THE Serpentine Jarrahdale Shire is disappointed and concerned for the future of their community following the State Government’s decision to erase it from the map and split in two, according to deputy president Sam Piipponen.
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The announcement made on Wednesday revealed the northern portion of the Shire will be added to the City of Armadale with the affected areas including Byford, Mundijong, Whitby, Cardup, Darling Downs and Oakford.
The Shire of Murray will take the southern portion, incorporating the areas of Hopeland, Jarrahdale, Keysbrook, Mardella and Serpentine.
The Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale is still involved in legal proceedings in the Supreme Court, along with other concerned councils.
“Changing the boundaries so we are swallowed up partly by an urbanised Council, concerned with increased development, and partly by a Shire which has indicated publicly that they cannot afford our community is not the answer for an effective local government,” Mr Piipponen said.
“What will happen to the Shire’s plans for the development of the Byford and Mundijong communities under the stewardship of the City of Armadale, and will our commitment to the rural aspect of Serpentine and the historic Jarrahdale be honoured by the Shire of Murray?”
Not convinced that the boundary changes would have a positive impact for their residents, the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale have been involved in a long battle to convince the Government to leave the area alone, with its unique environmental assets and community character.
“We hope for the best outcome to provide residents with the opportunity to have their say,” Mr Piipponen said.
Of most concern to the Shire is the expectation of the State Government that residents across Western Australia will foot the bill for their Local Government Reform, expected to reach billions of dollars, and cause rising rates over the coming years.
“We must take this opportunity to acknowledge the tireless work of the Save Serpentine Jarrahdale community organisation who played a pivotal role in our campaign which attempted to save our Shire,” Mr Piipponen said.
“We fear for the future of our many community groups and organisations which underpin the fabric of the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale, and how will the support we have offered them over many years be transferred as these two local governments take over.
“We also worry for the future of our staff, over 100 people now split across two organisations, with their employment only guaranteed until 2017.”
The Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale will attend a hearing at the Supreme Court on 25 November 2014 to potentially learn the outcome of the legal proceedings regarding Local Government Reform and its legality.
