New council boundaries to strengthen Fremantle and southern suburbs region


The City of Fremantle welcomes today’s (Wednesday 22 October 2014) state government announcement that will see the City of Fremantle amalgamate with the Town of East Fremantle and expand its boundaries to include Bicton, Palmyra, Hamilton Hill, part of North Coogee and Rottnest.

Fremantle Mayor Dr Brad Pettitt said the new boundaries, which will come into effect on 1 July 2015, were a good outcome not only for Fremantle, but for Perth’s southern corridor as a whole.

“There’s been a lot of heated debate throughout the process, and there’s probably a lot more to come, but it’s important to reflect back on why we’re doing this in the first place, and that’s to ensure local government is efficient and capable of serving the Perth metropolitan area’s growing population now and into the future,” Mayor Pettitt said.

“I’m glad common sense has prevailed and the logical argument put forward by the Fremantle Forever community campaign and the City of Fremantle via its submissions was listened to by the Local Government Review Board and reflected in the final recommendations. The decision reinforces Fremantles' status as Perth’s second city and recognises our unique character.”

Dr Pettitt said the boundaries announced today were practical by grouping together similar communities and using major activity centres as the central hub. “The end result will see councils in the southern corridor having a fairer distribution of rates, a more even spread of population and a greater ability to service their communities’ current and future needs.”

The City has been working collaboratively with neighbouring councils for some time to smooth out the transition for residents.

“The effectiveness of reform will ultimately be judged on the improved services and facilities we provide our communities, but in the short-term we’re focused on managing the transition phase to make sure residents are kept well-informed and their service levels are maintained. Part of this has been sharing information and keeping in regular contact with our neighbouring councils.”

For more information visit City of Fremantle