Councillors push for boundary change

Shire of Chapman Valley president John Collingwood said he has been approached by Mullewa ward councillors to open a dialogue about possible boundary changes.

A statement released last week by the City of Greater Geraldton said councillors Tarleah Thomas and Jennifer Critch had expressed their interest in merging Mullewa ward with the Shire of Chapman Valley.

Mr Collingwood stressed the need for transparency in any discussions on the issue and stated there were no current plans for a merger.

“It is imperative the communities in both districts are kept fully informed on any developments and no decisions should be made without proper consultation,” he said.

“Any proposed boundary changes need to go through a rigorous and detailed analysis to ensure any new entities are financially sustainable, and meets all demographic and community interest requirements of the legislated condition for proposed boundary changes.

“It is important to reiterate we have been approached and not the other way round ... all we are doing is listening to the City’s proposal; no change will happen for changes sake.”

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the City had not considered a local government boundary change which would result in the Mullewa ward becoming part of the Shire of Chapman Valley.

“I need to make it perfectly clear that council have not considered this matter,” Mr Van Styn said.

“Two council members have independently taken part in discussions with the Shire of Chapman Valley without consultation or consent from council.

“It has not been formally discussed at any official council meetings or forums.”

The City said it had not been formally approached by the Shire of Chapman Valley, however Mr Van Styn said he would be calling for a meeting with Mr Collingwood to gain an understanding of what discussions and negotiations had taken place.

“We are happy to look at any proposal but we will need to consider all issues to determine if it is in the best interests of our community,” Mr Van Styn said.