‘If there’s a G4 we’ll work in the reform process, but if a G7 of all western suburbs councils is announced there’s going to be a fight at hand,’ he said.
G4 councils believed their residents were best served by keeping the common demographic and community of the coastal strip, and not extending borders east to Perth or north to Stirling, Mr Norris said.
At The Grove library last week, about 20 G4 councillors and leaders discussed Local Government Minister Tony Simpson’s recent meetings with Perth’s 30 councils regarding new borders.
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READ NOWMr Norris said the forum attendees decided the G4’s chief executives and mayors would meet immediately after Mr Simpson’s announcement ” expected as early as next month ” before any action was taken.
However, after meeting Mr Simpson individually, Cottesloe Mayor Kevin Morgan still thinks a G7 will be announced.
‘His reaction was anything less than a G4 doesn’t make sense, and how can it be created when he’s trying to get other councils of 50,000 residents to merge?’ Mr Morgan said.
Claremont Mayor Jock Barker denied a G4 could be abandoned if he failed to meet supporter Premier Colin Barnett before an announcement, after the town agreed this month to have the proposal ready for the WA Local Government Advisory Board.
Mr Simpson subsequently said pre-emptive proposals may not fit with the Government’s ideas.
‘We’re going to tell Simpson that what he’s been saying in the press about not submitting anything is disconcerting people,’ Mr Barker said.