Beeliar ward councillor Lindsay Holland has been forced to call time on his council career after moving to Southern River, delivering a parting shot as he exits local government.
Cr Holland, who has served on Canning council since 2015, said he had no choice but to resign after purchasing a new home in the Gosnells suburb.
“Because I no longer live in the City of Canning, according to the rules I was advised that had to happen, that’s why I’ve tendered my resignation because I had no choice,” he said.
“It’s a shame.
“If I had the choice I certainly would have continued on until the next election.”
Over his seven years on council Cr Holland, who attended his final meeting at last night’s agenda forum meeting, has been instrumental in the demolition of Brownley Towers and he construction of the Willetton Basketball Stadium.
He believes the City of Canning council is improving, but had some sage advice for whoever would replace him on council.
“I think council is getting better and better as they go along.
I’m very proud of some of the things I’ve achieved since I came onto council, there’s quite a lot I’ve got done in the last seven years, but it took a lot of work.
“It was really worthwhile though, it was good to do the community service, of course I’ve been involved in community service for over 30 years.
“It’s just been great to serve the community.
“The most important thing I would tell anyone taking this role is to be totally independent.
“Council at the moment is independent from political parties as far as I can see, in that respect, but it’s good to be unaligned with anyone in there, to be completely your own individual, represent your community and make your decisions on every single issue on the merits of every single issue.
“I think I was one of the few who did that.”
While Mayor Patrick Hall said he wished to acknowledge Cr Holland’s contributions, Cr Holland was highly critical of Mr Hall’s defamation case against ratepayer Richard Aldridge.
“I’m disappointed that anyone is coming to the stage of suing people for defamation, I find that just a bit… I find that disappointing.
“I think it’s strange you would be in that position and feel the need to do that, it’s not my cup of tea.
“If anyone wants to disagree with me then go right ahead, we’ve all got our own opinion.
“It is a shame that this has happened, I find that very disappointing.”
Mr Hall said the city is exploring avenues to hold the vacancy open until the October 2023 election in order to avoid the costs involved in holding a by-election – approximately $50,000 – for what would be a short timeframe of office, with the successful candidate in a by-election only serving the remainder of Cr Holland’s term.
He said the city will be directed by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries on this matter.
