City of Perth reshaped for the future

The City of Perth's boundaries will be expanded to encompass Kings Park, the new Perth Stadium at Burswood, The University of Western Australia (UWA) and other landmarks under historic local government reforms.

  • Government announces expanded boundaries for City of Perth

  • New boundary takes in Kings Park and Burswood stadium

  • First step in local government reform to create stronger councils

The City of Perth's boundaries will be expanded to encompass Kings Park, the new Perth Stadium at Burswood, The University of Western Australia (UWA) and other landmarks under historic local government reforms.

Premier Colin Barnett and Local Government Minister Tony Simpson announced the changes this morning as the first stage of local government reforms to be further detailed this week.

The City of Perth will expand from 782 hectares to 1,893 hectares to also include QEII hospital and the Leederville cafe strip.

The extension of the city's western boundary will take in Kings Park, which is not currently included in a local government area.

The new boundary will also take in UWA, which now falls within three local government areas.

The Premier said the changes, which would take effect from July 2015, signalled a new era for the State's capital.

"This is a pivotal step in the history of our city - and the first step in the State Government's reforms, which will ensure that local councils are best equipped to meet the demands of a growing city," Mr Barnett said.

"It is fitting that the reforms begin with the City of Perth. These changes will give it the status it should hold as Australia's west coast capital and an increasingly important city in the Asia region.

"What we have is a one in 100 year opportunity to really enhance the city of Perth. You have seen this with projects such as Elizabeth Quay and Perth City Link and these reforms will further improve the city. 

"They bring the iconic features that are Perth's great selling points under one umbrella which makes good sense from a planning and tourism point of view.

"The changes lay the foundations for building a greater capital. A bigger City of Perth will be better equipped to respond to the demands of a growing State - and better represent WA internationally."

The City of Perth boundary changes are the first part of State Government's response to the Robson report, which recommended the number of Perth metropolitan councils be reduced.

Mr Simpson will outline the Government's amalgamation blueprint in a briefing to mayors, shire presidents and CEOs from Perth's 30 local councils on Tuesday.

"This will be a critical step in updating local government boundaries for the first time in decades and ensure that we have modern local councils that can meet the challenges facing Perth now and in the future," the Minister said.

"It's essential that local governments merge to create economies of scale to provide quality and affordable services and better facilities for residents now and into the future."

Mr Simpson said the Government had consulted councils and the community extensively, taking more than 600 submissions, since the Robson report recommended a reduction from 30 to 12.

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Premier's office - 6552 5000

Local Government Minister's office - 6552 6600