The amalgamations of The City of South Perth and the Town of Victoria Park, The City of Kwinana and The City of Cockburn, and The City of Fremantle and The Town of East Fremantle will no longer go ahead following ratepayer ballots.
At the close of voting, 6pm Saturday February 7 2015, the City of South Perth received back 50.83 per cent of voting packages.
77.75 per cent voted ‘no’ opposing the amalgamation of South Perth, while 22.25 per cent voted ‘yes’.
The Town of Victoria Park’s poll did not receive the required 50 percent voter turnout with 38.02 per cent of electors returning voting packages, however 61.58 per cent of those that did voted ‘no’.
City of South Perth Mayor Doherty said that community has said a clear ‘no’ to an amalgamation.
“Today’s outcome reflects the passion and strong community spirit that has galvanised people to truly stand up for what they want for the future of South Perth.
“We are pleased the poll is behind us, we now have certainty and can focus on going forward.
“Our Council will now determine what needs to be done to uphold a sustainable, independent future for the City of South Perth.”
Town of Victoria Park Mayor Trevor Vaughan said that both councils would continue to actively work together for the benefit of both communities.
“This may include investigating further resource sharing, joint activities and opportunities to create efficiencies across both local governments.”
Kwinana residents voted 8,462 to 1,156 against merging with Cockburn after 52.93 percent returned ballots in the postal vote.
The voter turnout was higher than any in the history of Kwinana local government polls.
Kwinana Mayor Carol Adams has congratulated the community for its historic voter turnout to defeat the planned amalgamation.
“Kwinana residents have voted overwhelmingly to retain their City’ identity and that should send a message to everyone that we will fight to stay as we are, and we have certainly driven home this point.”
“Now it’s time to get on with the job of making Kwinana an even better place to live.
“Kwinana’s economic sustainability has never been in question nor now is its community spirit for independence and self-determination.”
