Reuben Smalley
for East Ward, because it's about time for listening and fresh thinking.
This campaign is about building a council that truly reflects our values and genuinely works to improve our lives.
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Meet Reuben
Photo Credit: Thomas Earnshaw
Reuben is a 19-year-old student and renter living in Success. He is standing for election to represent Cockburn East Ward in the upcoming local government elections.
He has dedicated his life to community volunteering and organising, driven by his core belief that every person should have a say in the decisions that affect them. As a student leader at Fremantle College, he was a core organiser in the successful relaunch of the Breakfast Club program, expanding it to feed over 100 students every day. An Australian Defence Force Long Tan Youth Leadership Award recipient, he has a proven record of grassroots organising with movements like School Strike for Climate and has also helped to establish Voices for Fremantle.
That is why Reuben is stepping up, not to dictate but to collaborate and genuinely listen to the people in Cockburn. He wants to bring your stories, concerns, and ideas into the council chamber to ensure your voice is heard.
Reuben believes local government should reflect the people it serves: the energy of the community, the contribution of small businesses, and the need for affordable, accessible public spaces. It is time for a fresh approach and a new kind of leadership in Cockburn, one that listens first, acts with care, and leads from within the community.
THE PRIORITIES
As a councillor, I'll work collaboratively with my fellow councillors and the city to address the issues that matter most to our community. If elected, for the four years of my terms, I will try my best to advocate for the following:
Safe & Accessible Transportation
For improved pedestrian and cyclist safety by expanding foot and bike paths in key areas, and for a new city-wide transport plan to secure better bus services from the state government, including a train link between Fremantle and Cockburn. Moreover, investigating the possibility of road upgrades like combining Hammond Road upgrades phase 1 and 2, investigating traffic calming measures, and exploring the feasibility of pedestrian bridges to connect our suburbs.
Transparent, Clearer & Accessible Governance
Reducing red tape for grant applications and enhance city staffing processes to ensure faster responses to resident concerns. Increase in communication about council rate decisions before they are finalised, make it easier for the public to engage by adding a calendar of consultations to the city's website, and providing key documents in more languages to serve our diverse community.
Sports, Family, & Youth Engagement and Behaviour
Investigating staffing gaps in youth services to improve outreach, developing an action plan to address youth crime by focusing on its root causes, and creating more community activities. I'll also advocate for upgrades to local sporting facilities, the Cockburn ARC and Wally Hagan Stadium, to ensure they are modern and accessible for everyone.
Developments, Housing, & Cost of Living
Managing growth responsibly by investigating a city-run licensing scheme for short-term rentals and exploring ways to reduce residents' energy costs through community batteries and incentives for energy-efficient homes. I will also advocate for changes to council rates to discourage land banking and extend the duration of community consultations on new projects to ensure more residents can have their say.
Environmental Protection and Growth
(Aligning with the Climate Change Strategy 2020-2030):
Implementation of native "tiny forests" in newer suburbs and the development of a community-led wildlife conservation plan to protect local species like black cockatoos and turtles. I will also advocate for protecting existing tree canopy during new developments.
Supporting Local Businesses
Working with local businesses to create a comprehensive local business support plan. I'll also advocate for a "Shop Cockburn" campaign to encourage local spending and push for an update to the council's procurement policy to ensure that the city prioritises sourcing from local suppliers whenever possible.
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