Perth Voice Interactive

BAYSWATER and Bassendean councils are at it again.

The soon-to-be-amalgamated pair has fallen out over proposed ward boundaries for the new super council, with Bayswater resolving that Bassendean’s proposal “treats the existing Bayswater residents with disdain and irrelevance by not having any regard to the existing north, central and west wards which have been in existence since 1913-14”.

Bayswater moved that Bassendean’s map—which divides the Swan River between three wards—perpetuated an “us versus them” attitude with no regard for demographic trends.

Bassendean mayor John Gangell has hit back saying Baysy’s boundary map is “illogical”: “They talk about communities of interest but they have a river ward which runs from Bassendean to East Perth—it doesn’t make sense,” he says.

“Our proposal uses common dividing roads like Tonkin Highway and Wellington Road, which is far more logical.

“Trying to get Bayswater to compromise or negotiate on anything has proved difficult.”

Representatives from both councils joined forces on a local implementation committee to smooth the merger process, but failed to reach a consensus on a new name, mayoral election system and ward boundaries:

• Bayswater wants the merged council to be called Bayswater; Bassendean proposes Bayswater-Bassendean.

• Bayswater wants the mayor elected by the council; Bassendean wants a popular vote.

• Bayswater wants five wards with 14 councillors; Bassendean four wards with 12 councillors.

The councils have ended up submitting separate proposals to the local government advisory board. Bayswater mayor Sylvan Albert tried to play down the rift, despite the “disdain and irrelevance” mentioned in the council motion: “Bayswater and Bassendean can’t agree on everything, but in general the negotiations have gone well,” he said, diplomatically.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK