The new ward of Beeloo is marked in |yellow.
Camera IconThe new ward of Beeloo is marked in |yellow. Credit: Supplied/|City of Canning

Council changes aim to |‘reinvigorate’ democracy

Pia van StraalenCanning Gazette

The changes will retain the model of 10 councillors and a mayor, but introduce a fifth ward.

Mason Ward will include St James, Bentley, Queens Park, East Cannington and Welshpool, with an overall population of 9869.

The new system will install two councillors in the ward.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

The introduction of Beeloo Ward will include two councillors representing 10,840 ratepayers from Wilson, Cannington, Ferndale and Lynwood.

The new-look Bannister Ward, encompassing Rossmoyne, Shelley, Riverton and part of Willetton, will would also have two representatives for 10,054 residents.

Two councillors will represent the Beeliar Ward covering the remaining part of Willetton and Leeming, with 10,366 ratepayers.

Nicholson Ward will cover Parkwood and Canning Vale and two councillors will represent 10,710 ratepayers.

The announcement came after the City's commissioners requested the new ward system through the Local Government Advisory Board after community consultation revealed 36 per cent of ratepayers surveyed supported the changes.

Commissioner Steven Cole said the new system was a significant milestone.

"After several years without elected members, the council is now ready, renewed and reinvigorated to return to democracy in October 2015," he said.

Local government elections will be held in October and nominations for council open Thursday, September 3.