A collaborative step forward for Perth local governments

Five bordering local governments have entered in to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to work collaboratively on common strategic issues in Perth.

The landmark MOU will see the City of Perth, the City of South Perth, the City of Subiaco, the Town of Victoria Park and the City of Vincent working on common issues which exist across local Government boundaries. 

Deputy Chair Commissioner Gaye McMath said thriving cities are built on collaboration, and the MOU will help facilitate improved partnerships across the local governments. 

“This MOU will provide an opportunity to strategically align on major issues that affect the wider community, such as waterfront activities and tourism opportunities, and will also support the City of Perth to fulfil its responsibilities under the City of Perth Act 2016,” Deputy Chair Commissioner McMath said. 

City of South Perth Mayor Sue Doherty said the five local governments have many issues in common, such as transport, parking, tourism, retention of tree canopies as well as the capacity to share information.

“We are pleased to be part of this collective, working collaboratively and in partnership beyond our boundaries,” Mayor Doherty said.

“By working together, we all agree that we can achieve synergies on strategic matters and address these with a united front.

“Our interactions with other levels of government, as a formal group of neighbouring local governments will enable us to be stronger in our advocacy, elevating and empowering the communities we represent.”  

Subiaco Mayor Penny Taylor said its development was a proactive initiative by the five councils.  

“As inner-city local governments, we have a lot in common and our communities will benefit from a united approach on key projects,” Mayor Taylor said.

“The MOU supports work already being done on projects like the proposed two-way conversion of Hay Street and it will enable new opportunities such as tourism for our unique high streets.

“We’re also keen to look at improving parking across our boundaries.”

Town of Victoria Park Mayor Trevor Vaughan said the MOU was a great initiative to benefit both residents and visitors of the five inner-city councils.

“Across the councils there’s so many attractions, events and ideas - to have an understanding to encourage and foster collaboration will help us all reach our strategic goals,” Mayor Vaughan said.

“The Swan River is such a fantastic asset, so to work together to activate the foreshore is something I am really looking forward to.”

City of Vincent Mayor Emma Cole said the initiative is a positive step forward for the neighbouring local governments.

“The City of Vincent warmly welcomes this collaborative approach between inner city councils,” Mayor Cole said.

“While we each have our own unique characteristics, we also share many common interests and issues.

“This provides the opportunity to work together in areas such as transport, tourism and homelessness, as well as exchange knowledge on challenges we share, like ensuring the ongoing success of our high streets.

“Building stronger partnerships with our local government neighbours makes perfect sense to me, and I look forward to seeing the results of this MOU unfold.”

Pictured: City of Vincent Mayor, Emma Cole; City of South Perth Mayor, Sue Doherty; Town of Victoria Park Mayor, Trevor Vaughan; City of Subiaco Mayor, Penny Taylor; City of Perth Deputy Chair Commissioner, Gaye McMath.