Harvey Shire president Paul Gillett announces he will not run in October elections

Shire of Harvey president Paul Gillett has announced he will not challenge in the local government elections in October.

Mr Gillet told council during a meeting on Tuesday night that he would be stepping down from the council and does not intend to run again.

“Today I am announcing that I will not be running for president in the upcoming elections, and I am stepping down as councillor for the Shire of Harvey,” he said.

“This is not a decision I have taken lightly. I am very proud of what we have achieved as a council and believe now is the right time to step away from the job I love.”

Mr Gillett first joined the council in 2017 and was elected president in 2019.

In that time, he led the council in the development of plans focusing on youth, arts and culture, community and crime prevention, as well as capital programs to upgrade roads and recreation facilities.

Mr Gillett said he was proud of what he and his council had achieved during his tenure.

“The Shire of Harvey is one of Western Australia’s fastest growing local government with some of the lowest unemployment rates in the state,” he said.

“I believe the Shire has an exciting future and continues to be a great place to live.”

The Shire is seeking candidates for four vacant council positions and now the position of president in the elections in October.

Mr Gillett will continue his duties until October 20.