After losing a legal challenge in the Supreme Court this week, the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale will commence discussions with the City of Armadale and the Shire of Murray to ensure the local community and staff are taken care of, according to Shire President Cr Keith Ellis.
“We did all we could to save Serpentine Jarrahdale against amalgamation, but we and so many other concerned Councils across Perth have lost the battle,” Cr Ellis said.
The legal challenge was instigated by the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale, the City of South Perth and Subiaco, based on the belief that the Local Government Reform process did not comply with the Local Government Act.
“The outcome is definitely unfortunate. We have worked hard alongside our community to highlight the benefits of keeping the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale as its own entity, however now we must move forward with the City of Armadale and the Shire of Murray and achieve the best outcome for our community and our staff,” Cr Ellis said.
“Whilst we were hoping for a more positive outcome from our investment in the legal challenge, it was a small price to pay considering our ratepayers will now be footing a bill of up to $7 million dollars as we move forward with the State Government’s boundary adjustments,” Cr Ellis said.
The Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale commenced working with the City of Armadale and the Shire of Murray as part of the Local Implementation Committee earlier in the year, but withdrew once legal proceedings commenced.
“May I take this opportunity to acknowledge the support of our local community during our Save Serpentine Jarrahdale campaign, with a special mention for the Save SJ Shire group, who I believe will continue their fight through petitions, in the hope that people power prevails,” Cr Ellis.
The Shire is expected to recommence with the Local Implementation Committee in the coming weeks.
