The SBA must gather at least 250 signatures by March 13 for the LGAB to consider its community-based submission.
A merger with an expanded City of Perth was part of a City of Subiaco submission to the LGAB last week.
Despite a recent City of Subiaco-commissioned Catalyse survey finding that just 35 per cent of 101 Subiaco businesses supported a City of Perth merger, SBA president Geoff Parnell said he was confident the petition would achieve at least 600 signatures.
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READ NOWMr Parnell said he was ‘taking a pragmatic stand to protect the business community’ by supporting ‘the only viable alternative’ to a Cambridge merger or State Government-planned G7.
‘I think the greatest advantage is that Perth has an understanding and proven track record with business precincts, particularly in reinvigorating areas like the laneways or William Street, whereas the City of Subiaco is very driven by residential needs,’ he said.
Save our Subiaco campaigner Linda Rogers said she was concerned a Perth merger would reduce Subiaco to ‘another West Perth’ without any character or vibrancy.
‘In the Robson Report, Subiaco was the one council that was mentioned as being able to remain independent, and yet the SBA wants us absorbed into Perth,’ Ms Rogers said.
‘Mr Parnell is entitled to his petition, but he needs to remember that business represents a very small percentage of Subiaco.
‘Subiaco is not failing, our houses are selling almost as soon as we put them on the market and our schools are full.
‘I am upset because 62 per cent of residents were opposed to this (from the Catalyse survey).
‘I would like to see some guarantee that the SBA can protect the unique character of Subiaco if it merges with the City of Perth.’