick said.
"But whilst the city needs a strong economy, it also needs strong minds and a strategically focused Council, especially during this pandemic, to become a better City for the youth and our children's futures.
"Housing for our youth, families and community will continue to be a focus for the next 12 months and beyond, and one that council can help to make a difference."
He added that the support of a local builder, volunteers, businesses for the Tiny Homes Project had shown what Bunbury could do to look after its people with an innovative idea, something he wished to continue encouraging if nominated.
"Affordable housing and homelessness is often talked about in Bunbury along with things to do for the youth. I am involved in Accordwest as its chair and I can see the city continuing to support this agency and others, to help those that need housing a wrap around support.
"A councillor may have only one vote on making council decisions, but one councillor can influence the votes of other councillor's by ensuring all decisions are taken, by first listening and understanding and debating the issues before making decisions on them."
"I believe I can be a proactive and influential council member."
On a day off, Mr Chadwick can be found swimming at the South West Sports Centre, kicking the footy at Hay Park and if he is feeling adventurous, fishing in his 'run about' boat.
To follow Mark Chadwick's campaign, visit https://www.facebook.com/MarkChadwickBunbury.
The other councillor candidates are Dr Parthasarathy Ramesh, Tresslyn Smith, Matt Foreman, Ben Andrew, Marina Quain, Daniel Singleton, Dave Chandler, Wayne Chattillon, Michelle Steck, Jaysen De San Miguel, Karen Steele and Gabi Ghassab.
The mayoral candidates are Michelle Steck, Amanda Yip, Cheryl Kozisek, Betty McCleary, Jaysen San DeMiguel, David Kerr, Michael Southwell, Alfred Leigh, Tresslyn Smith and Gabi Ghassab.
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