On 1 April, Western Australian Minister for Local Government, Paul Omodei, officially designated the former Shire of Swan a City.
The date marked the 30th anniversary of the Shire’s formation through the amalgamation of the Municipality of Guildford, the Swan Road Board and the Town of Midland. It also marked the official reopening of the Town Hall following extensive renovation and refurbishment.
Mayor Charlie Gregorini said City status acknowledges the maturing of Swan as a region unique to Western Australia due to its diversity, growth, redevelopment and community issues. “Becoming a City adds impetus for further development and enhancement of the quality of life for our residents,” he said.
Swan had met the criteria for City status some time ago. These require that a City must be situated in the metropolitan area and have a population of more than 30,000 with more than half living in an urban area.
Impetus for change to take up City status came largely from local business groups. Chief Executive Officer, Eric Lumsden, said the private sector sees marketing and promotional advantages in being a City.
“Regional Centres similar to the former Shire of Swan, such as Armadale, Mandurah and Rockingham have found the change to City status beneficial in marketing their areas and attracting both new business investment and residential development,” he said.
“With the rejuvenation of the region by the Midland Redevelopment Authority, the private sector saw it as an opportune time to renew the image of Swan by declaring it a City. He added that as a City, Swan will continue to strive towards being a flexible organisation which is focused on responding to the various needs of the community.
For further information contact Communications Officer, Tania Clarke, telephone (08) 9267 9166
