In a significant shake-up for Perth's western suburbs local government, Cottesloe councillor Katy Mason has tendered her resignation and is preparing to relocate to the neighbouring City of Nedlands.
A Sudden Departure from Cottesloe Council
Councillor Katy Mason officially stepped down from her role on the Cottesloe Council on Tuesday, 18 March 2025. Her resignation was confirmed in a brief statement released by the Town of Cottesloe, which cited her impending move out of the municipality as the reason for her departure.
Mason had served as a councillor for less than two years, having been elected in October 2023. Her time on council was notably marked by her advocacy for heritage preservation and her involvement in debates surrounding local development issues.
Nedlands Move Sparks Election Speculation
The catalyst for Mason's resignation is her planned relocation to the City of Nedlands. While she has confirmed the move, her political future remains an open question. When asked if she intends to run for a position on the Nedlands Council, Mason provided a non-committal response.
"I'm not sure at this stage," Mason stated, leaving the door wide open for a potential candidacy in the Nedlands local government elections, which are scheduled for October 2025.
This potential move is intriguing, as the Nedlands Council has experienced its own share of turbulence and vacancies recently, potentially creating an opportunity for a new candidate with local government experience.
What This Means for Cottesloe and Nedlands
Mason's resignation creates an immediate vacancy on the Cottesloe Council. The process to fill this position will now begin, with the council likely to decide between appointing a replacement or holding a costly by-election.
For Nedlands, the arrival of an experienced former councillor could influence the dynamics of the upcoming election. If Mason decides to run, she would bring a fresh perspective and a track record of community service into the race. Her focus on heritage and planning matters in Cottesloe could resonate with similar concerns held by Nedlands residents.
The political landscape in Perth's western suburbs is often closely watched, and this development adds an unexpected twist. Voters and political observers in both local government areas will be keenly watching Mason's next move as the October election draws nearer.
Only time will tell if Katy Mason's local government career is on pause or simply shifting to a new stage in a different council chamber.
