Basil Zempilas 10 things: Reflecting on five years as Lord Mayor before Churchlands seat declared Liberal

1. At some point over the next few days the seat of Churchlands will be officially declared for the Liberal Party. What an honour. Thank you, Churchlands. At that precise moment, I will cease to be Lord Mayor of the City of Perth. Over the coming weeks you’ll hear plenty about my determination and ambition for WA, but today it feels right to reflect on five years as Lord Mayor. 2. Our team promised strong financial management and we delivered. Compared to the expenditure trajectory as at 2020, the City has realised $150 million in savings, consistently delivered the lowest rate rises in local government and Perth’s Local Government Health Indicator score (70 is considered sound) improved from 67 to 88 during my tenure. 3. The dark clouds of the past have disappeared. Perth has its confidence and reputation back. Staff satisfaction has risen to an all-time high and all 215 recommendations of the City of Perth inquiry have been implemented. Our evolution to excellence is complete. 4. Perth now boasts a world-class, year-round events program. The mostly free, family focused events line-up has driven record visitor numbers, delivered huge economic impact and resulted in the fastest growing CBD night time economy in the country. 5. Perth’s place at the forefront of the global energy transition has been cemented by our assertive membership of the World Energy Cities Partnership. In 2023 we brought the world to Perth and the City of Perth is now represented annually at the world’s leading energy gathering in Houston, Texas. 6. Every City of Perth bay free after 6pm was a signature policy I will always be very proud of. It made a difference. So has our roll out of the EasyPay parking app and new technology parking machines. 7. City living has increased from 29,000 people in 2020 to 33,000 today and we are on track to reach 55,000 residents by 2036. We incentivised residential developments in central Perth and when ECU opens next year, accommodation for an additional 5000 students will come online. 8. The time has come to bring Langley Park and Riverside Drive to life. Our ambitious riverfront master plan is out for public consultation. Now is the time. 9. We reclaimed and retold the story of John Glenn and the City of Light. It’s ours and it’s authentic. Soon along St Georges Terrace you’ll see a 7m celebration to our unique origin story. 10. My commitment was to fight for our ratepayers and to be a fierce promoter of our city. I have been wonderfully supported by my fellow councillors and the staff at the City of Perth, in particular CEO Michelle Reynolds. Michelle is an outstanding CEO, the best of the best. If there is one regret about moving on it’s that our partnership comes to an end. Perth, it has been a privilege to serve.