[Greens-Media] Undemocratic amalgamations will destroy strong council identities in South Metro Region: Greens

[Walker, Nadine]

Undemocratic amalgamations will destroy strong council identities in South Metro Region: Greens
Media statement, Friday, 24 October 2014. 

Greens MLC Lynn MacLaren has expressed deep disappointment about the lack of community consultation in the South Metropolitan Region on local government amalgamations, stating that "the 'boundary adjustments' serve as a loophole to avoid Dadour poll provisions which give locals a say". 

"My electorate has been silenced on a whole host of 'adjustments' that will fundamentally change the communities that we live in from Canning to Kwinana", said Ms MacLaren. 

"Cockburn has lost North Lake, Coolbellup, Leeming and Jandakot Airport to the City of Melville and North Hamilton Hill and North Coogee to the City of Fremantle, with the remaining portion merging with Kwinana. It's a very bittersweet situation for this community who had very little say in the outcome of their City. 

"Kwinana did not want a merger, rather a boundary amendment; residents are likely to oppose the amalgamation that has created the City of Jervoise Bay. Kwinana has grown into a city with a character all its own. It has been very successful in attracting investment and developing new infrastructure. Cockburn is a community with its own rich history and sense of place including new developments at Cockburn Central and the Cockburn Coast.

"By forcefully making these local amalgamations via a loophole, it is clear that our current Government does not consider the views of the community and bypassed opposition rather than carefully considering it. 

Greens MLC Robin Chapple stated that the boundary adjustments were 'completely undemocratic and I really feel for those communities I know are opposed. 

"The premier will stop at nothing to get his way, even if it means resorting to authoritarian measures".  

For comment: Hon Lynn MacLaren MLC
Mobile 0403 721 951

Hon Robin Chapple MLC
Mobile 0409 379 263 

Media liaison: Nadine Walker
Mobile 0449 189 195

Office of Hon Lynn MacLaren MLC, Member for South Metropolitan Region
Legislative Council, Parliament of Western Australia
Unit 7, 142 South Terrace, Fremantle, Western Australia 6160
Tel 08 9430 7233
Nadine.Walker at mp.wa.gov.au   www.LynnMacLaren.org.au