Residents to have their say on proposals

Kwinana residents look set to be given their say on the city’s future and possible partnerships with surrounding councils as the fallout continues from the release of the Metropolitan Local Government Review.

Although no decision on local government amalgamations will be made until after March’s State election, Kwinana Mayor Carol Adams drafted a notice of motion at last week’s council meeting to initiate a survey to establish the community view on the future of the City of Kwinana.

‘‘Electors and ratepayers have, as part of historic community consultation, and as part of the more recent consultation process for the current 2030 Community Plan, voiced the view that independence and autonomy is important to them and that they wish for the current City of Kwinana to remain guiding the community’s future,’’ she said.

‘‘My motion is for a major community survey to see what the community’s views are when all the facts are presented to them.

‘‘The feedback from that survey will provide further guidance to the council about the path that we should pursue during the reform debate.’’

Despite Kwinana’s desire to remain autonomous, Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels said last week an amalgamation between Rockingham and Kwinana was a viable option and should be explored further.

Both mayors were in agreement, however, voting in local elections should be compulsory and the position of mayor should be decided by ratepayers, rather than council.