Joondalup could have six new councillors after local government elections

The City of Joondalup could have as many as six new councillors after this year’s local government elections.

There are four-year terms up for grabs in the Central ward, North ward, North-Central ward, South ward, South-East ward and South-West ward.

Sitting councillors Russell Poliwka from the Central ward, Tom McLean from the North ward, John Logan from the South-East ward and Suzanne Thompson from the South ward will all be retiring in October.

There will be a heated battle for the Central ward, with six candidates contesting Cr Poliwka’s seat. They are nurse of 20 years Rebecca Pizzey, Woodvale local Suzanne Apps, business owner Stuart Crockett, small business award winner Teresa Ritchie, Cragie local Graeme Strickland and beach lover Narciso Astone.

Richard Mortimer, Mary O’Bryne, Deisy Amorin-Woods and Lewis Hutton are competing for a spot in the North ward.

Mr Hutton’s family owns Grand Boulevard Cafe in the suburb’s busy shopping precinct and he said he was committed to “reviving the Joondalup centre” if elected.

Bettina Gould and current Cr Nige Jones will contest the North-Central ward position.

Ms Bettina said if elected she would “strive to minimise rate and fee increases” for Joondalup families.

Blake Whitby, Michelle Jenkin and Rohan O’Neill are contesting a spot in the South-East ward.