AS a ratepayer and resident of Byford, it is disappointing the way information is drip fed about the takeover of the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale by the City of Armadale. There are too many unanswered questions.
Was the original proposal by the City of Armadale the result of a meeting by the City and the Minister for Local Government? Why was it kept confidential?
Was a deal done to split the shire with Shire of Murray? If so, by whom?
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWWhy was the Shire of Murray involved as it does not form part of the metro area and therefore does not form part of the restructure process?
Did the City of Armadale dump the southern half of the Shire on Murray as it felt the upkeep of the roads was too much?
Why was a first map showing the shire being split in half released prior to the board making a decision and then only to be withdrawn next day?
Did the minister meet some ratepayers in Byford and state that there would be no financial benefits to the residents for five to 10 years and in five to 10 years, the de-amalgamation of the district would have to be considered as it would be too large?
There have been no figures released to show the cost to the ratepayers, as they will have to bear the total cost of this exercise, not the State Government.
A rate rise of 10 per cent per year is very possible to pay off the borrowings.
Following the release of the board’s decision to allow the takeover of Serpentine Jarrahdale by Armadale, did the City mayor along with the Minister for Local Government meet the board and as a result did the City of Armadale withdraw its proposal?
There would appear to be very little transparency in the whole process and that it was set up to please Armadale with very little thought for the residents of Serpentine Jarrahdale
JOHN KIRKPATRICK, Byford