Accessible HTML format. Statements are also available in PDF format with candidate photos and web links.
Voting is now compulsory
Your vote must be received by 2pm on Tuesday 25 October 2022
Don’t delay – late votes won’t be counted!
There are 3 elections and an elector poll being held for West Coast Council:
As well as this booklet, your postal ballot pack contains:
The ballot paper envelope has been specially designed to ensure the secrecy of your vote.
All returned envelopes are kept unopened under tight security until they are checked for validity.
After a sealed envelope has been verified, the flap showing the elector’s personal details and signature is removed under instruction of the returning officer, in the presence of witnesses, and securely stored until the close of the poll.
After the close of the poll and in the presence of witnesses, the now anonymous envelopes are opened in large random batches before the unidentified ballots are removed for examination and counting.
Successful candidates for Mayor and Deputy Mayor must also be elected as councillors to be able to accept these offices.
The Mayor, Deputy Mayor and councillors you elect will serve until October 2026.
Questions? Call 1800 801 701
Postal services take a number of days, so it is important to complete and return your vote now.
Your vote must be received by 2pm on Tuesday 25 October 2022
Follow these five easy steps:
Candidates were invited to provide a statement and photo for your consideration*.
Statements appear in alphabetical order but the names on the ballot papers are rotated.
The online version of this booklet contains web links where provided by candidates.
Number the boxes on each ballot paper from 1 onwards in the order of your choice.
For the election of 9 councillors, number the boxes from 1 to 13 in order of your choice, Number at least 5 boxes to make your vote count.
For the election of Mayor, number the boxes from 1 to 4 in order of your choice. Number at least one box to make your vote count.
For the election of Deputy Mayor, number the boxes from 1 to 4 in the order of your choice. Number at least one box to make your vote count.
Put your completed ballot papers in the ballot paper envelope, which is the smaller envelope with the wider flap, and seal it securely.
Sign your ballot paper envelope in the box on the flap to declare that you are the voter named on this envelope and you have voted on the ballot papers in this envelope. You must sign the envelope and leave the flap attached — or your vote won’t be counted. The returning officer will remove the flap with your details on it before opening the envelope.
Then put your ballot paper envelope in the reply-paid envelope — the larger envelope — and seal it.
Post your reply paid envelope straight away (no stamp needed), or take your vote to the West Coast Council office.
*Statements are reproduced substantially as supplied by candidates.
I have spent most of my life on the West Coast and have been heavily involved in volunteer emergency services with collectively close to 60 years' service to three organisations. I believe the West Coast region can remain prosperous and a rewarding place to live with a Council that works together to maximise the opportunities for improved services and infrastructure. I will work with other councillors to support initiatives and programmes that benefit all residents, community groups, education, health, employment and West Coast values including traditional land use.
Vote 1 Robert Butterfield.
I'm a West Coast resident and business owner who has invested significantly in the West Coast and seek ongoing prosperity and community viability. I have 20+ years experience in councils; I am a current councillor, the deputy mayor for the last 12 months and chair of Council's LCAC.
Local government is changing rapidly and the West Coast community plan will soon expire. We have increasing pressure from all levels of governments and from the minor parties for Council to take on greater responsibilities. Vote for experienced leadership to steer the West Coast into the future. Vote 1 Kerry Graham.
We as a community need to put our questions forward to our councillors and general manager and start to see results of our concerns instead of being turned away with no answers or solutions to our justified concerns.
Time we had money back in our own pockets and start cost cutting Council expenditures, so we as ratepayers get our money's worth. Vote for me so we get Council back in tune with the reality of basic needs of our people. Living here on the West Coast is isolated and costly, time to look after the ratepayers and get Council back to basics.
I live in Queenstown, work across the West Coast and understand our region's needs: better access to health and community services, our fair share of mining royalties, a plan to manage our natural environment and a Council that supports local business.
I've worked out west in community development, education and social services. I've served on Council's Education & Training Committee and the Liveable Communities Advisory Committee. I've worked closely with state and federal governments - all good skills for your next councillor. Help the West Coast thrive and vote 1 for Vikki!
My name is Dwayne Jordan. I have lived and worked as a diesel fitter on the West Coast since March 1996. I am nominating for councillor as I believe the Council has lost its way somewhat by becoming too commercialised. I fully understand Council is a business and is required to make money to operate, but I believe Council needs to get back to basics. Council has also become less approachable and extremely harder for ratepayers to deal with on many issues, especially building and home renovations. I will be a strong voice to Council regarding sport and recreation on the West Coast.
It's time! It's time for change and if you want a voice at Council, I am prepared to work hard with the community and councillors to bring real results for the district.
I have worked in Zeehan, Queenstown and now live and work in Strahan in the accommodation industry. I bring business intellect and team play to the table and want to provide a bright future for the West Coast region and all residents. If you want to see change - it's time!
We're on the cusp of an economic resurgence on the West Coast. As a small business owner and proud resident it's my priority to bring prosperity, essential services and pride to all west coasters.
We've had the busiest winter in years, increasing employment opportunities. I'll help keep this going with a four-pronged approach to a thriving sustainable economy: "legacy industries": mining, manufacture, trades; "outdoors industry": nature tourism; adventure sport (MTB etc), local sport; "arts": film & TV shoots, festivals; "main streets": hospitality & retail, reinvigorated by the above. Cheers.
I'm a west coaster & have the time & energy to represent you as mayor and promote a fair go for everyone residing in our communities. We have exciting times ahead and I strongly believe we can work together to make us stronger, attract more investment, & more infrastructure, to enhance a better social environment. I'll work hard to keep our councillors well informed and be a strong advocate for you. I've spent many years as councillor, supporting projects in every W.C. town. I hope you believe that has been done with integrity, transparency, and an open mind.
Living and working on the West Coast my entire life, elected to Council in 2009 serving as deputy mayor since 2014 and mayor since 2021, with over 37 years of community volunteer involvement through many organisations. I am passionate about the West Coast and our future. I understand all the challenges of our region. If re-elected I will continue to promote Council's responsibilities, work with all levels of government to secure and restore essential services, enhance our growth through positive promotion of our region's attributes and equally support all of our communities to thrive.
I will advocate for west coasters to make all West Coast towns the best destination to live, work and play. I have the experience as a lawyer in getting things done on Council. I also have gained valuable insights into what the West Coast needs from speaking directly with people in the community.
As deputy mayor I will work hard pressing for better waste management, drainage, health, indoor and outdoor sports facilities, dog parks for our towns, promote Council's responsibility of sustainable economic development for all west coasters. Vote 1 Matthew Ryan-Sykes for deputy mayor and councillor.
Candidate statement not supplied
My first two terms as a councillor have been very rewarding if not challenging at times. As a representative of our community, I will continue to be accountable and approachable. I have worked in mining for the past 20 years and continue to be employed in that area, I see mining continuing to play a part in the future of the West Coast along with our other key industries, aquaculture, tourism, and power generation. I firmly believe we need to capitalise on these larger industries, particularly mining, to use their operational time to grow other enterprises and improve services.
Me - ordinary pensioner, long time resident of Q'town. I have been to many Council meetings. At times the only person in the public gallery. I find the live streaming link never works. I do not believe I have extensive pecuniary interests and live only in Q'town. I also go to church regularly.
Issues important to me include housing, health care, transport, jobs, green issues and the added burden of the rates increase and waste levy. If elected, I will endeavour to give careful consideration and oversight to all Council matters in consultation with the community and to act with integrity and honesty.