Subi ponders new merge options

Ms Scaffidi said the State Government’s proposal to selectively expand the Perth footprint to include the City of Vincent, while ignoring suburbs like Subiaco, was ‘patently ad-hoc’.

City of Subiaco councillors agreed to investigate the possibility of merging with Perth or the Town of Cambridge at a council meeting last week. Subiaco Mayor Heather Henderson said the unanimous decision did not weaken the City’s commitment to remain independent.

‘We’re going to look at both proposals (for merging with either Perth or Cambridge) and see which one we decide, and then it will go back to the December round of council meetings,’ Mrs Henderson said.

Residents will be consulted in an independent survey before a decision is made.

Cr Lynley Hewett, who presented the motion, said merging with Subiaco could solve problems involved with the Government cherry-picking parts of Subiaco, such as the University of WA and QEII Medical Centre into Perth.

‘If the State Government wants to lob off residential parts of Subi like Hollywood and Crawley, then their money goes with them,’ Ms Hewett said.

‘These people have a right ; we owe it to our residents and ratepayers to explore our options.’

Cr Mark Burns said a merger with Perth would be an ‘excellent fit’ and ‘logical step’ for Subiaco.

‘I would love to see Subi remain independent, but unfortunately in the times we live in, that will not take place,’ Mr Burns said.

‘Knowing the City of Perth’s financial strengths places Subiaco and its ratepayers in a secure position in that Perth would not be looking to profit from Subiaco’s assets.’

Cr Burns said Vincent and Subiaco shared a lot in common with their heritage architecture and ‘village-style atmosphere’.

‘No matter which way you look at it ” the ratepayers and councillors or Perth, Vincent and Subiaco would easily see the benefit of such an amalgamation,’ he said.

Cambridge Mayor Simon Withers said he was ‘delighted’ that Subiaco would consider amalgamating with Cambridge.