Architect and City of Perth Councillor Sandy Anghie has confirmed she will challenge incumbent Basil Zempilas to become Perth's lord mayor at the election this October.
Architect and City of Perth Councillor Sandy Anghie has confirmed she will challenge incumbent Basil Zempilas to become Perth's lord mayor at the election this October.
Ms Anghie’s second campaign for the position, launched at the weekend, comes after much speculation that the active councillor would make another pitch for the role.
The campaign is spearheaded by a ’24-hour City’ policy and leverages largely off Ms Anghie’s existing role as a councillor, a position to which she was elected in October 2020.
“As lord mayor, I’ll seek to drive this by harnessing our night-time economy potential, opening our streets, malls and laneways up to small bars, restaurants and other attractions, and ensuring safety through passive surveillance and activity," she said.
“A true 24-hour city is inclusive of all people: it’s not just night clubs, bars, or specialist retail, it’s libraries, green spaces and family friendly areas."
Ms Anghie held the role of deputy lord mayor between 2020 and 2021.
The launch comes just over four months out from the election, which is due to be held on October 21 this year, where Ms Anghie will be competing against current Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas, who will be running for his second term.
The media personality defeated former ABC journalist Di Bain in the 2020 election on the back of his campaign to 'reboot' Perth's heart.
Announcing her campaign, Ms Anghie said she would be focusing on budget reform and good governance, as well as fostering unique indentities in Perth's neighbourhoods.
“As your lord mayor, I will continue my record of delivery," she said.
“I will continue working with community groups, businesses and our residents to foster inclusive communities, empower city neighbourhoods, and make Perth one of the most liveable cities in the world."
Campaign messaging also centred around ambitions to make Perth a better place to live and to increase capacity for a bigger residential population.
“City of Perth incentives and targets, working together with the recently announced state government concessions, are essential to kick start residential development in the current construction environment, increasing the future supply of apartments to buy and rent," Ms Anghie said.
“But people need to want to live in the city. Great neighbourhoods and a sense of community are critical for this."
Ms Anghie has said she won’t run for the position of councillor in the 2023 election.
An architect by trade and current president of the Australian Institute of Architects WA, Ms Anghie recently launched Perth Design Week, a week-long event showcasing the local design community.
