Four new Perth councils now in operation

1/7/94

The four new councils created from restructuring the Perth City Council officially came into being today, bringing the number of councils in Western Australia to 142.

Local Government Minister Paul Omodei said the changes initiated by the Government late last year would ensure a more focussed development and rejuvenation of the central business district.

The new capital city council - which retains the name City of Perth - would be able to concentrate all of its energies on issues relevant to this unique area.

Neighbouring suburbs previously covered by the Perth City Council now come under three new councils - the Towns of Vincent, Cambridge and Shepperton - each with a population of more than 20,000.   The new structure would give residents greater control over local decision-making and allow each town council to concentrate on issues specific to its area.

Mr Omodei said the transition from one massive all-encompassing council trying to balance the different needs of the CBD and residential suburbs had gone smoothly and was on target for the election of councillors in May next year.

The Minister said each council would then have a mayor and eight councillors, replacing the five commissioners currently fulfilling those responsibilities.

Mr Omodei said the commissioners expected to finalise the location of each of the new council offices in the next few months and were currently consulting the advisory committees in each new town on possible sites.   Staff would then gradually commence moving into the new premises.

Media contact :  Will Henwood  222 9595