Perth local boundary reforms are a “one in a hundred year opportunity”: Lord Mayor
Local government boundary reforms being undertaken by the state government are a “one in a hundred year opportunity” to shape the city into the future, according to Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi.
Speaking ahead of the City of Perth’s presentation to the Local Government Advisory Board, Scaffidi said that they have been looking closely at the local government reforms achieved in other cities.
“It is clear from the experiences in strong leading cities like Melbourne and Brisbane that it is essential to incorporate all major infrastructure and significant inner city precincts into the boundaries of a capital city,” said Scaffidi.
“Our efforts are focused on shaping a strong capital city so we can strongly promote and show our city to the rest of the nation and the world as we champion our various key industry sectors and attract more investment opportunities.”
Town planning and boundary changes were tipped by observer Terry Ryder as being the factors investors should watch for 2014, with the changes potentially providing opportunities for capital growth. Zoning and development changes will be the key factors to keep your eyes open for.
The council suggests just small amendments to the state government’s proposed boundary changes that were announced last year in November.
Belmont Racecourse and the Burswood Peninsula were suggested for inclusion within the City’s boundaries, as well as Kings Park, the University of WA, QEII Medical Centre, Hollywood Hospital, Crown Perth, Medibank Stadium, NIB Stadium and the new Perth Stadium.
“Under the proposed changes by the state government, what would normally be considered key capital city infrastructure would be dispersed around various local governments. This dissipates the role of the capital city” she said.
“That’s not conducive to effective planning and it stifles coordinated development.”
The inclusion of the northern part of the City of Vincent within Perth’s boundaries is also said to be less than ideal due to its suburban nature.
Instead of considering the entirety of the City of Vincent, as suggested in a proposal submitted to the Board in November 2013, Scaffidi recommended that areas such as West Leederville and Subiaco be considered instead due to proximity to the CBD.
This supplementary submission will be presented next week, on February 19. Public submissions on the boundary changes are being sought until 13 March 2014.
Other proposals included the City of Fremantle remaining as a separate entity, the majority of Mount Lawley remaining within the City of Stirling, the northern section of the City of Cockburn to be transferred to the Cities of Fremantle and Melville and the northern section of the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale to be transferred to the City of Armadale, with the southern section to be sent to the Shire of Murray.
Previously, the argument to merge the City of Fremantle and East Fremantle was central to the discussion, with the aim to strengthen the activity centres.
In July last year, the state government released the model for local government submissions to be proposed by 4 October 2013. This saw 21 local government proposals.
According to the current submission document the expectation is for a submission to the Minister for Local Government for 30 June 2014.
