Councillor's bid for city accessibility

Newly re-elected Deputy Mayor Brendan Kelly has vowed to continue his ambitious bid to make Bunbury the most accessible regional city in Australia.

Cr Kelly was reappointed to the position after he won a ballot 7-6 from Cr James Hayward at Tuesday night's meeting.

The candidates spoke for five minutes to their fellow councillors before the votes were cast.

Cr Kelly told the South Western Times it was privilege to be elected deputy mayor for the third time.

He said he wanted to promote Bunbury as an accessible and inclusive city, noting that his campaign had gained attention across the State.

"I want everybody to have the opportunity to partake in the benefits provided by Bunbury's progressive outlook," he said.

"Ultimately we are blessed as a community to have our place in the sun, part of the great South West of WA.

"I am honoured to be a part of a team that is forward thinking and dedicated to working for the community benefit."

Before the vote, Mayor Gary Brennan used his usual time for public announcements to reveal the council's priority projects for the next two years of his four-year term.

The biggest announcement was his desire for the council to create a civic and cultural precinct in the CBD, which would include the council building.

"A development sympathetic to the area would complement existing community buildings along the southern parts of Wittenoom Street, including the Bunbury Regional Art Galleries, council gardens and the city's administration building, the courthouse complex, police station and Boulters Heights," Mr Brennan said.

Mr Brennan also wanted to continue with the development of the Leschenault Inlet by creating a park on Blair Street and connecting Bicentennial Square to the inlet.

The development of Withers, the Tuart Brook Estate and a new council depot in the light industrial area were among the other three priorities for the council.

"Council is very eager to see the momentum continue on a range of other projects, including the construction of the Department of Parks and Wildlife headquarters, private development at Koombana North, the redevelopment of the city's waterfront and also the progression of the water playground," Mr Brennan said.

New councillors Joel McGuinness and Monique Warnock took part in their first meeting since the October 17 election.