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Changes on horizon

Sally McGlewHills Avon Valley Gazette

At a meeting on April 28, councillors endorsed a proposal to consider a possible name change and also a Mayor election by popular vote.

Chief executive Rhonda Hardy said the outcomes from the now abandoned metropolitan local government reform process had highlighted the need for consideration to be given to strategically repositioning the Shire.

"We want to ensure that its recognition as a leading metropolitan local government with significant growth potential and financial sustainability into the future is assured," she said.

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"In terms of population we now have twice the required population of 30,000 to be considered large enough for a City.

"Our projected housing growth and infrastructure projects like the Forrestfield Railway link will ensure we will grow even more. "

Ms Hardy said the Shire would send ratepayers surveys with the rates notices.

"It is time for Kalamunda to regroup and reposition itself as a vibrant and viable local government with a great future," she said.

"We will be asking members of the community to tell us what they love about the Shire of Kalamunda and how they describe it and what they would like the name to be."

However, the move to have the Mayor popularly elected would be subject to wider community consultation.

There are 30 local metropolitan governments in WA, but only four still retain Shire status " Peppermint Grove, Serpentine-Jarrahdale, Mundaring and Kalamunda."