Aswath CHAVITTUPARA
Central Ward
Q1. What are your top priorities if elected to the City of Bayswater council?
My focus is on listening to our community and working for practical outcomes that improve everyday life for residents. If elected, I will prioritise:
- Ensuring responsible budgeting without selling council assets
- Limiting rate rises to CPI or less
- Fighting for infrastructure upgrades for Morley Town Centre, adjacent to Galleria
- Improving street lighting for safety and amenity
- Supporting small businesses, sports, and community centres
- Supporting renewables for a sustainable future
- Holding regular town hall meetings to hear directly from residents.
Q2. What will you do to enable more walking and cycling in the City of Bayswater?
I believe safety is the key to encouraging more walking and cycling in our community. I will support safer, well-connected paths, better lighting, and facilities that make it easier and more appealing for people to choose active transport.
Promoting healthy habits is something I am personally passionate about. For the past two years, I have walked from Morley to Margaret River - over 300 km in just 7 days - to raise funds for Aishwarya's Foundation, and I will be doing it again this year. I also enjoy cycling with my kids around our neighbourhood, which makes me even more committed to ensuring families can walk and cycle safely across the City of Bayswater.
Q3. What will you do to increase the City of Bayswater's tree canopy?
I will work to protect existing mature trees and ensure the tree canopy is spread more evenly across Central Ward. Expanding greenery is essential for reducing heat, improving air quality, and keeping our neighbourhoods liveable.
I will also engage with schools to teach the next generation about the importance of trees and actively involve them in tree planting activities. By combining protection of what we already have with education and new planting, we can create a greener future for our community.
Q4. What will you do to help our community reduce emissions and support a move to renewable energy?
My vision is a 20-year renewable energy plan for the City of Bayswater that could save over $3 million every year in energy costs. This plan will also reduce emissions and free up funds that can be reinvested into our community services. I will support initiatives that improve energy efficiency in buildings and help local residents and businesses adopt renewable solutions.
Question I asked during a recent council meeting regarding energy consumption:
How much is the Council paying for its energy consumption for all of its assets?
Council's response:
For the 2023/24 financial year, the City spent a total of $2.8 million on electricity across its operations. Due to bi-monthly billing cycles for electricity usage at a number of the City's sites, electricity expenditure for the 2024/25 financial year is yet to be finalised; however, the City is estimated to have spent $3.1 million.
