WA Liberal leader Zak Kirkup joined Liberal Member for Darling Range Alyssa Hayden in Byford today to continue fighting for important community issues.
“Alyssa Hayden lives locally and is focussed on putting her community first,” Mr Kirkup said.
“Alyssa is fighting for the residents of Darling Range and holding the Labor Government to account on key issues of concern for the local community.
“This has included forcing the Labor Government to re-think the planning process for major projects such as the Freight Rail Line realignment, Thomas Road bridge over rail, Larsen Road level crossing, and elevating the Byford Train Station.
“She has been a strong local voice for the community and is also fighting for improved mobile phone reception, having the Tonkin Highway extension built now, building a new police station in Byford, and adding more facilities for local families to enjoy.
“Alyssa also recently succeeded in stopping a massive increase in council rates planned during COVID-19, with a large community rally of close to 500 residents, forcing the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale and Local Government Minister David Templeman to act and cease this heartless decision.”
Ms Hayden said that at a time when residents were already facing increases of $850 to their household bills from the Labor Government, the ongoing stress and anxiety associated with the proposed rates changes caused significant angst amongst ratepayers.
“I set up an online petition that was signed by 1436 people and more than 450 concerned residents attended a community meeting with myself and Mr Kirkup in December,” Ms Hayden said.
“This was followed by a submission to the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale’s Special Council Meeting, where pleasingly, the Shire acknowledged the matter had caused significant concern amongst the community and resolved to put the rates review on hold.
“As noted in the minutes of the Special Council meeting, the Shire had been in consultation with the Labor Government throughout the rate review, however, it was only after my community rally and receiving my letter of request that the Minister intervened and a letter
was issued asking the Shire to re-consider.
“Residents are concerned that this rates review will be put back on the agenda and that their voice will not be heard the second time around.
“I am committed to standing up for my community and will continue fighting for local residents as the Liberal Member for Darling Range.”