State to proceed with Perth Act

The state government is proceeding with plans to create a City of Perth Act as part of its reform of local governments, with cabinet approving the drafting of legislation to be released early next year.

It follows the government’s announcement in October that Perth’s metropolitan councils would be reduced through a variety of mechanisms, including voluntary amalgamations and boundary changes.

The state government was unhappy with the Local Government Advisory Board’s initial recommendation to leave the western boundary of the City of Perth untouched, but accepted the recommendation to leave the Burswood precinct in the newly merged Victoria Park and South Perth council.

The new City of Perth will encompass the existing City of Vincent, Kings Park, UWA, the Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre and the new Perth Children’s Hospital.

Mr Barnett said the Act, which this week received cabinet approval for drafting, would be introduced in the first sitting week of next year.

“Given the government’s investment in revitalising Perth with investments such as Elizabeth Quay, the Perth City Link and Riverside, it’s timely for the City of Perth to have this special recognition,” he said.

“The city is the centre of business and retail activity and is the pre-eminent entertainment precinct in the state.

“This Act will recognise the need for it to be treated differently from other residential councils.

“It will bring several of the features that are Perth’s great selling points under one council, which makes good sense from a planning and tourism point of view.

“A bigger and stronger City of Perth will be better equipped to respond to the demands of a growing state - and better represent WA on the world stage.”

The Act, which will follow similar acts in Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne, will operate in conjunction with the Local Government Act of 1995.

The premier reportedly said there had been minor suggestions for ammendments, and that the power of persuasion would help the Bill to pass the upper house.