SWAN View resident Matt Woods is hoping to represent the West ward in the upcoming Mundaring local government election hoping to preserve the hills lifestyle while encouraging better planning, transparency and responsiveness to community concerns.

Mr Woods has lived in the Perth Hills for the past 20 years and said his decision to run was informed by his experience working in tourism, heritage and community advocacy.

“I’ve been in Swan View for three years now and I love it,” he said.

“My partner and I are hoping to grow a family here.

“You get the best of both worlds (as) you’re part of society but still minutes away from the bush.”

Mr Woods, who is also a Perth Observatory tour administrator, said the move into public service was a natural extension of his work advocating for dark sky preservation, tourism infrastructure and public education.

“One of the great things about my job is that I’ve had the opportunity to advocate on panels for light pollution policies and tourism in the hills,” he said.

“I’ve got a background dealing with government agencies through the observatory, so I understand how things work from the other side.

“I want to bring that experience to council.”

Mr Woods said key issues raised by residents he spoke to included drainage, footpath upgrades, and maintaining roads in the wake of a wetter-than-usual winter.

“People are talking about potholes and standing water after heavy rain,” he said.

“There’s a strong desire to see council get onto that more quickly.”

He also pointed to growing concerns about development pressure on the edge of the metro area.

“Young families need housing, but there’s a right way to do it,” he said.

“People love the lifestyle here, and they don’t want to lose the bush at their doorstep.

“There are good examples of developments that still allow for that like what’s been done in Bushmead.

“That’s the kind of balance we need to strike.”

Mr Woods said he was aware the proposed Alcoa mining expansion and North Stoneville development were on residents’ minds.

“They’re definitely big ones (and) if we can’t even walk or ride through the forest, why are we letting it be cleared?” he said.

“I’m not against mining in general but when it’s close to places like Mundaring Weir and in bushfire-prone areas, we really have to be cautious.”

Mr Woods said the rollout of the FOGO waste system had received mixed feedback and was something he would support reviewing if elected.

“A lot of families I’ve spoken to are concerned about the red bin only being collected fortnightly,” he said.

“If you’ve got young kids in nappies, that bin gets rank pretty fast.”

He said council should be listening carefully to feedback and ensuring services remained practical.

“People just want to be heard, and they want answers that aren’t just ‘no’,” he said.

“They want to know what’s possible and how to get things done.

“I think that’s how council can make the biggest difference: by being open and supportive.”

Continued investment in community facilities like Brown Park and public spaces that support physical and social wellbeing were other priorities for Mr Woods.

“Not everyone is into sport, but everyone deserves somewhere they can go to feel connected,” he said.

“Whether that’s walking through the bush or just having a safe oval to kick a ball around,” he said.

As an employee and volunteer at the Perth Observatory, Mr Woods said his community ties and role in a volunteer-run public institution had shaped how he sees leadership.

“I’ve met a lot of good people who give their time to make things better,” he said.

“Places like Swan View Football Club have people there mentoring at-risk kids and giving them a second chance.

“That’s the kind of community spirit I want to represent.”

Mr Woods said he would spend the coming weeks speaking to more local businesses and residents, with door knocking and community events planned across the West Ward.

“I’m not a career politician,” he said.

“I am a member of the Liberal Party (and) I joined after the 2017 state election when I realised it was better to get involved and help rebuild rather than just be frustrated from the sidelines.

“I’m running for the right reasons – I want to serve my community and help make it better.

“While I’ve advised councils and government departments in the past, they don’t have to take that advice.

“Standing for local government means I can work directly with our community on the issues that matter.

“Importantly, I’m not fundraising, and no Liberal Party money is going into my campaign; I’m funding it myself.

“I just care about the hills and want to make sure we’re doing what’s best for the people who live here.”

*A previous edition said former volunteer instead of employee and volunteer.