Perth Voice Interactive

A COMMUNITY group which has been a little coy about its membership has ruffled a few feathers after dipping its toes into Vincent council’s election.

Vincent’s Resident and Small Business Association claims to be a non-political organisation that gives, “a voice to residents, ratepayers and businesses who are not being heard by councillors”. 

It emerged in March this year just as Vincent council was coming under heavy fire from business owners over a trial that replaced free one-hour parking in its carparks with a $1 fee.

RASBA’s Facebook page has included several critical posts about the parking change and the subsequent negative affect it has had on local businesses, including Shawn Offer’s Fresh Provisions and Greg Johnson’s Tredway’s shoes.

Mayor Emma Cole, who isn’t recontesting this election, reinstated free first hour parking across the city from 3 July with exception of The Avenue and Frame Court carparks in Leederville.

That saw the association swing its criticism to the council’s 4.5 per cent rate hike in its’ 2023/2024 budget.

RASBA’s website says its members prefer to keep a low profile at the moment, though the Chook was due to meet Mr Johnson post this week’s deadline.

RASBA has been busy leading up this month’s election, posting voting dates and profiling mayoral candidates Ron Alexander and Ashlee La Fontaire.

But Mr Alexander says he is, “not and never has been involved with the RASBA group”.

In a brief interview over the phone, Ms Fontaire declined to answer questions and instead asked if they could be directed via email, but we didn’t hear back before deadline.

Another mayoral candidate, Suzanne Warner, has questioned RASBA’s anonymity and challenges whether its really representing ratepayers.

She says it’s odd that she has many similar campaign platforms to Mr Alexander, but doesn’t crack a mention on RASBA’s social media platforms or flyers attributed to the organisation.

Platforms

“Let’s know who they are so other candidates are able to talk with them as well,” Ms Warner said.

Another candidate, Alison Xamon, also questioned RASBA’s transparency and said no-one from the association had attempted to reach out to have a discussion with her.

Ms Warner flagged a connection with former Vincent mayor Nick Catania, saying it was “accepted fact” in the community, but he bluntly told the Voice he wasn’t going to confirm or deny anything.

We did get in contact with local ratepayer Ray Stevenson, who joined RASBA shortly after its inception.

“I joined as a ratepayer and never heard back,” Mr Stevenson said.

Despite being a member, Mr Stevenson said he was unsure who the organisers or other members of RASBA were.

by ZOE HUNTLEY