The City of Karratha would like to congratulate the former councillors who have given close to five decades worth of combined service to Karratha.
The City will commemorate the commitment and service of Councillors Peter Long, Margaret Bertling, Garry Bailey and Geoff Harris with a celebration on Wednesday.
With a combined 48 years of dedication, Councillors Peter Long, Margaret Bertling, Garry Bailey and Geoff Harris have been pillars of the community, helping to shape Karratha into the vibrant town it is today.
Since being elected to the council, the councillors have helped oversee several vital projects including the Quarter, Roebourne Streetscape Masterplan, and the Red Earth Arts Precinct.
The councillors also oversaw legacy projects that helped transform the City of Karratha including the $100million airport upgrade, $65million dollar Leisureplex and the Dampier foreshore enhancements.Â
Cr Peter Long joined the Council in 2011 and was Mayor for 10 years, serving on several committees including the Audit and Risk Committee, Environment and Sustainability Advisory Group, Arts Development and Events Advisory Group, Group, Murujuga Rock Art Stakeholder Reference Group, Pilbara Regional Council. He supported the establishment of the Pilbara University Centre and is their current Chair.  He was instrumental in forming the North West Defence Alliance with other Local Governments, to raise the profile of Karratha’s need for a greater defence presence.  Peter is passionate about the Karratha community and particularly enjoyed meeting with the wide range of community groups throughout our City.
Cr Garry Bailey was a Council stalwart with 20 years of service after being elected to represent the Wickham, Roebourne, Point Samson and Pastoral Ward in 2003. He was involved in the Airport Advisory Group, Waste Advisory Group and Audit and Risk Committee. Garry was a strong advocate for Roebourne and continually pushed for better outcomes for the Roebourne community.
Cr Margaret Bertling was an integral part of the Council since 2015 and a driving force behind some of the exceptional results the City has been able to achieve over that time. While on Council, Cr Bertling established deep connections between community and council and was passionate about accountability and good governance.
 Marg served on several groups during her time including the Walgu Development Reference Group, Pilbara Joint Development Assessment Panel and the Waste Advisory Group.
Cr Geoff Harris previously served on council from 2013-2017, before returning in 2019. During his time on council he was focused on looking at ways to expand opportunities for youth and to continue to improve sporting facilities as well as advocating for the City of Karratha’s Age Care Strategy.  Geoff strongly advocated for small business and ensuring the City kept downward pressure on rates, fees and charges.
City of Karratha Mayor Daniel Scott said it had been his pleasure to work alongside the four of them as the Council worked together to achieve council’s vision.
“Serving on Council is an honour and commitment that allows us to make changes to and improve the community we are passionate about serving,” Cr Scott said.
“Peter, Garry, Geoff and Marg have been integral members of our Council with close to half a century of combined community service and are a key part of why our City has evolved to the level it has.
“With decades of service on Council, Peter, Marg, Geoff, and Garry have been stalwarts for the community.
“Our vision is to become Australia’s most liveable regional city and I’d like to thank Peter, Garry, Marg and Geoff for their dedication and hard work for our City over the years.”