Residents show support for Canning authority at public meeting

  • 2014-10-05
People from throughout the City of Canning in Western Australia, including areas like Welshpool, turned out in force recently to protest a proposal to abolish the council.

More than 1,000 people attended the public meeting, held at the Civic Amphitheatre, in a combined effort to have their opposition to the proposal to carve up the Local Government Area across four councils heard by the State Government.

The Local Government Advisory Board (LGAB), which is currently assessing the future of councils in Perth, has also received hundreds of submissions and petitions signed by residents of Canning.

City of Canning CEO Lyn Russell said the abolition of Canning Council would put important local facilities and services at risk, and would also be a highly expensive and complex undertaking.

She drew attention to the Council’s professional approach to delivering services, and the inherent culture of care that was unique to Canning. This could range from promotional activities such as brochure and poster printing, to the provision of holiday programs for children.

Russell stressed the importance of protecting Canning’s boundaries, and fielded many questions from ratepayers including former mayor Dr Michael Lekias.

Canning Commissioner Linton Reynolds likened the move to abolish Canning as a hostile takeover bid; he said it was not in the interest of shareholders and should be rejected.

The public showing of support also acknowledged the dedication of the 1200 staff employed by the City of Canning.