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Competition heats up for new Cottesloe mayor

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, October 8th 2025 at 15:54 GMT by The West Australian
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Cottesloe’s foreshore is back in the spotlight as the local council election heats up
The 2024 Cottesloe City Council election has moved beyond candidate biographies and down to the tangible issues that shape the suburb’s future. In a surprising turn, former Mayor John McDonald—who served two terms from 2014 to 2020—has resurfaced on the political scene with a bold vision for the foreshore, sparking both excitement and skepticism among voters and fellow candidates.

The “Ambitious Foreshore Plan” that Stole the Headlines

McDonald’s campaign launch, held at the iconic Cottesloe Beach Club on Wednesday, outlined a comprehensive redevelopment scheme for the foreshore that would transform the area into a “vibrant cultural and recreational hub.” According to McDonald, the plan would include:

McDonald points to the Foreshore Master Plan (link: https://www.cottesloe.wa.gov.au/files/foreshore-master-plan.pdf) as the foundation of his proposals, noting that the master plan had already earmarked the seawall upgrade but that his vision would “add a creative dimension that current planners have not considered.”

In an interview with The West, he remarked, “The foreshore is the heart of Cottesloe. We need to honour its heritage while looking forward to the future. That’s what this plan is all about.”

The Counter‑Argument: “Fanciful” and “Unrealistic”

McDonald’s chief rival, councilor Sophie Nguyen—an independent candidate who has served on the council for four years—rejected the proposal in an equally public forum, calling it “fanciful and out of step with the needs of our community.” Nguyen’s critique centers on three primary concerns:

1. Cost – She cites a projected $12 million price tag, which, she argues, would require a $1.5 million increase in local rates. “We’re already dealing with higher infrastructure costs; why should we take on this financial burden?” she asks.
2. Climate‑Resilience – Nguyen says the seawall design fails to account for projected sea‑level rise of up to 0.8 m by 2050, making the investment a “temporary fix.”
3. Community Input – She claims the plans were drafted without sufficient consultation with local residents, many of whom are elderly or have mobility issues.

Nguyen pointed to an earlier report from the Western Australian Planning Commission (link: https://www.wa.gov.au/department/consultation/foreshore-review) which highlighted the risks of over‑reliance on engineered solutions for natural processes.

The debate quickly turned into a broader discussion about how Cottesloe should balance heritage conservation, economic development, and environmental sustainability.

Local Reactions: Diverse Opinions from Residents and Businesses

Residents are split. A group of seniors who live on the corner of Bale Road expressed concern about the potential for increased traffic, citing a recent spike in cars during the annual Cottesloe Beach Marathon. In a letter to The West (link: https://www.thewest.com.au/news/local-cottesloe-letter-senior-concerns), the seniors argued that the promenade could become a “traffic nightmare.”

Meanwhile, business owners on Bale Road and Raven Street—including a popular café and a boutique clothing shop—were enthusiastic. “This could boost foot traffic and bring in more visitors,” said Café Owner Maria Santos. “A cultural centre and the upgraded promenade would attract tourists year‑round.”

Local environmental groups echoed Nguyen’s reservations, with the Cottesloe Conservation Society publishing a fact‑sheet (link: https://cottesloeconservation.org/foreshore-facts) that called for a more “nature‑centric” approach that emphasises restoration over engineering.

The Political Landscape: How the Foreshore Debate Fits into the Election

Cottesloe’s council election features 12 seats, with five seats up for grabs this cycle. The current council composition includes five Liberals, three Labor members, and four independents. McDonald’s candidacy threatens to shift the balance, particularly if he secures the leadership role as mayor. His foreshore plan is a key differentiator against other candidates, many of whom emphasize more modest development.

Nguyen’s “fanciful” label could resonate with voters wary of rising rates and infrastructure debt. However, the campaign’s emphasis on tangible improvements—such as a seawall—could sway voters who prioritize climate resilience.

A Call for Community‑Led Decision Making

Both candidates agree that the decision should involve a referendum. McDonald has pledged that a community vote on the foreshore plan will take place in the next council meeting, while Nguyen argues that the referendum should be preceded by an independent audit of the proposal’s cost and environmental impact.

The council’s upcoming meeting will likely set the tone for the debate. As The West will continue to cover the discussions, residents can anticipate a detailed exploration of the foreshore’s future—whether it will become a celebrated landmark or remain a contested issue.

Bottom Line

The Cottesloe election has pivoted from routine policy discussions to a heated debate over the foreshore’s future. Former Mayor John McDonald’s ambitious plan aims to transform the foreshore into a multi‑faceted cultural hub, but critics label it fanciful, citing cost, climate‑risk, and lack of community input. The outcome of this debate could define Cottesloe’s identity for decades to come, as residents, businesses, and environmental advocates weigh the promise of progress against the promise of preservation. The election’s final verdict will determine whether Cottesloe’s foreshore will be a bold new chapter or a cautionary tale about the limits of ambition.