Costly reform

HOW many other City of Stirling ratepayers have noted what the proposed local government reform will really mean for them?

It is disconcerting that new boundaries seem drawn with no regard to the present assets and sense of community in City boundaries.

Taking away up to 20 per cent of the present ratepayer base will cost us all dearly in increased rates and fewer services and amenities.

Taking away libraries and the profit-making Terry Tyzack Aquatic Centre, which we have all paid for, will create a huge financial and service provision problem for the council.

Taking away prime heritage suburbs such as Mt Lawley, Inglewood and others, in some cases to give to councils acknowledged to be less able financial managers, will create problems with social and community cohesion and add to the revenue shortfall.

The State Government proposal is for larger local government areas. The City of Stirling has been held up as the prime example of good local government management and is the largest local government in Perth.

Therefore, how can it be that making the City of Stirling smaller, by cutting off its prime suburbs and assets, will lead to better local government?

All ratepayers must stand up for our City that, for all its faults, provides the best level of local government service in greater Perth.

A hard-nosed, bullying State Government cannot be allowed to deprive us of our best assets and best suburbs at a substantial hip-pocket cost to all of us.

Christine Curry, North Beach