City of Swan staff are planning to meet Town of Bassendean staff after Bassendean councillors unanimously agreed to talk to the neighbouring council about adjusting their boundaries.
At a special meeting last Monday, Bassendean councillors resolved to “immediately inform” the City of Swan of their desire to adjust its boundary to “better address” the communities and suburbs which they believe align more closely with Bassendean.
The City of Swan’s annual electors meeting in January backed a proposal from South Guildford resident Marilena Stimpfl for the city to review the southwestern boundaries it shares with Bassendean.
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READ NOWMs Stimpfl proposed Swan suburbs such as Guildford, South Guildford, Midland, Kiara and Lockridge “potentially be incorporated” into Bassendean given they were “more closely aligned” to that area.
“In practical terms this motion seeks to address the needs of communities more closely aligned to the Town of Bassendean geographically and/or historically, and with similar demographics, urban density and activity,” she said.
City of Swan mayor Tanya Richardson said she and the Swan CEO planned to meet their Bassendean counterparts to discuss the proposal.
“Council has requested that staff prepare a report on the potential impacts of any changes to the boundary we share with the Town of Bassendean,” Ms Richardson said.
Town of Bassendean mayor Kath Hamilton said it was “logical” to engage in “collaborative conversations” as a first step.
“I think it’s incumbent on elected members to listen and represent the interests of their residents and be open-minded to change in the best interest of serving the community,” she said.
Any changes to district boundaries will need to go to the Local Government Advisory Board.