Donnybrook-Balingup Shire President Brian Piesse admits rates hike behind him losing council spot

Brian Piesse believes he was made a “sacrificial lamb” after being dumped as Donnybrook-Balingup Shire president in one of the State’s most shocking local election results on Saturday night. The former president, who served four years as leader of the South West council, was the only nominee to not win a seat in the seven-person race for six vacancies. Cr Leanne Wringe was chosen as the new president in a special meeting on Tuesday night, just days after being re-elected. She will form the council’s first all-female leadership, with newcomer Lisa Glover chosen as deputy. The pair will form the council with Peter Gubler, Phil Jones, Fred Mills and re-elected Shane Atherton. Mr Piesse said the controversial move to adopt the South West’s biggest rate hike, an 8.6 per cent increase, and his support of the council’s investment in the VC Mitchell Park redevelopment were behind him being “singled out”. SEE ALL THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION RESULTS HERE “I suppose when we put our rates up 8.6 per cent that was probably a tall order and I think the voting trend suggests that’s why the sitting members who put their hands up have not polled that well,” he said. “On reflection of the voting outcomes, it is obvious that Cr (Shane) Atherton and myself were singled out, having made supportive statements during the campaign to the effect both of us supported the intergenerational investment by the Shire into the all-embracing re-development of VC Mitchell Park.” Mr Piesse claimed electors overlooked infrastructure developments made by the council during his four-year term, including the newly-revamped Apple Fun Park and the Heritage Goods Shed. “It is interesting to note that since the poll results became public, many comments made to me directly from politicians, including State and Federal ministers across the political divide, that the transformation and revitalisation of a raft of iconic facilities across the Shire since 2017 has been totally ignored by electors,” he said. A special elector’s meeting was held last month about the sporting precinct redevelopment, after which Mr Piesse came under heavy criticism for disallowing public questions. The meeting descended into chaos after a disgruntled member of the public, one of about 50 to storm out of the Donnybrook Memorial Hall, turned off the power to the building. Cr Wringe said having four new councillors on board would provide a “fresh start” and outlined her plans for a culture shift after beating Cr Mills to the top job. “It is very exciting and I am looking forward to working with you all over the next four years,” she told her fellow councillors. “We have got a fresh start ... it might be a steep learning curve, but I am always willing to learn. “I see myself as being the glue of this council and I want to create a warm and welcoming culture.” Cr Glover beat fellow newcomer Cr Jones to the position of deputy., after returning councillor Chaz Newman pulled his nomination at the eleventh hour, saying he made the decision “in the interest of balance of new and returning and councillors”. The newly-elected deputy topped Saturday night’s count with 1572 votes and a narrow lead over Mr Gubler, who finished with 1552. The council newcomer, who has a background in social work, said communication will be paramount in her new role. “The sisters have got this together,” she said. “Naturally as women we are good communicators and listeners. “We need to be working ethically and accountably.” As the sixth-place finisher on Saturday night, Cr Atherton will be serving a two-year term.