Residents call for council|boundaries to be changed

The Noranda Action Group is made up of residents living in the City of Swan, in an area bordered by the Reid and Tonkin highways, Alexander and Widgee |drives, Matthews Close and Sewell Court.

Group member Doug McLennan said the highways made a natural boundary that included Lightning Swamp Bushland and Lightning Park, already managed by the City of Bayswater.

The group has drafted a submission to present to the Local Government Advisory Board (LGAB) by early next month with the request and is collating a petition.

Mr McLennan said there were about 300 signatures from about 1200 affected residents who were enrolled to vote. The group is aiming to have 600 signatures on the petition before it is submitted.

Mr McLennan, who has lived in the area for 35 years, said residents had been talking about the section of Noranda transferring from Swan to Bayswater for about 25 years.

He said in 2009, Swan voted to initiate the boundary changes. Then in 2011, Bayswater prepared a draft proposal for the LGAB.

Mr McLennan said three months after the proposal was drafted, Swan decided not to go ahead because of possible local government reform and compensation.

"Both Swan and Bayswater, in their submission to the reform process, recommended the move take place," he said.

"The LGAB accepted the recommendation and it was included in their final recommendation."

But earlier this year the reform process was scrapped, leaving the Noranda residents in limbo.

Mr McLennan said the benefits of the change would be a reduction in rates, skip bins instead of verge pick-ups, a green waste bin and a security service.

"The fact that Morley is 4km away and Midland is 15km is also important," he said. "Calling the ranger now requires someone to come from Midland, whereas the Bayswater ranger/security service can respond in a far more timely manner."

To sign the petition, call Mr McLennan on 9275 5237.