Review underway that could see Mandurah’s ward system abolished

A review of the City of Mandurah’s wards, boundaries and councillor representation levels could see the current ward system abolished.

Under the Local Government Act 1995, The City of Mandurah is required to carry out a review of its ward system every eight years. 

The purpose of the review is to assess the structure of the City’s wards, boundaries, and councillor representation, and ensure it best suits the district and community. 

Currently, Mandurah has four wards with 12 councillors, which has been the structure since 1992. 

The City has released a discussion paper for public comment which includes five options for consideration.  

Three of those options propose the abolishment of the ward system and a reduction in the number of councillor representatives. 

Option one suggests keeping the four ward system and 12 councillors, but adjusting the current ward boundaries to better reflect the councillor elector ratio. 

Option two would keep the four ward system but reduce the number of councillors to eight, and adjust the current ward boundaries. 

Options three to five would see the ward system removed completely and councillors would represent electors across the entire local government district. 

A no-ward system would allow either 12, 10, or eight councillors.

The public will have six weeks to complete an online poll or send in a submission regarding their preferred option before a recommendation is made to the Local Government Advisory Board. 

The final decision will then be implemented before the October 2023 election. 

To view the discussion paper and complete the survey, visit https://www.mandurahmatters.com.au/review-of-ward-boundaries-and-councillor-representation-2022

Public submissions close at 4.30 pm on Monday November 14.