Subiaco Mayor Penny Taylor.
Camera IconSubiaco Mayor Penny Taylor. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

City of Subiaco’s future structure of wards and representation remains uncertain

Victoria RificiWestern Suburbs Weekly

CITY of Subiaco’s future structure of wards and representation still remains uncertain with councillors again failing to make a decision.

Chief executive Rochelle Lavery said the City was in contact with the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries to extend their deadline to the Local Government Advisory Board until February 2019.

Cr David McMullen moved an Elected Member’s Motion at Tuesday night’s council meeting to have a three ward structure and increase the number of councillors to 12.

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His motion, which was eventually lost, was an option most ratepayers supported during public consultation.

Subiaco resident Narissa Perks spoke in support of Councillor McMullen’s motion because it aligned with the wishes of ratepayers who voted during the consultation period.

“In the recent survey completed by ratepayers, it received the majority vote with a 42 per cent preference for this option,” she said.

Cr McMullen told councillors it would be a “brave and foolish act” to ignore the sentiment in the room.

“I’m not ignoring the community and therefore voting in regards to the public consultation,” he said.

Cr Stephanie Stroud commended the motion.

“We’ve heard from the community through submissions, statements, their opinions at the annual electors meeting and ordinary meetings, and through emails, and I haven’t heard a single community member talk against the 12 councillors and three ward option,” Cr Stroud said.

Councillor Murray Rowe also suggested an Elected Member’s Motion to approve a two ward structure and reduce the number of councillors to 10 but his motion lapsed after it received no seconder by councillors.