Community information sessions on potential options to change the current ward system and council representation will be held by the City at the end of the month.

The sessions are part of a review of ward boundaries and the number of Councillors is being undertaken in accordance with the Local Government Act 1995. All local governments with wards must carry out reviews of their ward boundaries and the number of Councillors for each ward at least once every eight years. The last time wards and representation were reviewed was in 2011, when the then City of Geraldton-Greenough merged with the Shire of Mullewa.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the purpose of the information sessions are to inform the community on the review process and present the various options for future representation.

“Currently, we have seven wards with 14 elected members and a popularly elected mayor,” he said.

“However, there are a number of options up for consideration which include changing or reducing the number of wards or the number of elected members representing a ward or even abolishing wards altogether.

“The pros and cons of these options will be presented at the information sessions along with the opportunity for attendees to provide their feedback on what they have heard.”

The Geraldton Community Information Session will be on Wednesday 27 June 2018 at 5pm, in the Function Room at the City Civic Centre and the Mullewa Community Information Session will be on Thursday 28 June 2018 at 5pm, in the Dining Room at the Recreation Centre.

Mayor Van Styn encourages everyone to have their say on how they will be represented by local government in the future.

“The feedback we received from the community will help Council identify the system of representation that best reflects the characteristics of our community which include communities of interest, physical and topographical features, demographic trends and economic factors,” he said.

When the Review is complete, a report on the process and Council’s resolution regarding wards and representation will be submitted to the Local Government Advisory Board for assessment against the requirements of the Local Government Act and consideration of any recommended changes. The Board’s recommendations regarding the review are then submitted to the Minister who has the final decision on wards and Councillor representation in the City.

For more information on the review or to make a submission visit the City’s website www.cgg.wa.gov.au