Review of wards and Councillor representation

The City of Armadale is calling for public comment on its review of wards and Councillor representation as a result of the State Government’s Metropolitan Local Government Reform (MLGR), which will take effect on 1 July 2015.

Acting CEO Ian MacRae said the City of Armadale’s boundary will be adjusted to incorporate the localities of Byford, Darling Downs, Karrakup, Oakford, Oldbury, Cardup, Mundijong and Whitby which are currently within the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale.

“It is necessary to review the wards and representation for the new City of Armadale following the bringing down of Governors Orders on 24 December 2014 requiring the establishment of a new expanded City from 1 July 2015,” he said.

“The Governor’s Orders proposing the City of Armadale’s new boundaries designate that initially the City will have one district ward, and its electors will be represented by 14 elected Councillors.

“While the current ward system applying in the City and Shire will be abolished, it is possible that it could be reintroduced following the completion of this review.

“Accordingly, the City is now conducting a review of wards and Councillor representation prior to the October 2015 local government elections.

“A discussion paper outlining the current ward boundaries and number of Councillors for each ward, together with several alternative ward structures for the expanded City of Armadale, has been prepared.” 

The discussion paper includes three options.

Option 1: One district ward.

Option 2: Seven wards with two Councillors per ward.

Option 3: Two wards, one of 10 Councillors representing 39,243 electors and one of four Councillors representing 12,526 electors.

“The City is inviting the Armadale and Serpentine Jarrahdale communities to participate in this Review by submitting their views on the options stated in the discussion paper,” Mr MacRae said.

“Council will then consider all submissions lodged within the submission period and propose to the Local Government Advisory Board (LGAB) the option that is most reflective and representative of the interests of all affected electors.”

Printed copies of the Discussion Paper can be obtained from the City of Armadale and Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale administration centres and public libraries or an electronic copy can be downloaded from the City’s website.

Members of the community are invited to make a written submission about any aspect of ward boundaries and representation. All submissions must include the name, address and contact details of the person making the submission and must be received by 4pm (WST) on 26 February 2015.

For more information or to access the Discussion Paper visit www.armadale.wa.gov.au.